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.

What is Frozen Desserts?

Frozen desserts are sweet treats that are frozen, providing a cool and refreshing feeling, especially during hot summer days. These desserts are not only attractive because of their taste but also because of their texture and richness in preparation. From traditional dishes like ice cream to modern variations like frozen yogurt, frozen desserts have gone through a long development journey and become an indispensable part of global cuisine.

Benefits of Frozen Desserts

• Cooling Down in the Summer: Frozen desserts are the perfect choice for the summer thanks to their excellent cooling properties. Not only do they help cool the body, frozen desserts also bring a refreshing and fun feeling, especially when enjoyed with family and friends.
• Diversity in Flavors and Ingredients: Frozen desserts offer a world of diverse flavors, from traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate to unique flavors such as matcha, durian. Not only stopping at basic flavors, you can also combine toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, to create unique and creative desserts.
• Nutritional Benefits: Frozen desserts, especially frozen yogurt and sorbet, can be a healthy choice for those who want to enjoy sweets without worrying about their health. Frozen yogurt provides good bacteria for the digestive system, while sorbet and granita are low-calorie and fat-free options, ideal for those on a diet or looking to stay in shape.

Top 10 Common Types of Frozen Desserts 

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	Ice Cream
Fat Content	No higher than 8%	Minimum of 10%
Air Content	25% by volume	Up to 50% by volume
Texture	Denser	Lighter and creamier

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?

	Gelato	Custard
Fat Content	3.25% - 8%	Minimum of 10%
Egg Yolk Content	No eggs	Minimum of 1.4% by weight
Air Content	15% - 30%	15% - 30%
Mouthfeel	Dense and creamy	Dense and rich

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?

	Custard	Ice Cream
Egg Yolk Content	Minimum of 1.4% by weight	Little to no egg
Air Content	Less air churned into a mixture	More air incorporated
Texture	Denser and creamier	Lighter and smoother
Ingredients	Milk, ice, sugar, egg yolks	Milk, ice, sugar

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?

	Soft Serve	Ice Cream
Texture	Lighter and softer	Creamier and denser
Fat Content	Less fat	Higher fat content
Air Content	More air incorporated	Less air churned in
Dispensing	Dispensed directly from the machine	Hand-scooped from tubs
Storage Temperature	25 degrees Fahrenheit	20 degrees Fahrenheit

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?

	Frozen Yogurt	Ice Cream	Custard
Ingredients	Yogurt or cultured milk	Plain milk	Milk, ice, sugar, egg yolks
Consistency	Lighter and softer	Solid and scoopable	Denser and creamier
Dispensing	Dispensed from machine	Scooped from tubs	Scooped from tubs
Butterfat Content	No specific requirement	Minimum of 10%-16%	Higher fat content
Health Aspect	Low fat, contains probiotics	Higher fat content	Higher fat content
Texture	Light and soft	Creamy and dense	Rich and smooth

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. 

How to Make Frozen Desserts at Home

Making Ice Cream at Home

Making ice cream at home not only gives you control over the ingredients, but it also allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. The basic ingredients for making ice cream include milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. You can use an ice cream maker to create smooth ice cream, or you can use a no-machine method by whipping the cream mixture and freezing it in layers.

Making Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt can be easily made at home with yogurt, sugar, and flavorings. You can add fresh fruit, honey, or nuts to add flavor and crunch to this dessert. Frozen yogurt is not only delicious but also nutritious, especially when combined with natural and healthy ingredients.

Sorbet and Granita

Sorbet and granita can be made at home with fresh fruits like strawberries, lemons, or mangoes. Simply puree the fruit, mix it with sugar and water, and freeze it for a refreshing and delicious dessert. Sorbet can be smoothed by whisking it while freezing, while granita requires scraping the ice to create a special texture.

Make an Ice Cream Cake

An ice cream cake is a combination of cake and ice cream, creating a unique and attractive dessert. You can make an ice cream cake at home by making a thin layer of sponge cake, then covering it with ice cream and various toppings. Ice cream cakes can be customized with flavors and decorations according to personal preferences, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Considerations When Preparing and Preserving Frozen Desserts

Choose Fresh Ingredients

The quality of frozen desserts depends a lot on the ingredients used. Choose fresh fruits, fresh milk, and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor for your dessert.

Preserving Frozen Desserts

To keep the smoothness and flavor of frozen desserts, you need to store them at the right temperature. Ice cream and frozen yogurt should be stored in the freezer at a temperature of -18°C to -20°C. To avoid ice chips, cover the frozen desserts jars tightly or wrap them with plastic wrap.

Food Safety

When preparing frozen desserts, ensure food hygiene and safety by washing your hands, utensils, and ingredients before use. In addition, pay attention to the storage time to avoid spoilage and loss of nutrients.

Frozen Desserts in World Cuisines

Frozen Desserts in Europe

Europe is the birthplace of many famous frozen desserts, especially gelato and sorbet.

• Italian Gelato: Gelato is not only a dessert but also a symbol of Italian cuisine. Unlike regular ice cream, gelato has a thicker and smoother texture, contains less fat and air, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. Popular gelato flavors such as stracciatella, tiramisu, and pistachio have conquered not only Italians but also diners around the world.
• French Sorbet: Sorbet is a non-dairy dessert, usually made from fresh fruit and sugar. French Sorbet is famous for its clean, refreshing taste and is often served as a snack between meals to cleanse the palate. Fruit sorbets, especially lemon, strawberry, and orange sorbets, are popular in France and many other countries.

Frozen Desserts In Asia

Asia is no stranger to unique and delicious frozen desserts.

• Japanese Mochi Ice Cream: Mochi ice cream is the perfect combination of cool ice cream and chewy mochi skin. The mochi skin is made from glutinous rice flour, encasing the smooth ice cream inside, creating a unique contrast in texture and flavor. Mochi ice cream often comes in traditional flavors like matcha, red bean, and vanilla, but there are also many modern variations with fruit and chocolate flavors.
• Philippine Halo-Halo: Halo-halo is a signature frozen dessert from the Philippines, whose name means “mixed.” It consists of shaved ice, condensed milk, and a variety of toppings like red beans, jelly, fruit, and ice cream, creating a colorful and flavorful treat. Halo-halo is not just a dessert but also a symbol of fusion and fusion in the Philippine culinary culture.

Unique Frozen Desserts from Other Countries

• Indian Kulfi: Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream, with a thick and dense texture, usually made from evaporated milk, sugar, and flavorings such as cardamom, saffron, and almonds. Kulfi is usually frozen in cones or cylinders and enjoyed as a cool and rich dessert.
• Turkish Dondurma: Dondurma is a famous Turkish ice cream, distinguished by its elasticity and chewiness, thanks to the use of salep (a powder made from orchid tubers) and mastic (tree sap). Dondurma is not only notable for its unique texture but also offers an interesting eating experience, as the ice cream can be stretched and bent without melting quickly.

Creative Tips and Recipes for Frozen Desserts

Try New Flavors

Frozen desserts offer endless opportunities for creativity with flavors and ingredients. You can combine tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, or pineapple with ice cream to create unique flavors. Experiment with flavors like ginger, pandan, or jasmine to add a new twist to your dessert.

How to Decorate Frozen Desserts

Decorating frozen desserts is an important part of creating a beautiful and attractive dish. You can shape ice cream or frozen yogurt into even balls or unique shapes using molds. Decorating with fresh fruits, dried nuts, or chocolate chips will add a lively and delicious look to the dessert. In addition, using fruit sauces, caramel, or honey is also a way to add flavor and appeal to the dish.

Conclusion

Frozen desserts are not only refreshing desserts, but also a symbol of creativity and richness in cuisine. With a variety of flavors, textures and preparation methods, frozen desserts bring joy and interesting experiences to people of all ages.