Blender Matcha Kakigori – Japanese Shaved Ice (vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free)
Jun 13, 2020 • Updated Jun 20, 2023
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Refreshing Blender Matcha Kakigori!
Kakigōri (かき氷) is a Japanese dessert of shaved ice with a sweet syrup and I’ve created this Blender Matcha Kakigori you can make at home! Typically, you need a shaved ice machine to shave a giant ice block but machines can be a pain to use and they can be costly, especially if you’re not eating kakigori on the regular. So, I’ve come up with a simple way to “shave” your ice in a high speed blender, and turn it into kakigori with a light matcha flavour.
While some kakigori is topped with a condensed milk, it’s very common to find it made with just simple syrups–no dairy. In Korea, bingsu (빙수) is a shaved ice dessert that’s more commonly made from shaving frozen creamy ice, and this has more of a soft texture. For that reason, and because we’re using matcha, I’m calling this Blender Kakigori.
To make, simply crush ice, then create a simple matcha syrup and top to your heart’s delight. I topped mine with a scoop of matcha ice cream, and some dango or sweet rice dumplings. Other common toppings include sweet red bean, fruit and cookies. When I was younger, my family used to enjoy kakigori at a family friend’s house. The best way to enjoy was buffet style–ice machine out on the counter with little bowls filled with toppings covering the countertop. I definitely encourage you to customize it with toppings of choice!
This Blender Matcha Kakigori is vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free. It also requires only 3 main ingredients (excluding toppings) and I’ll be enjoying this treat all summer long!
So what’s in this Blender Matcha Kakigori?
- Ice
- Matcha
- Maple syrup
That’s it–can you believe it? The garnish and toppings are what take this dessert to the next level, so feel free to get creative, or try some of these suggestions:
- Sweet red bean
- Matcha ice cream
- Cookies
- Agar jelly
- Fruit
- Dango
Secrets to success
To crush your ice, be sure to use a high power blender. Having a tamper helps to crush the ice and you can pause in between blending spurts to scrape down edges of the blender. Be patient, and crush your ice just before serving. If it sits out, it will start to melt and may turn into one large ice chunk.
For more details on preparing matcha, you can refer to the Ultimate Guide to Making Matcha. I recommend a high quality matcha for best flavour, and maple syrup for the most neutral flavour. Agave syrup also works, as does a simple syrup.
I recommend using smaller ice cubes versus larger ones. It will make the blending process a lot easier for you and your blender!
If you like this recipe, try…
- Zenzai – Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi
- Matcha Frappé
- Classic Bubble Tea
- Mitarashi Dango
- Matcha Monstera Cookies
If you try this recipe out, tag me on Instagram @veggiekins so I can see your delicious re-creations and feature them! As always, I love when you share your reviews in the comments below, and if you make any fun substitutions, let me know how it worked out below too.
Blender Matcha Kakigori - Japanese Shaved Ice (vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free)
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 serving matcha I like to use about 1/2 tbsp per serving
- filtered water
- maple syrup to taste*
- toppings
- dango
- sweet read bean
- dairy free condensed milk
- dairy free ice cream
Instructions
- Start by preparing matcha by bringing 1/4 cup of filtered water to a low boil. Once the water begins to boil, remove from heat and let sit for about a minute.
- Prepare a serving of matcha and whisk with the hot, but not boiling water, until clumps are removed and matcha is light and frothy. Add another 1/4 cup of cold filtered water along with maple syrup to taste and whisk lightly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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