Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's features a creamy, smooth texture made with rich dairy ingredients, delivering a perfectly sweet and velvety dessert experience in classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
Equipments
- Commercial batch freezer (custard machine)
- Stainless steel mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Storage containers (freezer-safe)
- Ice cream scoops
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (for chocolate flavor)
Ensure you use high-quality heavy cream and whole milk to achieve the signature creamy texture of Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's. Fresh egg yolks are essential for the custard's rich flavor and smooth consistency. Measure sugar and vanilla extract precisely to balance sweetness and enhance the dessert's natural taste. For chocolate variations, use unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate that melt evenly without overpowering the custard. Your homemade Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's copycat menu will replicate the velvety texture and classic flavors that define this beloved treat.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Chill mixing bowls and equipment in the freezer.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour hot cream mixture into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan.
- For vanilla custard: stir in vanilla extract.
- For chocolate custard: whisk in cocoa powder and chopped semisweet chocolate until melted and smooth.
- Cook the custard base over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (170-175°F/77-80°C).
- Remove from heat and pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled bowl to strain out lumps.
- Let the custard base cool completely.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Pour chilled custard base into the batch freezer (custard machine).
- Churn according to machine instructions until thick and creamy.
- Scoop finished custard into freezer-safe containers.
- Store in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Serve fresh, using an ice cream scoop for perfect presentation.
Substitution
Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's copycat menu mimics the original's rich dairy base and creamy texture, ideal for crafting luscious vanilla or chocolate custard at home. You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk to reduce fat content, but this may slightly alter richness and mouthfeel. If a commercial batch freezer is unavailable, a home ice cream maker or a manual stirring method during freezing can yield acceptable results, though texture may be less smooth. To enhance chocolate flavor without cocoa powder, use additional melted semisweet chocolate while reducing sugar slightly to maintain balance. Store finished custard in airtight, freezer-safe containers to preserve freshness and minimize ice crystal formation.
Tips
Chilling your mixing bowls and equipment before starting helps maintain the custard's temperature and texture throughout the process. Tempering the egg yolks with the hot cream mixture prevents curdling, ensuring a smooth custard base without scrambled eggs. Use a thermometer to monitor the custard's temperature carefully, stopping the heat once it reaches 170-175degF (77-80degC) to achieve the ideal thickness without overheating. After cooking, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve and chill thoroughly to improve the final creaminess when churned in your custard machine.
Nutritions
Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's provides a rich source of calcium and protein, primarily from whole milk and heavy cream, essential for bone health and muscle repair. The egg yolks contribute important vitamins like A, D, and B12, while the moderate sugar content offers a quick energy boost. Your dessert will also supply some antioxidants from the semisweet chocolate in the chocolate flavor variation. Enjoy this creamy treat in moderation to balance indulgence with nutritional benefits.
Storage
Store your fresh frozen custard in airtight, freezer-safe containers to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor. Keep the custard at a consistent temperature of 0degF (-18degC) or below to prevent ice crystal formation and ensure optimal freshness. When ready to serve, allow the custard to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes, enhancing the velvety dessert experience.
Variation or Alternatives
For a fruit-flavored custard variation, you can fold in 1/2 cup of fresh pureed berries or mango after the custard base has cooled completely, incorporating natural sweetness and vibrant color. Using pasteurized egg yolks or egg substitute is a safe alternative if you want to reduce raw egg risks without sacrificing creaminess. Experiment with spices like 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg during the heating stage to add a warm, aromatic depth to your custard. Your custard machine temperature should be carefully monitored to ensure the custard thickens exactly within 170-175degF (77-80degC) to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
Allergies
Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's contains dairy and egg ingredients, which are common allergens for many individuals. If you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, the heavy cream and whole milk may cause adverse reactions. You should also be cautious if you have an egg allergy, as the recipe includes egg yolks.
Why this recipe?
Fresh Frozen Custard from Culver's restaurant is loved for its rich, creamy texture and fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients that deliver an authentic, indulgent dessert experience. You will appreciate its smooth consistency and intense flavor, which set it apart from regular ice cream and make it a popular treat year-round. Replicating the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this high-quality dessert at home, saving money while customizing flavors to your preferences. Making it yourself guarantees freshness and control over ingredients, promising a satisfying and delicious taste every time.