Matcha Ice Cream Cake That's Dairy-Free and Downright Delicious
Baking with Matcha · Recipe ·

Matcha Ice Cream Cake That's Dairy-Free and Downright Delicious

by Diana Weil

Cancel all your plans because making this dairy-free, matcha ice cream cake is of top priority. With hints of coconut that are perfectly balanced with delectable matcha, it makes for the perfect summer dessert. This lactose-free matcha ice cream cake truly is a true showstopper and ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can relish in this delicious dessert. No compromise in taste or texture. 

Delicious and dairy-free ice cream cake with matcha

While this recipe does require a bit of extra time, it is well worth it for this dairy free ice cream cake with matcha powder. And makes for a fun day in the kitchen with kids! Get ready to savor each bite as we elevate your dessert repertoire to new heights and prove that dairy-free treats can be just as irresistible as their conventional counterparts.

Equipment you will need for this dairy-free matcha recipe:

  • 2 8-inch cake pans
  • Stand mixer or electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Ice cream maker
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper

Ice cream cakes that you buy in the store often have artificial ingredients, dyes, gums, and artificial fats. While these fillers may be problematic for other reasons, they also just don’t taste as good! Cooking and baking at home ensures quality of ingredients and allows adjustments for sensitives and/or allergies. 

Tips to keep in mind for this dairy-free recipe so you knock it out of the park on the first try!

  • Refrigerate your coconut milk first thing. If you forget (ahem like we did), you can pop it in the freezer for a few hours to speed things up. But don’t forget it! 
  • If you don’t have an ice cream machine, you can experiment with blending the ice cream ingredients then freezing directly in the cake pan. 
  • Opt for a higher quality matcha in this recipe.  
  • If you prefer, you can make a more traditional frosting with powdered sugar, avocado oil and almond milk. Get creative and go with the taste you like best! 

The majority of time from this recipe comes from letting things chill, but give yourself a good day to make it. You can make this ice cream ahead of time, letting it rest in the freezer. 

Ingredients you will need for your dairy-free matcha ice cream cake

Dairy-free Cake base layer:

  • 1/8 + ¼ cup divided almond milk
  • 1/8 cup avocado oil 
  • 1 egg 
  • ½ tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp cake flour 
  • 1/3 cup dairy free butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt  
  • ¼ tsp baking soda

Dairy-Free Matcha Ice Cream: 

  • 2.5 cups almond milk
  • 1 (14 oz) can coconut cream
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup 
  • 2 tbsp sifted matcha 

Coconut Whipped Cream:

  • 1 can chilled full-fat coconut milk 
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar  
  • 1 tsp vanilla 

Instructions to make your lactose-free matcha ice cream cake:


Dairy-Free Cake Base step-by-step directions to make

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray and lightly flour or parchment line 1 8-inch cake pan. 

  2. In a small bowl, combine oil and 1/8 cup milk. Set aside. 

  3. In another small bowl, combine ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, vanilla. Whisk then set aside. 

  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the flat beater attachment, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. 

  5. Add butter in pieces and mix on low and mixture resembles coarse sand. 

  6. Pour in milk and oil mixture and mix until well combined- about 1 minute. 

  7. Pour in egg and milk mixture and mix for another minute. Scrape down sides as needed. 

  8. Pour batter into cake pan and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. 

  9. Allow cake to cook for a few minutes and then invert on a cooling rack to fully cool. dairy free cake with matcha ice cream topping 

Dairy-Free Matcha Ice Cream directions

  1. Line an 8-inch cake pan with plastic wrap. 

  2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. 

  3. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker. Churn ice cream until it becomes a soft serve texture. 

  4. Transfer ice cream to lined cake pan. Cover with another layer of plastic, then press down into a flat layer and freeze for another hour.

dairy-free matcha ice cream SWOON

Coconut Whipped Cream topping:

  1. Chill your coconut creamer in the fridge for at least 6 hours (ideally overnight). 

  2. In a large mixing bowl, scrape out thickened cream from the can. Set aside the remaining liquid. 

  3. Beat for about 1 minute until creamy. Add in vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until creamy and smooth. 

To Assemble your dairy-free matcha ice cream cake

  1. Once ice cream layer is hard and cake is cooled, place cake on a serving platter. Remove ice cream layer from freezer and place it on top of cake. Cover cake with whipped cream. 

  2. Serve immediately or store in freezer until ready to serve. 

assembling your dairy free ice cream cake with matcha

The bottom line | go and make this dairy-free matcha ice cream cake right now!

 This dairy-free matcha ice cream is the perfect fusion of creamy coconut, earthy matcha and sweet vanilla. It combines the vibrant allure of match and the creamy delight of non-dairy ice cream. In fact, it’s so good, you won’t even miss the dairy… we promise! Give yourself the gift of making this cake. Your taste buds will thank you. 

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