Frozen Desserts 101

Ice cream, gelato, fro-yo — they’re all delicious, and they’re all a little different. Here, we break it down. Read on, then learn more about summer’s best scoops in our guide!

Ice Cream Any iced or frozen cream, or a combination of milk and cream, sweetened with sugar. Recipe: Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Philadelphia-Style Ice Cream Quick and easy ice cream made from an uncooked base that doesn’t include eggs. Recipe: Philadelphia-Style Vanilla Ice Cream

French-Style Ice Cream Ice cream made from a cooked egg custard that is chilled before churning. Recipe: Strawberry-Creme Fraiche Ice Cream

Sorbet Smooth, light dessert with no eggs or dairy, made by churning and freezing a sweet puree that usually contains fruit. Recipe: Ruby Grapefruit Sorbet

Gelato Silky Italian frozen treat made with an egg-rich custard and less cream than ice cream. Less air is incorporated during churning, resulting in a denser consistency. Recipe: Coffee-Scented Custard Gelato

Sherbet A cross between ice cream and sorbet, usually made with a fruit puree and sugar, and often containing dairy. Recipe: Blackberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

Granita Dessert made by freezing a puree or liquid in a pan and stirring or scraping by hand to create an icy consistency. Recipe: Sauternes and Lemon Honey Granita