Main Difference – Custard vs Ice Cream
Custard and ice cream are two frozen desserts which are loved by all. But have you ever thought about the difference between custard and ice cream? Well, the main difference between custard and ice cream is their ingredients; egg yolk is the main ingredient in the production of custard whereas milk, cream, and sweeteners are the main ingredients of ice cream. This article looks at these differences in more detail.
What is Custard
Custard, also known as frozen custard, is a frozen dessert which is similar to ice cream. The main difference between custard and ice cream, however, is their main ingredient. Egg yolks are the main ingredient used in custard. All other ingredients are similar to those used in the production of ice cream. However, the egg yolks result in a thicker, richer and creamier texture.
Custard should contain at least 10 percent milk fat and 1.4 percent egg yolk solids. If it has a lesser amount of egg yolks, it is considered as an ice cream.
Another difference can also be noted between the aeration process. Air is incorporated into the product by the agitation of liquid similar to whisking a meringue. Frozen custard can also be served at −8 °C, which is warmer than the serving temperature of ice cream.
What is Ice Cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert made with milk, cream, and sweeteners. An ice cream typically contains at least 10% of milk fats and 20% of solid milk, by weight. The cream percentage in ice cream is typically higher than milk. In addition to the primary ingredients mentioned above, various colorings, flavorings, and stabilizers are also added to ice creams. Different toppings are also added to ice cream when serving,
The process of making ice cream involves cooking the mixture of ingredients into a rich blend and then churning the mixture incorporate air. An ice cream should contain at most 50% of air. Premium ice creams have higher fat content and lesser air content. Ice creams are soft and fluffy as a result of the aeration process. Ice cream is generally stored and served at about -15 °C.
Difference Between Custard and Ice Cream
Egg Yolk
Custard: The main ingredient is egg yolk.
Ice Cream: Egg yolk is a not a main ingredient.
Texture
Custard: Custard is thicker, richer and creamier than ice cream.
Ice Cream: Ice cream is not as thick or creamy as custard.
Serving Temperature
Custard: Custard is served at a warmer temperature.
Ice Cream: Ice cream is served at a colder temperature.
Standards
Custard: Custard should contain at least 10% milk fat and 1.4% egg yolk solids.
Ice Cream: Ice cream should contain least 10% of milk fats and 20% of solid milk.
Image Courtesy:
“Jeni’s Salty Vanilla Frozen Custard” by Joy. The Cooking of Joy (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“Raw Ice Cream Company Vegan Chocolate Ice cream” By Veganbaking.net from USA – Raw Ice Cream Company Chocolate (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
