How confident are you about your favorite ice cream flavor? You might know your shoe size and home address, but do you truly know your go-to scoop? Well, prepare to question your certainty because we’ve discovered something mind-blowing. We think you’re lying. Yes, you, with your face and your neck, pretending to know your favorite ice cream flavor. Let’s face it, how can you be sure without sampling every flavor and ranking them from bottom to top? That’s exactly what my friend Michelle “Ms. New” Bui and I did at our local Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy store. Now, let’s dive into the delicious details.
Debunking the Myths
Not an Exhaustive List
First things first, let’s clear the air. This comprehensive list features all 24 flavors of ice cream available in the dipping case at Braum’s on September 17, 2018, at their 134th and S. May Avenue location. Please note that not all flavors are available at all times, so we sampled what we could get our hands on.
A Personal Ranking, Not a Scientific Study
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. No, this is not a scientifically measured ranking that takes into account butterfat content or air volume whipped into the ice cream. We simply lined up the flavors, tasted them, and made our personal judgments based on enjoyment.
Friendship and Availability
Before we jump into the rankings, you might wonder why you weren’t invited to this ice cream extravaganza. Well, Michelle is an old friend, and our lives have entwined in unimaginable ways. We share a bond forged in the crucible of the Franco-Prussian War. Plus, her flexible schedule allows for mid-afternoon ice cream adventures on weekdays.
The Flavor Rankings
24. Cookie Monster
This dyed-blue ice cream combines Oreo-esque chocolate cookies from Cookies and Cream with gooey cookie dough from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Unfortunately, the overwhelming cookie goodness overpowered the ice cream base. In fact, it even had a slight Play-Doh aftertaste.
23. Peanut Cluster Fudge (sugar-free fro-yo)
As a lover of chocolate peanut clusters, I had high hopes for this flavor. However, the sugar-free fro-yo with its gritty texture and Splenda infusion failed to capture the fun and flavors of its inspiration. The touch of salt was a saving grace, but overall, the taste did not come together harmoniously.
22. Cappuccino Chunky Chocolate (fro-yo)
Bui, a barista at Elemental Coffee, immediately identified the “fake” coffee flavor in this fro-yo. The chocolate chunks couldn’t compete with the dominant, artificial taste of coffee. Sadly, it fell short of expectations.
21. Cherry Pecan
Combining two beloved ice cream flavors, cherry, and pecan, should have been a winning combination. However, Cherry Pecan failed to deliver on its promise. The cherry flavor was disappointingly faint, and the pecan presence was equally underwhelming, resulting in a lackluster scoop.
20. Peppermint
A holiday favorite, Braum’s Peppermint ice cream provided a refreshing after-dinner mint experience for me. However, Bui likened it to toothpaste. While the balance with the creamy base was pleasant, the intensity of the mint flavor might be overwhelming for a whole cone.
19. Chocolate Chip
Surprisingly, Braum’s Chocolate Chip ice cream underperformed compared to its perennial popularity. The vanilla flavor barely peeked through the sugar, and the chocolate failed to make a noteworthy impact, leaving us disappointed.
18. Peanut Butter Cup
Imagine ribbons of peanut butter and chunks of chocolate nestled within vanilla ice cream—sounds like a guaranteed winner. However, the peanut butter proved too sweet, overshadowing the chocolate, which only made its presence known towards the end of each bite. We secretly wished for real peanut butter cups in the mix.
17. Lime (sherbet)
This flavor surprised us with its tangy taste. The lime perfectly balanced with the creaminess, resulting in a less tart experience. Although unconventional, it left a positive impression.
16. Cherry Limeade (sherbet)
Unbeknownst to us, Braum’s offered a cherry limeade sherbet, which piqued our curiosity. While the cherry taste remained understated, the lime flavor dominated in this sherbet. The tartness was a delightful reminder of nostalgic lime sherbet, but we agreed it could become overpowering after a while. We preferred reserving the cherry limeade experience for the fountain drinks at Braum’s and exploring other flavors.
15. Thunder Dip
During the professional basketball season, Braum’s pays tribute to our local heroes, the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder Dip, a birthday cake ice cream variety. As an admirer of birthday cake ice cream, I found it marginally appealing. The cake bits were enjoyable, but the overwhelming frosting flavor didn’t quite hit the mark. (Note: “Homerun” was intentionally avoided to sidestep missed opportunity remarks.)
14. Fudge Ripple
Can’t decide between vanilla and chocolate? Braum’s has you covered with Fudge Ripple, featuring both flavors in one scoop. The creamy fudge tends to overpower the vanilla at times, but it’s a satisfying choice for those who struggle with decision-making.
13. Vanilla Bean (sugar-free fro-yo)
Surprisingly, a sugar-free frozen yogurt secures a high spot on our rankings. Braum’s Vanilla Bean fro-yo triumphs by using genuine vanilla as the flavoring, resulting in a vast improvement over the strange taste associated with artificial sweeteners. With its rich and creamy texture, it’s an excellent option for those opting for plain vanilla in a cone at Braum’s.
12. Rocky Road
As much as it pains me to admit, my personal favorite, Rocky Road, did not fare as well in this taste test. It goes to show that self-discovery is an ever-evolving journey. When compared to other flavors, Rocky Road fell short, leaving us cold in disappointment.
11. Chocolate Almond
Surprisingly, Chocolate Almond surpassed Rocky Road, even though it’s essentially Rocky Road with the addition of marshmallows. The rich almond concentration overshadowed the average impact of marshmallows. We agreed that adding almond extract could elevate this otherwise one-note flavor.
10. German Chocolate
Prepare for a surprising revelation—German Chocolate is pretty great. With its nutty and coconut bits, it distinguishes itself from traditional chocolate scoops. The creamy texture and the coconut’s contribution add exciting dimensions to this otherwise mild chocolate flavor.
9. Black Walnut
The peculiarity of Black Walnut lies in its unmistakable black walnut taste. It goes beyond merely using the nut meat, capturing the distinct green flavor found in freshly shelled walnuts. I, for one, appreciate its unique natural essence, but consuming a full cone may test one’s affinity for this unconventional flavor.
8. Chocolate Toffee
Yes, yes, and yes! Braum’s hits the jackpot with their ability to blend an array of flavors seamlessly. The buttery toffee in Chocolate Toffee gives the chocolate the boost it needs to surpass German Chocolate in our rankings. Additionally, the sticky and chewy crunch adds a delightful texture, making each bite an adventure.
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Confession time: I’ve never been a fan of raw cookie dough. Why not bake it and enjoy cookies instead? However, Braum’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream proved me wrong. The sweetness of the dough and the abundance of chocolate chips deliver more chocolate flavor than traditional Chocolate Chip ice cream. It’s all about balance, and this flavor nails it.
6. Butter Pecan
Sometimes, life surprises us. Flavors we never considered favorites suddenly captivate our taste buds. Butter Pecan effortlessly won me over. The combination of pecans and a touch of butter creates a perfect balance of richness that counteracts excessive sweetness. It’s begging to be included in my next sundae.
5. Cookies and Cream
Hello, old friend. Cookies and Cream ice cream instantly transports me to a nostalgic era when crumbling Oreos into ice cream constituted an innovative flavor. Texturally, it’s a marvel, striking the right balance between crunch and creaminess. After years of overlooking this classic, I find myself back on the Cookies and Cream bandwagon.
4. Mint Chocolate Chip
Here’s a weird twist: Mint Chocolate Chip’s mint flavor packed more punch than its counterpart, Peppermint. Surprisingly, this flavor proved that two “wrongs” can create a delicious “right.” The chocolate presence in Mint Chocolate Chip also made a more significant impact than in Chocolate Chip ice cream. It’s an unexpected winner.
3. Orange (sherbet)
Prepare to be amazed by the unexpected triumph of Orange sherbet, earning bronze in our rankings. Creaminess softened the orange’s natural vibrancy, resulting in a delightful Dreamsicle pop-like flavor. Whether it’s nostalgia or some form of sorcery, Orange sherbet hits the spot.
2. Vanilla Hershey’s Gold
During the Olympics, I actively avoided Hershey’s Gold bars due to personal preference for classic Hershey’s chocolate. However, Vanilla Hershey’s Gold ice cream surprised me. It boasts a mild nuttiness reminiscent of peanut butter or tahini. It captures the essence of these flavors without overwhelming richness, making it a refreshing departure from traditional peanut butter ice creams.
And the Champion is… Pecan Praline and Cream!
Drumroll, please! Pecan Praline and Cream takes the crown as the ultimate favorite. Prepare for a life filled with retirement and endless napping opportunities, all accompanied by Pecan Praline and Cream ice cream. This flavor emerged as the winner, defying all expectations. Neither Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip, nor Strawberry (unfortunately absent during our tasting) made the cut. Yet, bite after bite, the crunchy pecans, sweet praline swirls, and silky creaminess united perfectly. Even as the author of this article, I demand a recount; it’s that good.
In conclusion, Braum’s Ice Cream offers a multitude of flavors to satisfy every taste bud. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or crave unique surprises, Braum’s has something for everyone. So, are you ready to embark on your very own ice cream adventure? Visit Ice Cream for more information and to explore the delightful world of ice cream.
