Top 10 Popular Types Of Frozen Desserts List

Frozen desserts are a delightful way to beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic favorites like ice cream and milkshakes to trendy options like acai bowls and smoothie bowls, there is a frozen treat for every palate. The article below will explore various types of frozen desserts to expand your dessert or ice cream parlor menu.

Ice Cream - Best Frozen Desserts 

Ice cream is one of the excellent types of frozen desserts for summertime and a regular on dessert menus. Ice cream comes in a wide array of flavors and can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to other desserts. This frozen dessert is a great option for ice cream parlors, restaurants, diners, boardwalk shops, and ice cream trucks.

Ice cream is made of milk or cream, ice, and sugar. Add flavoring syrups or powders to the mix to create different flavor options. 

What are the differences between gelato vs. ice cream?

Gelato

Gelato is an Italian-style frozen dessert known for its dense and creamy texture. It contains a higher proportion of milk and less cream than traditional ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content. 

Gelato is known for its array of flavors and eye-catching presentations in a gelateria. Gelato ice cream parlors often make mounds of colorful gelatos using gelato mix. Then, gelato tubs are garnished with their corresponding fruit wedges, aromatic herbs, and bars of chocolate. Gelato is a great choice for the menus of fine-dining restaurants, chic cafes, and beach-town boardwalks.

Gelato is made with milk, cream, ice, and sugar. Add fruit flavorings, nut butter, and fresh herbs to achieve vibrant flavors and bold colors. It contains 3.25% - 8% butterfats and 12% - 16% sugar.

What are the differences between gelato vs. custard?

Frozen Custard

Custard is similar to ice cream but contains a higher proportion of egg yolks. The addition of eggs gives custard a richer and creamier texture. It is often cooked on the stovetop or in a double boiler to create a velvety smooth dessert. To be considered frozen custard, the mixture must contain a minimum of 10% milkfat and 1.4% egg yolk by weight.

What are the differences between custard vs. ice cream?

Soft Serve

Soft serve (also called "soft ice") is a type of ice cream that is dispensed from a machine at a slightly higher temperature than traditional ice cream. This results in a softer and smoother texture. Soft serve mix is made of cream, ice, and sugar, but only features 3% - 6% milk fat. Soft serve is often enjoyed in cones, and cups, or used as a base for sundaes and other toppings. A soft serve is a great option for ice cream trucks, shopping centers, amusement parks, and boardwalks

What are the differences between soft serve vs. ice cream?

Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt also known as "froyo" or "fro-yo" is a light and tangy frozen dessert, most commonly used in shopping centers and beach towns. Frozen yogurt can be customized with various toppings, making it a versatile and refreshing treat.

Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made with yogurt (or cultured milk), cream, ice, and sugar. This treat has a tangy flavor and a creamy consistency without being high in fat. 

What are the differences between frozen yogurt vs. ice cream vs. custard?

Sorbet & Sherbet

Sorbet and sherbet are both fruit-based frozen desserts. Sorbet is made with pureed fruit, water, and sugar, resulting in a dairy-free option with a refreshing and fruity taste. Sherbet, on the other hand, contains a small amount of dairy, giving it a creamier texture than sorbet. Sorbets and sherbets are ideal for high-end restaurants, catering halls, cafes, and ice cream parlors. 

• Freezing fruit puree or juice with water and sugar to create sorbet. Sorbet features a smooth and icy texture. It is dairy-free and fat-free, so sorbet is a popular choice for customers with alternative diets.
• Sherbet (also called “sherbert”) is made with fruit puree or juice, water, sugar, and a little bit of milk or buttermilk. To create sherbet, it must contain 1% - 2% butterfat. The butterfat gives the mixture a slightly creamy mouthfeel while remaining lightweight.

Snow Cone

A snow cone (also called “sno cones”) is a classic frozen treat made by shaving or grinding ice into a fine, snow-like texture. It is typically flavored with brightly colored syrups and served in a cone or cup. Snow cones are a refreshing option for those seeking a simple and nostalgic frozen dessert.

Slushie

A slushy is a frozen drink made from freezing water with flavored slushy syrup or beverages. As the mixture cools, the sugar in the slushie syrup helps to form ice crystals which give the slushy a smooth and semi-granular texture. Slushies can be served plain, carbonated, or with alcohol. Slushies come in a wide range of flavors and are particularly popular as a refreshing beverage during hot weather.

Milkshake

A milkshake is a creamy and indulgent frozen dessert made by blending ice cream, milk, and flavorings. It can be customized with various add-ins such as chocolate, fruits, or cookies. Milkshakes are typically enjoyed with a straw or spoon. Milkshake is suitable for serving in a diner, ice cream parlor, or out of your ice cream truck. 

A milkshake is made by blending ice cream, milk, and milkshake syrup to create a smooth and sippable treat. Milkshakes typically contain 2% - 7% butterfat in them but can vary depending on the amount of ice cream used.

Smoothie

A smoothie is a thick and blended beverage made with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or milk. It is a nutritious and refreshing option that can be customized with different ingredients and flavors. Smoothies are considered a healthy drink and dessert alternative. 

Conclusion

Frozen desserts offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and options to satisfy everyone's cravings. Whether you prefer the classic creaminess of ice cream, the tanginess of frozen yogurt, or the refreshing goodness of acai bowls, there is a frozen treat to suit every taste. So, beat the heat and indulge in the delightful world of frozen desserts.