In identical sugar concentration desserts, why might a firmer gel taste significantly sweeter than a less viscous one?

Answer

The brain integrates the tactile feedback from texture into the final flavor calculation.

The brain incorporates texture, or mouthfeel, into the flavor calculation. The tactile feedback concerning the physical resistance (viscosity) influences the perceived intensity of the taste, making firmer items seem sweeter.

In identical sugar concentration desserts, why might a firmer gel taste significantly sweeter than a less viscous one?
tastesensitivityperceptionfactorsense