Crisp, refreshing apple paired with a soft, fluffy matcha cream that’s perfectly milky and not heavy. This is what a matcha apple cloud tastes like! It’s such a good combination of fruity and earthy, with a touch of cream.

It’s an apple version of the coconut matcha cloud and is super refreshing. Plus, it literally only needs 3 ingredients and less than 10 minutes to make.

Here’s how to make a matcha apple cloud at home!

What is a Matcha Cloud?

A matcha cloud is just a fancy name for a matcha-flavored cream! It’s usually used when the cream sits on a liquid drink like coconut water, aloe vera water, juice, tonic, etc. It’s used for the coconut matcha cloud drink, and can also be used for other flavors like a coconut strawberry cloud, Thai tea cloud, or other cream drinks that are on a juice or clear liquid.

A matcha cloud specifically is matcha flavored, either with a matcha paste or matcha powder. Usually, it is unsweetened, especially if it’s on a sweetened drink, but you can make it sweetened if you want!

It’s super easy to make and it only takes 2-3 ingredients. Use it for any drink, like an iced latte, jasmine tea, coconut water, and more.

What is a Matcha Apple Cloud?

A matcha apple cloud is the matcha cloud cream on top of apple juice and ice! It’s an apple juice rendition of the popular coconut matcha cloud drink, and it’s super refreshing!

You wouldn’t think the cream works with juice, but it works surprisingly well. Matcha works well with fruity flavors like apple, and the creaminess adds a nice texture dimension.

You can use store-bought or even freshly pressed apple juice, as both will taste delicious and sweet!

What Does a Matcha Apple Cloud Taste Like?

A matcha apple cloud that tastes like a creamy, slightly earthy apple juice. The main flavor is the apple sweetness, followed by a slight earthiness and creaminess from the matcha cloud.

It kind of tastes like a really smooth apple and matcha smoothie, without the thick texture. I really like this combination, as it’s super refreshing yet creamy and best of all, it’s not heavy! Sometimes a matcha latte is just too much milk for what I’m craving, and this combo is the perfect combination of milky and lightness.

However, this drink primarily tastes like apples, so if you’re expecting a matcha-forward flavor, then this drink will not satisfy your taste buds.

Do Cream and Juice Work?

People are often hesitant to try cream with a liquidy drink (ie, soda, coconut water, juice, etc.) that’s not brewed coffee, but trust me, it’s worth trying! The cream adds a delicious creamy flavor and texture without being too creamy (we all love our milky iced coffees, right?).

I especially like it with sweetened fizzy or flat drinks because it takes the flavor to a whole other level. Just think of dirty sodas that have cream added to make a milky sweet treat. If you’re still not convinced, just think of ice cream floats, which are essentially the same thing, just much sweeter.

Does Apple and Matcha Go Together?

As mentioned, matcha goes really well with fruit flavors, and that includes apple! Something about the earthiness and umaminess of matcha works well with refreshing, contrasting flavors. Because matcha tends to be more bitter and somewhat creamy, something that contrasts with it tastes really good together.

For example, strawberry and matcha is a very popular flavor combination that you’ll find at almost every boba shop or coffee shop that sells matcha. The tartness and sweetness work super well with matcha!

And the same goes for apple, which is juicy, fresh, and crisp! It has a stronger flavor than other fruits and brightens up any drink. If you want to best experience the matcha and apple together, I recommend adding whisked matcha to plain apple juice to really taste them.

It’s so refreshing and perfect on a hot day!

Best Matcha Powder to Use

Depending on how you like your matcha, you’ll use a different blend of matcha for your drinks. Matcha powder can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown, how it’s cultivated, and when it is harvested.

Generally, matcha has a slightly bitter and earthy taste, but, like wine, it has subtle flavor notes that differ depending on the blend.

You can have matcha that leans more floral and nutty, sweet and creamy, or savory and umami. So, depending on what you like, you’ll reach for different powders.

Personally, for this drink, a more savory and umami matcha might work better with apple since the juice is quite strong. You want the matcha to stand out against the apple, not get overwhelmed by it.

My favorite matcha powder is Ummon by Ippodo, and a close second is Rocky Matcha’s ceremonial grade blend. Both are umami-forward matcha powders that work so well with milk and water-based liquids.

How to Whisk Matcha

For any matcha latte or drink, you’ll want to whisk your matcha powder in water before using it. Normally, you’d want to make a usucha, which has a higher water to matcha powder ratio. However, for a matcha cloud, we want to make a koicha, which has a lower ratio.

For koicha, sift your matcha powder and add just a little bit of water, about half of what you’d normally use. Using a fork or bamboo whisk, slowly knead or mix the powder into the water until you get a dark, thick paste with no visible dry clumps of powder.

To this, you can add your heavy cream and whip until you get a smooth cream! This way, we prevent clumps of matcha in the cream, and you get an ultra-smooth matcha cloud that’s easy to mix into your drink!

How to Make a Matcha Apple Cloud

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy matcha apple cloud at home:

• 1½ tsp matcha powder
• ⅛ cup water
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup ice
• 1 cup apple juice
• 2 thin apple slices (optional garnish)

Matcha Apple Cloud Recipe

1. Make Matcha Paste (Koicha). Sift matcha powder into a cup or bowl and add water. Using a bamboo whisk or fork, mix the matcha and water into a paste until there are no clumps of matcha.
2. Whip Matcha Cream. Add heavy cream to the matcha paste and using an electric whisk or frother, whip the cream until soft and fluffy. You can either stop when it’s a soft whipped cream or take it all the way. The softer cream will be easier to drink and mix.
3. Assemble Drink. Add ice and apple juice to a cup, then top with your whipped matcha cream. Garnish with a dusting of matcha powder or apple slice. You can also add apple slices to the apple juice instead.
4. Mix and Enjoy!

Refreshing Matcha Recipes to Try

This matcha apple cloud is experimental and unconventional, but it works! If you like this fruity and creamy combination, then you’ll love experimenting with other flavors! Here are some refreshing matcha recipes to try next:

• Pink drink with matcha cold foam
• Dubai chocolate matcha latte (Must Try!)
• Strawberry cream matcha latte
• Banana matcha latte
• Sweet corn matcha latte
• Matcha shirley temple
• Carrot cake matcha latte
• Cherry vanilla matcha latte
• Pomegranate matcha latte

Tips:

Here are some great tips to make this creamy matcha apple cloud even better!

• Juice Your Own Apples: Have some apples laying around and a juicer or blender? Juice your own apples and get fresh apple juice for this drink! It’ll taste even sweeter and crisp than storebought apple juice. Plus, no added sugars.
• Make it Vegan: If you’re lactose intolerant, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream, vegan heavy cream, or any other thick vegan or dairy-free cream. The cream should whip up the same; the taste might vary slightly depending on what you use.
• Add Spices: If you want to spice it up, add some warm spices like cinnamon, clove, or cardamom to your drink for a spiced apple matcha drink. It’s a nice twist on this refreshing drink, especially if you want different flavors.