The world of frozen desserts is vast and delicious, filled with tempting treats that can cool you down on a hot day. Among the many options available, two stand out for their creamy texture and customizable ingredients: the concrete and the sundae. While both offer a delightful experience, they are distinctly different in their preparation, consistency, and overall character. This article delves into the heart of the matter, exploring the nuances that separate these frozen delights and helping you choose the perfect treat for your next craving.
Delving into the Definition of a Sundae
A sundae, in its most basic form, is a dessert typically made with one or more scoops of ice cream topped with sauce or syrup, and in some cases, other toppings such as sprinkles, whipped cream, or maraschino cherries. It’s a classic dessert, almost universally recognized and enjoyed. The key defining characteristic of a sundae is its layered presentation and relatively soft texture. The ice cream retains its scoopable form, and the toppings cascade over it, creating a visually appealing and palatable combination.
The Anatomy of a Sundae
A sundae’s appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. The ice cream forms the foundation, providing the creamy base. Various sauces, such as chocolate, caramel, or strawberry, add sweetness and flavor complexity. Toppings, limited only by imagination, introduce textural contrasts and visual flair. Whipped cream adds a cloud-like element, while nuts provide a crunchy counterpoint. Maraschino cherries offer a touch of sweetness and color. This customizable nature allows for endless variations, catering to individual preferences.
Historical Roots of the Sundae
The origins of the sundae are shrouded in a bit of mystery and friendly rivalry. Several cities claim to be the birthplace of this iconic dessert, including Evanston, Illinois; Two Rivers, Wisconsin; and Ithaca, New York. The most common story revolves around the idea that drug stores began selling ice cream sodas on Sundays, but due to religious objections to carbonated drinks on the Sabbath, they substituted the soda with syrup, thus creating the “ice cream Sunday.” Over time, the name evolved to “sundae.” While the exact truth remains debated, the sundae’s history is intertwined with the evolution of soda fountains and changing social norms.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Concrete
A concrete, unlike a sundae, is a blended frozen dessert where ice cream or frozen custard is combined with various mix-ins, such as candies, cookies, nuts, or fruit, and blended at high speed until it reaches an incredibly thick consistency. The name “concrete” comes from the dessert’s ability to hold its shape, even when turned upside down. This dense, almost solid, texture is the hallmark of a well-made concrete.
The Construction of a Concrete
The process of making a concrete is quite different from assembling a sundae. Instead of layering ingredients, everything is combined and blended together. High-powered blenders are essential for achieving the desired consistency. The mix-ins are finely chopped and evenly distributed throughout the ice cream or custard, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and texture. The blending process aerates the mixture, contributing to its creamy yet dense texture. The key is to achieve a homogenous blend where the mix-ins are seamlessly integrated into the frozen base.
The Rise of the Concrete
While the sundae has a longer and more widely known history, the concrete gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the Midwest. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, Missouri, is often credited with popularizing the concrete. Their signature frozen custard, combined with a variety of mix-ins, became a local favorite and helped spread the word about this unique dessert. The concrete offered a different texture and flavor profile compared to traditional sundaes and milkshakes, appealing to those seeking a more substantial and customizable frozen treat.
Concrete vs. Sundae: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To fully understand the differences between a concrete and a sundae, let’s compare them based on several key factors.
Preparation Methods
- Sundae: Assembled by layering ice cream, sauces, and toppings. The ice cream remains in its original scoop form.
- Concrete: Created by blending ice cream or frozen custard with mix-ins at high speed. The ingredients are fully incorporated into a homogenous mixture.
Texture and Consistency
- Sundae: Softer texture with distinct layers of ice cream, sauce, and toppings. Easier to eat with a spoon due to its looser consistency.
- Concrete: Extremely thick and dense consistency. Often requires a spoon or straw with a wide opening to consume. Can be held upside down without spilling.
Ingredients
- Sundae: Typically uses ice cream as the base, with a focus on sauces and toppings for added flavor and texture.
- Concrete: Can use either ice cream or frozen custard as the base. Emphasizes the incorporation of mix-ins throughout the dessert.
Customization
- Sundae: Highly customizable with a wide variety of ice cream flavors, sauces, and toppings. Allows for creative combinations and personalized presentations.
- Concrete: Also highly customizable, with a focus on selecting the base (ice cream or custard) and a range of mix-ins. The blending process ensures that every bite contains a consistent mix of flavors.
Presentation
- Sundae: Visually appealing with distinct layers and a decorative arrangement of toppings. Often served in a sundae glass or dish.
- Concrete: Less visually elaborate than a sundae. Typically served in a cup or cone. The focus is on the texture and flavor of the blended mixture rather than the presentation.
Choosing the Right Frozen Delight
Deciding between a concrete and a sundae ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a layered dessert with distinct flavors and a softer texture, a sundae is an excellent choice. Its customizable nature allows you to create a personalized treat that satisfies your specific cravings.
On the other hand, if you crave a dense, intensely flavored frozen dessert that can withstand being turned upside down, a concrete is the way to go. The blending process ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture, making it a truly satisfying experience.
The Broader Landscape of Frozen Desserts
While focusing on the concrete and the sundae, it’s important to acknowledge the vast and varied landscape of frozen desserts. From classic ice cream cones and milkshakes to frozen yogurt and gelato, there’s a frozen treat for every palate.
Frozen Custard: The Concrete’s Close Relative
Frozen custard is a key ingredient in many concretes, setting it apart from ice cream. Frozen custard contains eggs, giving it a richer, denser, and smoother texture than ice cream. This difference in texture contributes significantly to the unique qualities of a concrete made with frozen custard.
Ice Cream: A Universal Foundation
Ice cream, whether used in a sundae or a concrete, is a versatile base. The variety of flavors and textures available allows for endless possibilities in dessert creation. From classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like salted caramel and lavender honey, ice cream provides a foundation for a wide range of frozen treats.
Other Frozen Delights
Beyond sundaes and concretes, the world of frozen desserts includes options like:
- Milkshakes: Blended beverages made with ice cream and milk.
- Frozen Yogurt: A tangy and often lower-fat alternative to ice cream.
- Gelato: An Italian-style ice cream known for its dense texture and intense flavors.
- Sorbets: Fruit-based frozen desserts that are dairy-free.
Ultimately, the best frozen dessert is the one that brings you the most joy. Whether you’re enjoying a classic sundae, a decadent concrete, or another frozen treat, take the time to savor the moment and appreciate the simple pleasure of a delicious dessert. The world of frozen desserts offers something for everyone, and the possibilities are endless.
What are the key differences in ingredients between concrete and sundaes?
Concrete and sundaes, while both frozen dessert treats, differ significantly in their base and the manner of ingredient incorporation. A sundae typically begins with scoops of ice cream, often vanilla or chocolate, served in a dish or glass. Toppings like hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry are then carefully layered on top, creating distinct visual and textural elements.
In contrast, a concrete starts with a very dense, high-butterfat frozen custard, making it significantly thicker than regular ice cream. Toppings, usually a mix of candies, fruits, cookies, or nuts, are blended directly into the custard at high speed, resulting in a homogenous mixture where the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout. This gives it a consistency thick enough to theoretically hold upside down without spilling.
How does the texture of a concrete compare to the texture of a sundae?
The texture is a defining characteristic that differentiates a concrete from a sundae. A sundae provides a layered textural experience; the smooth, cold ice cream contrasts with the soft whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and syrupy sauces. Each bite offers a varied sensation depending on which layer is being consumed, allowing for a customizable textural journey.
A concrete, on the other hand, presents a uniform, almost monolithic texture. The high-speed blending process ensures that every spoonful contains a consistent mixture of custard and toppings. This creates a dense, creamy texture where the added ingredients are finely dispersed, offering a cohesive and predictable mouthfeel.
What makes frozen custard different from regular ice cream in a concrete?
Frozen custard, the base for a concrete, differs significantly from regular ice cream in its composition and manufacturing process. Frozen custard is required to contain at least 1.4% egg yolk solids, which contributes to its richer, creamier texture and denser consistency. This egg content also allows for a smoother product with less noticeable ice crystals.
Regular ice cream, while also made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, lacks the mandated egg yolk solids. This results in a lighter texture and airier consistency compared to frozen custard. The absence of egg yolk solids also makes ice cream more prone to ice crystal formation, potentially affecting its smoothness.
Are there specific regional variations in concrete or sundae preparations?
Sundae variations are prevalent and highly localized, reflecting regional preferences for specific toppings and flavors. Coastal areas might feature sundaes with tropical fruits and coconut flakes, while areas known for chocolate production could offer sundaes drenched in locally made chocolate sauces. Even the type of ice cream used can vary regionally, with some areas favoring artisanal ice creams and others sticking to classic brands.
Concrete variations, although less overtly regional, tend to focus on ingredient combinations and brand-specific recipes. The popularity of certain candy bars, cookie types, or local fruit preserves often influences the concrete creations available at different frozen custard shops. These shops often develop signature concrete recipes that become synonymous with their brand or location.
Which dessert, a concrete or a sundae, is generally considered more customizable?
Sundaes generally offer a higher degree of immediate customization for the consumer. Customers can often choose the specific flavors of ice cream, the quantity of each topping, and the order in which they are layered. This direct control allows for a bespoke dessert experience tailored to individual preferences and cravings at that moment.
While concretes also offer choices in toppings, the customization is limited by the blending process. Once the toppings are mixed into the custard, their individual characteristics become less distinct. Although customers select the ingredients, the final product presents a unified flavor and texture profile, reducing the ability to isolate and enjoy specific components.
Which dessert tends to be more calorie-dense: a concrete or a sundae?
Concretes, due to their frozen custard base and the heavy blending of toppings, are often more calorie-dense than sundaes. Frozen custard itself contains a higher butterfat content than regular ice cream, contributing to a higher caloric count. Furthermore, the blending process ensures that every bite is packed with a concentrated mixture of custard and toppings, increasing the overall caloric density.
Sundaes, while also capable of being high in calories depending on the toppings, offer more opportunities for lower-calorie alternatives. Substituting lighter ice cream options, opting for fruit toppings over sugary sauces, and controlling the portion sizes of additions can significantly reduce the overall calorie count of a sundae.
What are some common misconceptions about concretes and sundaes?
A common misconception is that concretes are simply blended ice cream. While both involve frozen desserts and blended ingredients, the use of dense frozen custard and the specific blending technique distinguish concretes significantly from a simple ice cream smoothie or milkshake. The custard’s density is critical for the characteristic thickness.
Another misconception is that sundaes are always unhealthy. While many sundaes are laden with sugary toppings and high-fat ice cream, mindful choices in ingredients and portion sizes can create a healthier version. Substituting fruit toppings, using low-fat ice cream, and limiting the amount of added sugar can transform a sundae into a more balanced treat.