Frozen custard and ice cream may look similar, but frozen custard contains egg yolks, which give it the rich, smooth texture that sets it apart from traditional ice cream.
If you have ever ordered frozen custard and wondered why it seems creamier, there is a real reason.
And no, “custard” is not simply another name for soft-serve ice cream.
At Crepe & Custard at Lake Junaluska, frozen custard is one of our favorite ways to finish a meal, cool off after walking the lake, or simply give yourself an excuse to stop by.
So what exactly makes frozen custard different?
What Is Frozen Custard?
Frozen custard is a frozen dairy dessert made with ingredients similar to ice cream, with one important addition: egg yolks.
Under federal food standards, frozen custard must contain at least 1.4 percent egg yolk solids. That requirement is one of the technical differences between frozen custard and traditional ice cream.
Those egg yolks help create the rich texture people notice almost immediately.
The result is a dessert that feels smooth, creamy and substantial, even though it is still cold and refreshing.
Is Frozen Custard the Same as Ice Cream?
No.
Ice cream and frozen custard belong to the same family of frozen dairy desserts, but their recipes are different.
Traditional ice cream does not require the same amount of egg yolk found in frozen custard. Federal standards distinguish the two based partly on that egg yolk content.
From a customer’s point of view, however, the difference is much easier to understand:
Frozen custard has a rich, creamy character all its own.
You probably do not need a food science lesson to recognize it. One spoonful usually explains the difference pretty well.
Why Do Crepes and Frozen Custard Work So Well Together?
This may be the better question.
Crepes can go in almost any direction.
They can be savory enough for breakfast or lunch, filled with combinations such as bacon, ham, sausage, vegetables and cheese. They can also become dessert with strawberries, Nutella, peanut butter, banana and other sweet fillings.
Crepe & Custard serves both sweet and savory crepes, along with breakfast options, soups, salads and frozen custard.
That makes custard an easy ending to a savory meal.
Then again, nobody says you have to choose between a sweet crepe and custard.
Some decisions are better left unresolved.
Chocolate, Vanilla or Swirl?
This is where personal preference takes over.
At Crepe & Custard, frozen custard is available in chocolate, vanilla or swirl, with toppings available to make it your own.
Vanilla keeps things simple.
Chocolate gives you a richer finish.
Swirl solves the problem for anyone who refuses to choose sides.
Add your favorite toppings, grab a seat outside and you have a pretty good way to spend part of an afternoon at Lake Junaluska.
Frozen Custard After a Walk Around Lake Junaluska
Location matters almost as much as dessert.
Crepe & Custard sits at Lake Junaluska, where visitors can enjoy a paved walking trail with mountain and lake views. The full walking loop is approximately 3.8 miles, while a shorter 2.3-mile route is available by crossing the Turbeville Footbridge and the bridge above the dam.
That creates a natural dilemma.
Do you get custard before the walk or after?
We are not going to tell you how to live your life.
Crepe & Custard is located directly at Lake Junaluska and offers covered outdoor seating overlooking the area, making it an easy stop during a morning or afternoon at the lake.
You can come for breakfast, stop for lunch or make frozen custard the entire reason for the trip.
All three are acceptable.
Is Frozen Custard Worth Trying?
If you like ice cream but have never tried frozen custard, yes.
The familiar flavors make it approachable, while the richer texture gives you something noticeably different.
And because Crepe & Custard serves much more than dessert, you do not need to wait until after dinner.
Have a breakfast crepe in the morning.
Come back for lunch.
Walk around Lake Junaluska.
Then get custard.
We will not judge.
Try Frozen Custard at Lake Junaluska
The next time you are searching for dessert near Waynesville, NC, something sweet at Lake Junaluska or a place to stop while exploring Haywood County, come see us at Crepe & Custard.
Try chocolate.
Try vanilla.
Get the swirl.
Or bring somebody with you and taste all three.
Sometimes research is important.
Crepe & Custard
55 Memory Lane
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between frozen custard and ice cream?
The biggest ingredient difference is egg yolk. Under U.S. food standards, frozen custard contains at least 1.4 percent egg yolk solids, while ordinary ice cream falls below that threshold unless it is labeled differently.
Is frozen custard creamier than ice cream?
Frozen custard is known for its rich, smooth texture. Egg yolks are one of the ingredients that distinguish frozen custard from traditional ice cream.
What flavors of frozen custard does Crepe & Custard have?
Crepe & Custard offers chocolate, vanilla and swirl frozen custard, with toppings available.
Where can I get frozen custard near Waynesville, NC?
Crepe & Custard is located at 55 Memory Lane at Lake Junaluska, just outside Waynesville in Haywood County, North Carolina.
Can I get food besides frozen custard?
Yes. Crepe & Custard serves breakfast crepes, savory crepes, sweet crepes, soups, salads, drinks and frozen custard. Gluten-free crepes are also available.
