What is the most popular frozen dessert?

Vanilla ice cream still leads as the most popular frozen dessert overall. But when it comes to nostalgic flavors with texture and character, the best frozen pudding ice cream is a standout. Other rising favorites include layered options like our copycat brownie batter Frosty , known for their creamy, indulgent mix-ins.

Can you freeze pudding into ice cream?

Yes, and it’s incredibly easy. Instant pudding adds natural creaminess to any no-churn recipe. Mix it with whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk, stir in extras, and freeze. It’s a technique similar to our banana almond smoothie pops , offering the same satisfying chill.

Is frozen pudding the same as frozen custard?

Not exactly. Egg yolks are added to frozen custard to give it a richer, smoother consistency. Frozen pudding ice cream may contain eggs but often relies on pudding mix for its smoothness and fruit chunks for texture. The best frozen pudding ice cream blends ice cream creaminess with a pudding-like density and a mix of chewy bits.

Are pudding pops just frozen pudding?

Sort of! Pudding pops are frozen pudding-based treats, but the best ones include whipped cream or milk for a lighter texture. For a creative twist, freeze them into molds or sandwich them between cookies like we do in our cookie ice cream sandwiches .

Is Breyers frozen dessert real ice cream?

No, Breyers’ “frozen dairy dessert” contains less milkfat and more stabilizers than what the FDA classifies as real ice cream. For full-flavored, creamy results, homemade or small-batch options like the best frozen pudding ice cream offer better texture and taste.

Best Frozen Pudding Ice Cream You’ll Love This Summer

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries

1/3 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

1/4 cup golden raisins

1 tsp rum extract (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until thickened.

2. In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.

4. Add chopped cherries, pineapple, raisins, and rum extract. Stir to combine.

5. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

6. Scoop and serve chilled with optional cherry or mint garnish.

Notes

You can use different fruit combinations such as diced mango or strawberries.

To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and plant-based milk.

Author: EmilyFrost
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Method: Freezing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 260
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg