Dean's Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream

[New for 2014] Ok, are you ready for a new brand on the blog? No, it's not another high end company that's going to drain your wallet, it's actually a main stream company that I stumbled upon while searching for the new Cool Haus pints. Haven't heard of Dean Foods? Well, they own different dairy companies in different regions, for me it's Garelick, but rather then run down every company, just know that they are the folks behind Tru Moo. Unfortunately, since they are a huge dairy company and not just an ice cream company, they seem to have forgotten to create a website where we can find their new flavors...

Dean's Country Fresh Red Velvet Cake Premium Ice Cream

Red velvet cake flavored ice cream and cake pieces swirled with a cream cheese ribbon

I was at this store a week or two ago and they had this flavor and the new Happy Birthday Cake flavor. I thought I was going to have to choose between the two when I went back, but the bday cake was all gone. Doing a little research, it seems that there is also a new Classic Chocolate Cupcake flavor out now. There might also be a German Chocolate Cake flavor in a blue container instead of a purple container, or maybe that one is from last year. See, this is why ice cream companies need websites. Ok, enough background, let's scoop.

I wasn't expecting anything brightly colored, two cake bits, no sign of the swirl

I take a few bites and it's not bad, not bad at all. It's pretty mild, no crazy cake batter tang or over-sweetness. It's not strong like the B&J version or funky like the Blue Bunny version. No, it's just a tame flavor that's easy on the taste buds. Texture is decent, fairly airy, basically standard main stream fair.

The dark red cake bits? Yeah, I like them, probably because there are so many of them. Whenever I think I've been too greedy and devoured them all, I stumble upon some more, and that's what makes this flavor a winner for me. These dense little bits have just the right amount of flavor punch to make you happy. Yeah, I should say fun factor right about now, shouldn't I? Dense enough to notice, flavorful enough to elevate the bite, compliments the base well, it's all good. This non-offensive flavor is definitely my style.

And the swirl? Well, it's a bit of a no show. Oh, it's here and there, but in microscopic bursts. You literally have to stare to find the little white whips and bubbles here and there. That said, the swirl still manages to add a bit of underlying cream cheese frosting flavor. Nothing crazy, just a little bit of sweetness to round out the flavor profile. I think more of the swirl would probably broaden the appeal of this ice cream, but considering the overall strategy on this one, not enough swirl seems like a safer bet rather then too much.

This was a good first introduction to Dean's ice cream for me. Nothing crazy, but not every company needs to be crazy. The average consumer doesn't have the cash to be crazy week in and week out. This was $3 on sale and more then good enough to make me try some of their other stuff (if and when they restock).

On Second Scoop: I just finished my second scoop and it went very well. When the cream cheese frosting hit it's stride, wow, I really enjoyed the sweet blast. I know I called this one tame yesterday, but I don't mean flavorless, I just mean nice. I dig the way the base compliments the plentiful cake bits. For some reason I really want a cupcake right now.

Verdict?  Mild, pleasant, cake bits seal the deal
Buy Again?  Sure