
Frozen Custard Ingredients: The Basics and the Flavor Boosters
At Freddy’s, rich creamy frozen custard treats are often what entice first-time visitors and keep guests coming back year after year. To delight the palates of patrons across the country, the velvety decadence of this dish is achieved by the perfect combination and processing of frozen custard ingredients. Below, learn more about basic frozen custard ingredients and those that further enhance the overall flavor profile, as well as popular frozen custard creations on the Freddy’s menu!
4 Frozen Custard Ingredient Categories to Build Flavor
There are three fundamental frozen custard ingredients: milk, egg yolks and sugar. According to the FDA, the percentages of ingredients such as egg yolks are key to distinguishing a frozen custard from ice cream. However, some frozen custard creators may play with ingredient ratios or different types of milk or sugar. Aside from these minor variations, the essential composition of custard is less flexible than a chili or soup recipe or a customizable steakburger combo from Freddy’s. However, flavoring elements are the frozen custard ingredients that significantly expand the scope of a custard creation’s overall taste and texture. To create more than 1 million off-the-menu custard combinations, Freddy’s guests may consider incorporating one or more ingredients from the following categories:
Syrups and Sauces: Fudge, caramel and cold brew coffee are just a few of the additions that help create unique flavors in frozen custard creations. For example, a combination of chocolate sauce paired with vanilla or chocolate custard evokes a non-alocholic (and less green) version of a Grasshopper cocktail. Guests might also try a curated blend of frozen custard ingredients in the Freddy’s Signature Turtle shake or keep it simple and delicious by creating a frozen custard sundae with your favorite sauce.
Nuts: From toasted almond and candied pecan pieces to more malleable components like peanut butter, nutty frozen custard ingredients often provide textural variation as well as their own unique notes in a dish. Other desserts or products that incorporate nuts may also serve as the inspiration for creative custard combinations. For example, a concrete that blends Freddy’s frozen vanilla custard with peanut butter and hot fudge may be reminiscent of the family favorite, peanut butter pie, or The Pioneer Woman’s variation, which also incorporates OREOs®.
Snacks and Sweets: From chocolate cookie sandwiches with a creamy center and graham crackers to numerous candy options including the ones on Food&Wine’s list of the most influential American candy bars, snack and sweet items are transformative and even nostalgic frozen custard ingredients. A sip of a frozen custard shake with hints of toffee and chocolate may help bring out the nuances of the caramelized onion and bacon-topped steakburger. A vanilla custard sundae swirled with cheesecake bites and hot fudge may bring back memories of a first date dessert with one’s now spouse.
Fruit: Citrus fruits may be used to increase the tanginess of a dish, while combinations of strawberries or raspberries may provide additional sweetness or a little bit of tartness. Celebrate the classic holiday bonbon, the chocolate-covered cherry, by creating your own concrete that blends freshly churned frozen chocolate custard with cherry syrup and chocolate sauce. While strawberries to dip in chocolate fondue isn’t the most portable dessert, enjoy a similar flavor combination by creating a shake with strawberries, hot fudge and chocolate custard.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Frozen Custard Ingredients
Can I use non-dairy milk as a frozen custard ingredient?
Yes, you can! Even though the completed dish may not technically be considered a frozen custard by FDA standards due to a lack of milkfat, your frozen custard can still be delicious. For example, leading kitchen equipment company, Cuisinart, provides this non-dairy variation on a traditional frozen custard, which may use options like soy or almond milk.
Do I have to use egg yolks as a frozen custard ingredient?
In addition to helping delineate between frozen custard vs. ice cream per the FDA, the inclusion of egg yolks as the frozen custard ingredient serves vital purposes in its overall consistency, texture and flavor.
What are some other uses for frozen custard?
In addition to shakes, concretes and sundaes, frozen custard may be used as pie, tart and sandwich fillings, such as Freddy’s OREO® Custard Sandwich. It can also be used in beverages like a root beer float or as a replacement for the traditional gelato in the coffee-based affogato.
At Freddy’s, we use quality frozen custard ingredients and freshly churn our vanilla and chocolate custard throughout the day. Offering an extensive selection of flavor additions, Freddy’s guests can customize their custard treats to suit their personal preferences or inspirations. Visit a Freddy’s near you today, and don’t forget to join Freddy’s Rewards to earn points toward a FREE frozen custard shake, steakburger and more!