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The differences between soft serve and custard explained
Soft serve and custard are two popular frozen treats that often leave people wondering about their differences. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the world of soft serve and custard, exploring their origins, ingredients, textures, and flavors. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of these delicious desserts.
What is soft serve?
Soft serve is a childhood favorite that brings back memories of hot summer days and creamy ice cream cones. It originated in the United States in 1934, when a fortuitous breakdown of an ice cream truck led to the invention of this iconic treat. Soft serve is made from a mixture of milk fat, milk solids, sugar, stabilizers, emulsifiers, water and flavor additives. It is known for its light and airy consistency, which is achieved by adding a significant amount of air, or “overrun,” during the freezing process. Soft serve is dispensed in a continuous swirl, giving it a visually appealing twisty top. Whether enjoyed on a cone or in a cup, soft serve always brings out the inner child in all of us.
What is custard?
Custard, on the other hand, is a decadent dessert that combines elements of traditional ice cream and gelato. It originated in Coney Island, New York, in the 1910s. The key differentiator of custard is the addition of egg yolks to the base mixture of milk, cream and sugar. The addition of egg yolks enhances the creaminess and texture of the dessert. Custard can be further customized by adding extracts, fruit, or flavors such as chocolate. It has a dense and velvety consistency that coats your spoon and tantalizes your taste buds.
Texture: Soft serve vs. custard
Texture is where soft serve and custard really diverge. Soft serve has a light and airy consistency, often described as a frozen cloud. This is achieved by incorporating a significant amount of air during the freezing process, resulting in an overrun of 35-45%. Soft serve melts quickly due to its delicate texture, but is incredibly satisfying to eat.
In contrast, custard has a denser consistency. It retains most of its original volume and does not contain as much air as soft serve. The addition of egg yolks acts as an emulsifier, binding the fat and water in the mixture to create a smooth and dense texture. Custard has an overrun of only 15-30%, making it richer and creamier than soft serve. Every spoonful of custard is an indulgent experience.
Taste: Soft serve vs. custard
When it comes to taste, soft serve tends to be sweeter than custard. Soft serve has a higher sugar content, which not only affects its flavor, but also lowers its freezing point. This lower freezing point results in a softer texture when served, giving soft serve its characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality. However, too much sweetener can make the ice cream too soft.
Custard contains less sugar, but has a richer, creamier flavor. The addition of egg yolks provides a unique flavor profile and velvety smoothness that sets custard apart from other frozen desserts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that frozen custard contain at least 1.4% egg yolks to qualify as custard. Each bite of custard is a full-bodied experience that demands to be savored.
Serving Temperature: Soft Serve vs. Custard
Soft serve is served at a lower temperature than custard. Soft serve is made at a warmer temperature, typically between 18 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows it to maintain its iconic swirl shape and prevents it from becoming too runny or solidifying into a cold block. Soft serve machines provide constant, instant cooling to ensure the perfect serving temperature.
Custard, on the other hand, can be served at slightly higher temperatures. It is typically served at around 18 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly warmer than traditional ice cream. This warmer serving temperature allows the smooth and rich mouthfeel of custard to be fully appreciated.
Bottom line
Soft serve and custard may both be frozen treats, but they have different characteristics that make them unique. Soft serve delights with its light and airy texture, sweet taste and lower serving temperature. Custard, on the other hand, tantalizes with its dense and creamy consistency, rich flavor and slightly warmer serving temperature. Whether you prefer the fleeting high-five of soft serve or the indulgent embrace of custard, both desserts offer an indulgent experience that brings joy to any occasion. So the next time you are faced with the choice between soft serve and custard, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences for texture, taste and serving temperature. No matter what you choose, you’ll get a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. Enjoy the delicious dilemma of soft serve and custard, and indulge in the delicious world of frozen desserts.
FAQS
What makes soft serve different from regular ice cream?
Soft serve is made from a combination of milk fat, milk solids, sugar, stabilizers, emulsifiers, water and flavor additives. It has a lighter and airier texture due to the inclusion of a significant amount of air during the freezing process.
How is custard different from traditional ice cream?
Custard is similar to traditional ice cream, but with the addition of egg yolks to the base mixture of milk, cream and sugar. The egg yolks enhance the creaminess and texture of the custard, giving it a denser and more velvety consistency.
Does soft serve have a higher sugar content than pudding?
Yes, soft serve tends to be sweeter than custard. It has a higher sugar content, which not only affects its taste, but also lowers its freezing point, resulting in a softer texture when served.
What is the difference in serving temperature between soft serve and custard?
Soft serve is typically served at a cooler temperature, between 18 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit, to maintain its swirl shape and prevent it from becoming too runny or solidifying into a cold block. Custard is served at slightly warmer temperatures, around 18 degrees Fahrenheit, to fully appreciate its rich and creamy texture.
Can additional flavors be added to soft serve and custard?
Yes, both soft serve and custard can be customized with additional flavors. Soft serve is often available in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, and can be dipped in chocolate or sprinkled. Custard can also be enhanced with extracts, fruit or flavors such as chocolate, providing a versatile base for creating unique desserts.
What is the texture difference between soft serve and custard?
Soft serve has a light and airy consistency, often described as a frozen cloud. It incorporates a significant amount of air during the freezing process, resulting in a higher overrun and a softer texture. Custard, on the other hand, has a denser and creamier texture due to the addition of egg yolks, which bind the fat and water in the mix.