Pudding, custard, and mousse are all dairy-based creamy dishes that are served as desserts. They share similarities in taste and texture, which can sometimes cause confusion. This article will explore the differences between these three delicious treats.
Pudding is a dessert made by heating a mixture of milk, sugar, and cornstarch or flour. The starch molecules bond together, causing the mixture to thicken and create a creamy dessert that is served cold.
Custard is considered a cousin of pudding, as it also involves heating milk and eggs to create a thick, creamy mixture. When cooled, this mixture solidifies. Custards served as desserts typically contain sugar, although some homemade varieties may use sweet toppings instead. Fruit-based custards often incorporate grapes, apple pieces, or banana pieces for added flavor.
Mousse is similar to pudding but is made with a mixture of beaten egg whites and milk that is heated together. Sometimes, whipped cream is used in place of egg whites. Thus, adding whipped cream to a pudding mixture will result in a mousse.
Key Takeaways
- Pudding is made by heating milk, sugar, and cornstarch or flour, resulting in a thick, creamy dessert.
- Custard uses eggs instead of starch, creating a thick mixture that solidifies when cooled.
- Mousse is similar to pudding but incorporates beaten egg whites or whipped cream for added thickness and creaminess.
