Ice cream cake and ice cream may seem very similar at first glance, but they are actually quite different desserts. In this article, we’ll examine the key differences between ice cream cake and ice cream in terms of ingredients, texture, preparation method, serving style, nutrition, and cost.
Ingredients
The base ingredients in ice cream cake and ice cream are somewhat similar, but there are some important distinctions.
Ice Cream Cake Ingredients
The main ingredients in ice cream cake are:
- Ice cream – This makes up the bulk of the cake. Vanilla, chocolate, and Neapolitan ice cream are common choices.
- Cake or cookie layers – Ice cream cake usually has layers of cake or cookie crumbs to add texture and structure. Common options are chocolate cake, pound cake, brownies, or Oreo cookie crumbs.
- Frosting – A layer of frosting helps bind the ice cream and cake layers together. Buttercream, fudge, or whipped cream frostings are commonly used.
- Toppings – Sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel, nuts, and fruit are popular ice cream cake decorations.
Ice Cream Ingredients
The primary ingredients in ice cream are:
- Cream – Heavy cream or milk provides the dairy fat and richness.
- Milk – Milk adds body and a creamy texture.
- Sugar – Sugar sweetens the ice cream.
- Egg yolks – Sometimes egg yolks are used to add richness and a smooth texture.
- Flavorings – Vanilla, cocoa powder, fruit, nuts, cookies, etc are added for flavor.
- Stabilizers – Small amounts of stabilizers like guar gum or carrageenan help maintain a smooth texture.
As you can see, while ice cream utilizes some of the same base ingredients as ice cream cake, it does not contain cake/cookie layers, frosting, or toppings.
Texture
The textures of ice cream cake and ice cream are noticeably different.
Ice Cream Cake Texture
Ice cream cake has a layered and multifaceted texture. Specifically:
- The ice cream layers are smooth, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- The cake layers are dense, moist, and crumbly.
- The frosting is light, fluffy, and sticky.
- Sprinkles or nuts provide crunchy texture contrast.
Overall, each bite of ice cream cake offers an array of diverse textures from the different components.
Ice Cream Texture
Ice cream has a smooth, creamy, homogeneous texture. There are no crunchy bits or layers of different densities. Premium ice creams are churned slowly to minimize ice crystals and create a silky, lush mouthfeel. Cheaper ice creams may have more ice crystals, which provide a grainy texture.
So in summary, ice cream cake has a very heterogeneous, multilayered texture profile while ice cream is smooth and uniform in texture.
Preparation Method
The preparation process for ice cream cake and ice cream is very different, especially when making homemade versions.
Making Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is assembled by layering the components. Typical steps include:
- Bake cake layers and allow to cool completely.
- Crumble one cake layer into crumbs.
- Line bottom of pan with cake crumbs.
- Spread layer of ice cream over crumbs.
- Top with second cake layer.
- Spread frosting over cake.
- Layer on more ice cream.
- Decorate top with toppings.
- Freeze several hours or overnight.
Making Ice Cream
Ice cream is churned through a careful process to incorporate air and achieve the right texture. Key steps include:
- Mix milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks.
- Heat the mixture to pasteurize.
- Cool custard base down.
- Add flavorings and stabilizers.
- Churn in an ice cream maker to incorporate air.
- Freeze for several hours to firm.
So ice cream cake preparation focuses on layering and assembly, while ice cream requires careful churning for the ideal creamy texture.
Serving Style
Ice cream cake and ice cream are plated and served in very different ways.
Serving Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is most often served in thick wedge shaped slices. It is sometimes served already sliced, but may be presented whole with slices cut upon serving. Ice cream cake holds its shape well when cut and plated thanks to the supportive cake layers.
Serving Ice Cream
Ice cream is scooped into rounds or spheres. It can be placed in a dish, cone, or sundae glass. Soft serve ice cream is swirled into a cone or cup. Unlike cake, ice cream does not hold its shape and will melt quickly if not eaten fast. Ice cream is often topped with sauces and garnishes that require a spoon to eat.
So ice cream cake is sliced neatly like regular cake, while ice cream is scooped and toppings immediately melt and blend together.
Nutrition
There are some notable nutritional differences between ice cream cake and ice cream.
Ice Cream Cake Nutrition Facts
The nutritional profile of ice cream cake includes:
- Higher calorie density – Roughly 140 to 300 calories per slice
- Higher fat content – Up to 16g fat per slice
- More carbs – Around 33g carbs per slice
- Lower protein – Only 4-5g protein per slice
- Often contains gluten and dairy
Ice Cream Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for ice cream are:
- High in calories – About 145-290 calories per 1/2 cup
- High in fat – Up to 18g fat per serving
- Lower carbs – Around 24g per serving
- Contains dairy; may lack gluten
- More protein than cake – 5-8g per serving
So ice cream cake tends to be slightly higher in calories, carbs, and fat compared to an equal serving of ice cream alone. But both are high calorie treats.
Cost Comparison
On average, ice cream cake tends to be more expensive than buying ice cream by the quart or pint.
Ice Cream Cake Cost
Some average ice cream cake costs are:
- Grocery store ice cream cakes – $15 to $30 for a medium cake feeding 10-15 people
- Bakery ice cream cakes – $35 to $75+ for more elaborate designs
- Specialty brand ice cream cakes – Can cost $80 to $150+ for premium ingredients
Ice Cream Cost
In comparison, ice cream prices are lower for an equivalent volume:
- Ice cream by the quart – Around $4 to $10 per quart
- Pints of premium ice cream – $4 to $6 per pint
- Novelty ice creams like drumsticks – Under $2 each
The additional ingredients like cake layers, frosting, and toppings make ice cream cake a more labor intensive product. Hence, it commands a higher retail price than just plain ice cream.
Conclusion
While ice cream cake contains ice cream, it has a very different identity from ice cream on its own. The additions of cake, frosting, fillings, and toppings transform ice cream into a new dessert experience. Ice cream cake has a unique texture, preparation method, serving style, nutrition profile, and higher cost. So next time you’re debating between ice cream cake and ice cream, remember they are two distinct dessert options!