Frozen Custard vs Frozen Yogurt: How Are They Different?

Love frozen desserts? Explore the unique characteristics of frozen custard and frozen yogurt.

Frozen desserts are loved all over the world. They are made by freezing liquids, semi-solids and solids. These delights come in many forms and each of them taste delicious. However, it becomes very difficult to explain when someone asks us to differentiate between each type of frozen dessert. The main confusion lies between frozen custard and frozen yogurt.

While both offer a refreshing and creamy taste, they have distinct differences that set them apart. For a person with sweet tooth custard as well as yogurt are a great choice. But if you really seek to understand the distinctions between these frozen delights, here are major differences between frozen custard and frozen yogurt:

What Is Frozen Custard

Frozen custard is a yummy dairy treat that is very similar to ice cream. The major difference between both of them is that frozen custard contains eggs. This sweet delight is perfect for a hot summer day. Frozen custard was believed to have been invented in the 1690s when egg yolks were added to the ice cream recipes.

What Is Frozen Yogurt

Created in the 1970s, frozen yogurt is another yummy dessert that is loved by all. Just like frozen custard, it is also very similar to ice cream. The only difference is to make frozen yogurt, we need milk instead of cream and also frozen yogurt has live bacterial cultures in it.

Frozen Custard Vs Frozen Yogurt: The Difference

Ingredients

• The key ingredients of frozen custard are cream, sugar, and egg yolk. It is the addition of egg yolk that sets frozen custard apart from other frozen desserts. The custard base provides a luxurious and a slightly denser consistency to this treat.
• While frozen yogurt has a base that is primarily made from yogurt cultures, milk, and sugar. Yogurt gives a tangy flavor, and the live cultures contribute a little tartness. However, it is believed to be healthier than other frozen desserts.

Fat Content

Frozen custard is known for its higher fat content, attributed to the inclusion of egg yolks and cream. This high fat content contributes to its creamier texture and decadent taste. On the other hand, frozen yogurt contains less fat as compared to frozen custard. This is because it relies on yogurt and milk as its primary ingredients.

Live Cultures and Probiotics

Frozen custard does not contain live cultures or probiotics and its base is made of cream, sugar and egg yolk. It is appreciated for its classic, custard-like taste rather than any potential health benefits. Being derived from yogurt cultures, Frozen yogurt may contain live and active cultures.

Texture and Consistency

Frozen custard is renowned for its dense and creamy texture that creates a smooth and velvety texture. The inclusion of egg yolks contributes to its richness, making each spoonful a luxurious flavor. While frozen yogurt has a lighter and airy consistency compared to frozen custard. The use of cultures gives the yogurt a slight tanginess and provides a refreshing and smoother texture.

Frozen Custard Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 6 egg yolks

Method

• Set a strainer over a mixing bowl and place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the half-and-half into a saucepan and add the slit vanilla bean paste, sugar, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining half & half.
• Ladle half of the hot liquid from the pan into the yolk mixture, whisk constantly. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisk again.
• Return to a very low simmer. Once the custard is cool, cover and refrigerate overnight and enjoy.

Frozen Yogurt Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced frozen strawberries
• 2 cups sliced frozen banana
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 to 6 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp corn syrup

Method

• Combine the fruits, yogurt, vanilla extract, honey, sugar, and corn syrup in the bowl of a food processor and blend until everything is combined into a creamy and smooth mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to a freezer safe container, press a piece of parchment against the top of the yogurt and freeze overnight.
• Let the frozen yogurt sit at room temperature for a few minutes and enjoy.