The Battle of the Type: Custard vs. Frozen Custard

When it comes to custard vs. frozen custard, this is a battle most often televised in cooking and baking competitions or lived in real-time during a chef’s menu creation, as with the latest seasonal frozen custard selections coming to a Freddy’s near you. However, both home cooks and food lovers may also be interested to know what each type of custard has to offer. Below, learn more about custard vs. frozen custard according to three main factors, as well as a survey of some of the most popular dishes for both types of custard.

Ingredients: Custard vs. Frozen Custard

Since frozen custard is a variation of regular custard, they share the same primary ingredients including milk, cream and eggs, typically egg yolks. Depending on the dish, they may also use additional ingredients including sugar, vanilla extract and salt. However, vegetables, meat and other savory components are more frequently incorporated into custards vs. frozen custards. Additionally, frozen custard must include a minimum amount of egg yolks (at least 1.4% by weight) – a specification per the FDA that also differentiates frozen custard from ice cream. Although both types of custard incorporate milk and cream, frozen custard also typically needs at least 10% milkfat. Custard, in short, may have more flexibility with regard to ingredient measurements.

Flavor and Texture: Custard vs. Frozen Custard

In terms of mouthfeel, there really isn’t a custard vs. frozen custard competition to be had, as they are both known for their rich, creaminess regardless of any temperature variations. Due to air removal during churning, frozen custard tends to be denser than other custard uses. The amount of milkfat and egg yolks further increases the luscious texture of frozen custard and enhances its depth of flavor. Conversely, custard can be lighter, smoother and a bit more subtle depending on its application. It also has greater latitude in terms of form from a more pourable liquid variation to a firmer, set one. The greater flexibility in both its ingredient ratios and its temperature variations can afford custards a greater range in terms of the flavor and mouthfeel spectrum.

Culinary Uses: Custard vs. Frozen Custard

If eggs and dairy are the designated ingredients and you have a choice between custard vs. frozen custard in planning your menu, custard may win in terms of its versatility across meal types and courses. For breakfast, custard may be used to create a French Toast that is perfect for pampering the ones you love or serve as the filling for your local bakery’s chocolate eclairs. For any meal, enjoy a variety of quiches that incorporate cheeses, meats and vegetables into the custard base, such as Quiche Lorraine or the Coronation Quiche from the chefs at Buckingham Palace. For dessert, custard treats such as crème brûlées, flans and tarts are just a few of the many beloved delicacies. In addition to its use as a filling or a standalone dish, custard can also be used in various sauce applications.

While some competitive chefs may be bold enough to try a broccoli, cheese and candied bacon frozen custard dish for a brunch challenge, frozen custard primarily serves as a dessert. Many treats, like cakes and pies that can be served at room temperature or cold, may use either warm custard or frozen custard accordingly. However, as the Freddy’s menu highlights, frozen custard is truly the best when it comes to making frozen delights including milkshakes, sundaes and sweet sandwiches. Here are three popular frozen custard desserts to try:

PBC & B

The PBC & B combines fresh and creamy vanilla custard with Reese's® Peanut Butter Cups and banana to form a mouth-watering dessert treat. Topped with whipped cream and that customary cherry, this delicious frozen custard treat brings out the kid in all of us.

Mug® Root Beer Float

In choosing custard vs. frozen custard, the selection for a root beer float is clear: fresh and creamy frozen custard for the win! Our Mug® Root Beer Float pairs two incredible chilled components – quality root beer and frozen custard. Whether your favorite part of this treat is the crystals or the fizzy, yet creamy blend of flavors, make cherished memories with friends and family while enjoying this scrumptious drink!

Create Your Own Frozen Custard Sundae or Concrete 

Whether you are customizing a quiche for Sunday brunch or your Freddy’s frozen custard sundae or concrete, a variety of add-ins can only further enhance the delicious custard and frozen custard flavors. The Create Your Own option on Freddy’s frozen custard menu encourages guests to personalize their size, custard flavor and number and type of toppings, including crushed candy pieces, sauces and more! From classic pairings like hot fudge and sprinkles to inspirations from other favorite treats, such as those that combine caramel and nuts, design the treat that will bring joy to your heart with Freddy’s frozen custard.

There is no need to choose sides when it comes to custard vs. frozen custard – enjoy it all! With our many frozen custard offerings, Freddy’s is proud to be a part of the larger history of custard, as well as its present and future. Enjoy your favorite frozen custard today when you visit a Freddy’s location near you!