Why does ice cream form a hard shell in a coke float?!
Why does ice cream form a hard shell in a coke float?
After pouring the soda over the ice cream, the ice cream forms a hard shell. Underneath the shell the ice cream is very soft and creamy, but why does the shell form?
Answers:
The frozen ice cream freezes the coke, creating an ice shell.
the coke freezes to the much colder icecream
It's the root beer freezing on the surface of the ice cream.
The cold coke freezes the ice cream.
Use room temperature root beer or coke instead of cold. The icecream will not get the hard shell and it is easier to eat/drink.
You won't get as many ice crystals forming in the ice cream if you use a full fat ice cream. So called "Light" or "Low Fat" ice creams have a higher water content and won't be nearly as creamy as a regular full fat brand.
the ice cream will freeze when the carbonation from the soda hits it.
If the ice cream is very cold then the soda may freeze upon contact but it you stir it, the little icy crystals will just break up and go away - yum!