Will it be classic vanilla? A scoop of mint chocolate chip? Or maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new? If you’re running out of cold treat ideas, check out these different types of ice cream. They range from classic soft serve to fun sorbet and more exotic tastes like kulfi and falooda. But what are the differences between these flavors? And what’s the best way to enjoy them? Keep reading to find out!
What is an Ice Cream?
In our world of frozen treats, there’s a hierarchy. At the top of that ranking stands ice cream. Ice cream has been around for centuries. It’s served in every country and enjoyed by people from all over the world. It’s a staple for dessert at restaurants and family dinners at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and there are many different types to please everyone’s taste buds! Traditional ice cream is made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. But you can make it in various flavors and textures with unique mixings. The textures also vary from hard pack to cloudy soft. And it can be served in different styles, from cones to sandwiches to popsicles. Check out this list and learn more about the sweet, cold delight of the dessert wonderland!
1. Gelato
I know what you’re thinking: what’s the difference between gelato and ice cream? Well, I have the answer for you! Gelato is a kind of ice cream that hails from Italy. It uses more milk and less cream and without any added egg yolks. This cold treat is absolutely creamy, decadent, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s richer and denser than other ice cream types. Plus, it has less sugar and lower fat content, making it perfect for indulging.
2. Sherbet
Sherbet is the kind of ice cream that’s perfect for fruit lovers. It’s a bit fizzy, a little sweet, and a lot of fun! This frozen treat comes in different flavors and is perfect if you want sweet-tart combos. It’s made by combining frozen fruits, egg whites, water, and milk or cream. Sherbet is lighter than traditional ice cream, with a fruity flavor that makes it delicious.
3. Sorbet
Have you already had your fill of dairy but want to cool off? Then, sorbet is a perfect choice! This frozen delight has little to no dairy. It features a mix of fruit juice or purée, sweetened water, and egg whites. It’s perfect if you want a boozy kick to your cold dessert. You can add a drizzle of wine or liqueur for the perfect party treat. This dessert is fresh, light, and fruity. It’s like summer in a cup!
4. Frozen Yogurt
Who doesn’t love frozen yogurt? It’s tart and creamy and has the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s healthy for you! The probiotics in yogurt are great for your gut health and calcium for your bones. And did I mention how delicious and flavorful it can be? Frozen yogurt has an array of flavors that you can enjoy. Whether you want something indulgent or something fruity, this cold treat is a perfect choice!
5. Soft Serve
Soft-serve ice cream can be bought in stores or made fresh on-site. It’s sometimes called “whipped ice cream,” or “frozen custard.” This sweet, cold treat combines milk, ice, and flavorings churned with air. It has a smooth, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with sweet syrups and other toppings. Soft serve ice cream melts in your mouth with absolute indulgence.
6. Ice Popsicle
Looking for a cold treat that you can make at home and customize? Ice popsicles are the perfect thing to make! Ice popsicles contain flavorings, sweeteners, stabilizers, gum, and water. The mixture is poured into molds that are placed in the freezer. After they freeze, the popsicles are removed from their molds and ready for serving. You can make it into different flavors and add other mixings for the ultimate summer treat!
7. Italian Ice
Italian ice is a frozen treat made with water, sugar, and a flavoring of your choice. The base of this dessert is similar to sorbet, but it doesn’t contain dairy or egg. This dessert is typically served in cups or glasses with fun toppings. To elevate the flavors, you can add candies, chocolate, and fresh fruit. A cup of Italian ice is perfect on a sunny day spent by the pool!
8. Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional Indian dessert made from milk, sugar, nuts, and fruit. It’s infused with rich flavors and spices like saffron, cardamom, and rosewater, making it unique. The rich, creamy goodness of kulfi makes it perfect if you love indulging in a treat. And it has a satisfying crunch from the nuts that cuts through the dense texture. This dessert is frozen solid in a popsicle for a handy, cold treat. It’s perfect if you want something exotic or some relief from the summer heat.
9. Mochi Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream is a cold, refreshing version of the traditional mochi. This Japanese dessert features creamy ice cream coated with sweet pounded glutinous rice dough. It has a chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth ice cream filling, making it fun to eat. The filling oozes with delightful flavors as you bite into this ice cream. This dessert is typically shaped into balls and comes in different colors and flavors.
10. Philadelphia Ice Cream
As a kid, I remember eating Philadelphia ice cream almost every day. And now, as an adult, I still love eating it! The thing about Philly ice cream is that it’s all about texture. It’s typically dense and creamy, with a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Made by churning milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat! It comes in so many flavors and pairs perfectly with almost any add-ins! From classic vanilla to fruity treats and indulgent chocolate, this ice cream is sure to impress.
11. Rolled Ice Cream
If you’ve heard about rolled ice cream, you know it’s all the rage these days! It’s famous street food in Asia, where the cold treat is made on the spot. The ice cream maker pours the mixture into a frozen surface and mixes the flavors. Once the mixture freezes, the ice cream is rolled up and served in a cup. It’s truly magical as you watch your ice cream get made. The best part about this dessert is that you can get any flavor combination. The possibilities are endless! You can have chocolate-covered fruits or cookies ‘n’ cream with sprinkles, whatever floats your boat.
12. Falooda
Ever wondered what ice cream would be like if you were to add noodles? Check out falooda! This Indian dessert is a work of art and an explosion of deliciousness. It combines thin vermicelli, jelly, and basil seeds with a creamy base infused with rosewater. This cold treat will surely blow you away with each bite. The symphony of textures and flavors in this dessert is truly mind-blowing. It’s like a mouthful of heaven!
13. Shaved Ice
There are a lot of things that make up the perfect summer day. For me, it’s the bright sun, my favorite sunglasses, and a hefty serving of shaved ice. If you’re like me and you love the sunny season, shaved ice is a staple! It’s made from fine ice shavings drizzled with a flavorful sauce. It can be topped with an array of flavors, from fresh fruits to candies and chocolate. It’s like a slice of paradise in a cup with bright colors and refreshing flavors. Click on a star to rate it!
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