Scooping Up the Competition: Texas Ice Cream Innovations on the Rise

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Texas, with its vast landscapes, unique culture, and scorching summers, is no stranger to the joys of ice cream. The Texan love affair with this frozen delight is nothing new, but in recent years, a delicious transformation has been taking place. A slew of innovative and locally-owned ice cream innovations have emerged, challenging the dominance of national names and introducing Texans to a new world of flavors. 

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the rising stars of the Texas ice cream scene, their stories, and what sets them apart.

Dipdipdip Ice Cream 

Location: Austin, Texas

DipDipDip Ice Cream is all about offering funky, fresh, and artisanal ice cream. Their unique ice cream creations are crafted using locally sourced milk, cream, and buttermilk from Hill Country Dairies. They take pride in creating their own hand-dipped mochiko waffle cones made from mochi flour in-house. Guests have the convenience of walking up to the DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya patio, placing orders via their phones, and selecting from a range of complete ice cream desserts and various extras before collecting their treats at the service window

The menu at DipDipDip Ice Cream offers a diverse range of delicious treats, including ice cream shakes, cones, cups, tacos served in a pan-fried brioche shell, and pints to take home. Among their delightful offerings, the "Sum Yum Yuzu" stands out as a favorite, featuring super-creamy black pepper yuzu mascarpone with strawberries and served in a pink lemon-dipped mochiko waffle cone. Another popular option is the "Barney Poo," which combines Japanese purple sweet potato ice cream with a pickled blueberry gel. These creative and delectable choices showcase the innovative spirit of DipDipDip Ice Cream.

Website: https://www.dipdipdip-icecream.com 

Address: 7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101, Austin, TX 78757

X Crem

Location: Austin, Texas

X Crem, managed by co-managers Alexander Buckle and Olivia Adams, is an intriguing establishment described as a "speakeasy ice cream parlor." At X Crem, patrons can indulge in decadent ice cream creations, including the "Marshmallow Overload" (featuring marshmallow and white chocolate ice cream), "Lil Blue Panda" (a blue and white-colored sugar cookie ice cream with blue cookie dough and chocolate cookies with cream fillings), and the "Red Velvet Revival" (offering red velvet ice cream with red velvet cake bits and chocolate fudge). For those with dietary preferences, X Crem also offers vegan options and sorbets.

Customers can enjoy these delectable treats in colorful waffle cones and cups, accompanied by a variety of sauces and candies. X Crem's atmosphere is characterized by clubby vibes, complete with a disco ball, neon signage, and a luxurious velvet sofa, creating a unique and enjoyable experience for ice cream lovers.

Website: https://www.xcrematx.com 

Address: 1614 E 6th St Ste 112, Austin, TX 78702 

Black+White Modern Creamery

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Black+White Modern Creamery, as its name suggests, places a significant emphasis on the "modern" aspect of ice cream. Here, you won't find any traditional or run-of-the-mill options; instead, they boldly venture into the extraordinary realm of flavors that are truly out of this world.

During our visit, we were treated to an exceptional array of unique flavors that stretched the boundaries of what ice cream can be. From the delightful "Lavender Milk Tea," which left our taste buds craving for more, to the enigmatic "Black Vanilla," and the playful "Fruity Pebbles," (how long do fruity pebbles last?) Black+White's flavor choices are not just innovative but also incredibly delicious. They also presented options like "Strawberry and Cream," "Maple Bacon," "Big Red Sorbet," and the surprisingly spot-on "Honey Cornbread," making us feel like we were enjoying a fresh slice of cornbread drizzled with honey.

What makes Black+White truly exceptional is its commitment to keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Their monthly rotating menu ensures that every visit is an adventure, and they cater to diverse dietary needs with a great selection of both gluten-free and dairy-free options. If you're seeking an ice cream experience that's as modern as it is mouthwatering, Black+White Modern Creamery is the place to be.

Address: 4011 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Craft Creamery

Location: Houston, Texas

Craft Creamery, led by chef Steve Marques and "chief tasting officer" Kim Kaase, has been redefining the ice cream experience since its inception in 2020. Their approach is all about crafting small-batch ice creams using the traditional French-pot method, prioritizing pure, locally-sourced ingredients. This commitment to quality shines through in every scoop.

The menu at Craft Creamery offers a delightful journey through a world of flavors. From the unique and savory "Wagyu Brisket" to the aromatic "Tomato Tarragon," and the sweet-savory blend of "Miso Caramel," their creations span global tastes and celebrate the seasons. Take, for instance, "Basil," inspired by a summer morning in Genoa, which is a testament to their dedication to capturing the essence of the moment in every scoop.

For those seeking vegan options, Craft Creamery offers a selection of chocolate and fruit sorbets. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can savor the richness and creativity of Craft Creamery's ice cream. With its commitment to crafting small-batch ice creams with a focus on quality and innovative flavors, Craft Creamery has quickly become a standout in the world of frozen treats.

Website: https://craftcreameryhtx.com 

Address: 1338 Westheimer Rd ste b, Houston, TX 77006

Merry Monarch Creamery

Location: Austin, Texas

Merry Monarch Creamery, under the guidance of owner Gregory Mazes, is all about crafting top-quality ice creams in the Philadelphia-style, known for being eggless and boasting at least 10 percent milkfat. Mazes takes pride in using Texas dairy and infusing his creations with exciting and playful flavors.

The menu at Merry Monarch Creamery is a testament to their commitment to fun and delectable offerings. With flavors like "Oreo Miso," featuring cookie-white miso ice cream studded with cookie chunks and chocolate hazelnut truffles (What wine goes well with truffles?), or the adventurous "Thom Kha Lime Pie," a fusion of chocolate-kafir lime leaf ice cream with yuzu/lime curd, peanuts, graham crackers (how long does graham crackers last?), and candied ginger crumbles, every visit promises a delightful surprise. For those who love the classic combination of chocolate and banana, the "Chocolate Banana" with roasted peanuts is a must-try.

Maze's ice cream journey began as a pickup and delivery pint shop in 2021 in Austin, occasionally hosting pop-ups. Later, he transitioned to a dedicated food truck in late September, offering a more permanent home for his imaginative and delectable ice cream creations. Merry Monarch Creamery is a must-visit for those seeking inventive flavors and an exceptional ice cream experience in Austin.

Website: https://www.merrymonarchcreamery.com 

Address: 5000 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 

Besame

Location: Austin, Texas

Besame is a delightful addition to the vibrant Austin food scene, quickly making its mark with its unique and delectable ice cream offerings. Nestled within an endearing blue and bubble gum pink food truck, Besame provides an experience that's not just about ice cream but also the charm of its setting.

What sets Besame apart is its commitment to freshness. The ice cream is churned daily right inside the same food truck from which it's served. This dedication to freshness ensures that every scoop is as creamy and luscious as it can possibly be. Besame's secret lies in its higher ratio of cream to milk, which gives their ice cream an incredibly creamy and almost chewy texture, a distinctive quality that sets it apart from other ice creams.

However, it's not just the texture that makes Besame stand out. The real magic happens in their innovative flavors. Whether it's the unique "pretzel milk" or the mouthwatering "My Jam" with its swirl of strawberry jam, or the seasonal favorite "Texas Corn" featuring a corn-chip infused base, blueberry coulis, and caramel popcorn (how long does popcorn last?) crumble, there's something for everyone, and the menu is constantly evolving.

Address: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744 

Conclusion: The Sweet Future of Texas Ice Cream

The Texas ice cream scene is heating up, and it's not just because of the scorching summer sun. These local, innovative brands are changing the way Texans experience and enjoy ice cream. Whether you're in the mood for a classic scoop, an adventurous flavor combination, or a dairy-free indulgence, these rising stars have something to offer everyone.

What sets these brands apart is their commitment to quality, local sourcing, and the desire to create ice cream experiences that resonate with the diverse Texan population. In a state known for its big, bold flavors, it's no surprise that these new ice cream brands are making waves.

So, whether you're a native Texan or just passing through, make sure to check out these rising stars in the Texas ice cream industry. Your taste buds will thank you as you savor the innovative and delectable creations that define the evolving landscape of Texas ice cream.