Frozen Custard vs. Ice Cream: Understanding the Key Differences

Ice cream and frozen custard share many similarities, but they aren't identical. Explore the key differences between these two frozen treats, and get expert tips for making them at home:

Ice Cream vs. Frozen Custard: The Battle of the Freezer

The main distinction between ice cream and frozen custard lies in one special ingredient: egg yolks. While ice cream is made with milk, cream, and sweetener, frozen custard includes egg yolks for extra richness.

This addition of egg yolks results in frozen custard being typically smoother, thicker, and creamier than ice cream.

What Exactly Is Ice Cream?

Ice cream is a delicious frozen dessert made with a blend of milk, cream, and a sweetener (usually sugar). In the U.S., regulations specify that ice cream must contain between 10% and 16% milkfat. The higher the milkfat content, the creamier and smoother the ice cream will be.

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream

What’s the secret to ultra-creamy ice cream? A lot of churning! This process introduces air into the milk-cream blend, preventing a runny, icy consistency. Grab your ice cream maker and try these expert tips the next time you make homemade ice cream:

• The first step of ice cream-making is cooking the milk, cream, and sugar on the stove. Don't add flavorings, like vanilla extract, until the mixture is cooled so they'll be more pronounced.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can make homemade ice cream using a resealable plastic bag. Learn how with our Easy Ice Cream in a Bag recipe.
• Don't forget to add a pinch of salt before the churning stage – it draws out heat and helps the dessert freeze faster and more evenly.

Delicious Recipes

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Strawberry Ice Cream
• Chocolate Ice Cream

What Is Frozen Custard?

Frozen custard is a rich, frozen dessert made with milk, cream, sweetener, and egg yolks. U.S. regulations require it to have at least 10% milkfat and 1.4% egg yolk solids for the perfect texture.

Frozen custard is a twist on traditional custard, which can be enjoyed by itself or used as a filling in pies, tortes, and other desserts.

How to Create Perfect Frozen Custard at Home

Making frozen custard takes a little more effort than making ice cream, but it’s easy once you know the steps. Follow these helpful tips next time you make frozen custard from scratch:

• Temper the eggs (slowly dilute them with hot liquid) to prevent them from cooking too quickly. This will ensure a velvety smooth finished product.
• Frozen custard takes a while to prepare, so plan your day accordingly. You'll need to refrigerate the egg base for at least a few hours before you transfer it to the ice cream machine – the longer the better.
• This goes for ice cream and frozen custard: If your frozen dairy desserts tend to get a little too frozen, try adding a one or two tablespoons of liquor or liqueur to the mix before storing them in the freezer. This will help keep ice crystals at bay.

Delicious Frozen Custard Recipes

• Frozen Vanilla Custard
• Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Frozen Custard
• Waffles and Bacon Frozen Custard