National Frozen Custard Day is widely celebrated on August 8 each year. Frozen custard is the perfect summer treat with its smooth texture and deliciousness. The dessert is even quite simple to make and is typically prepared fresh at the place of sale. It is a beloved dessert across the globe and on this day you can get in on the fun by eating frozen custard.
History of National Frozen Custard Day
The idea of custard is not new, rather fairly ancient. The idea of cooking milk with eggs to make it thick dates back to at least the Romance times and it’s even mentioned in Apicius. Probably, it could be even older than that. Later In the 17th century, fruit creams started gaining popularity and custards began to be made as individual dishes or bowls instead of just fillings or crust. While custard is quite similar to ice cream, the United States Food and Drug Administration mandates that frozen custard products must contain at least 10% of milk fat and 1.4% egg yolk solids.
It was in 1919, that the frozen custard was invented in Coney Island, New York. Two ice cream vendors by the names of Archie and Elton Kohr realized that when they added egg yolks to ice cream, it resulted in a product that was smoother in texture and helped the ice cream stay cold for a longer duration which was perfect for hot summer afternoons. During the first weekend of them selling frozen custard, they ended up selling 18,640 cones on the boardwalk itself.
Frozen custard started gaining immense popularity throughout the Midwest and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, actually came to be known as the “unofficial frozen custard capital of the world.”
Frozen Custard Day falls right during the summer months, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy to beat the heat. It is so simple to prepare and it is even easily available in local stores. So on this day, grab a bowl of frozen custard and bask in the glory of a sweet haven.
National Frozen Custard Day timeline
Alfred Bird uses cornflour instead of egg to create the first egg-free custard.
Archie and Elton Kohr, two ice cream vendors, invent frozen custard on Coney Island, New York.
Frozen custard gains popularity after finding a market at the World’s Fair in Chicago.
Milwaukee gets its first frozen custard stand opened by Paul Gilles.
National Frozen Custard Day FAQs
Does frozen custard taste like ice cream?
Ice cream is a frozen dessert made with a combination of cream and milk and sugar and while frozen custard tastes a lot like ice cream, it is richer, denser, and creamier.
What is frozen custard made with?
Frozen custard is made with eggs along with cream and sugar. The temperature of this dessert is warmer compared to ice cream, and it has a denser consistency.
Is it normal to eat custard by itself?
Custard is warm and silky in texture and can be eaten solo or with a variety of desserts.
How To Celebrate National Frozen Custard Day
Make frozen custard
National Frozen Custard Day can be best celebrated by making frozen custard! Make a batch for yourself and your family, and sit back and enjoy this summery treat.
Buy from your favorite custard shop
A lot of shops sell good quality frozen custard. If you can’t make one, you can go buy one from any local shop and relish it. You can even send a surprise custard to a loved one and make their day.
Take a baking class
Sign up for a baking class where they teach you how to make desserts including frozen custard. You can put your knowledge to the test then and surprise your near and dear ones with your expertly made frozen custard.
5 Fascinating Facts About Custard
Varying consistencies
Custard can be a thin pouring sauce (crème anglaise) to the thick pastry cream (crème pâtissière) or frozen custard.
Origin of the name
The name comes from ‘croustade,’ which refers to the crust in which the dish was baked.
Eat it fresh
While ice cream can be eaten over several days if stored correctly, frozen custard is best eaten fresh.
Popular in Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, custards baked in tarts were quite popular.
Savory custard
There is a type of savory which is savory and that is quiche, which is a French tart with a filling of custard and other ingredients.
Why We Love National Frozen Custard Day
Frozen custard is easy to make
Frozen custard uses very few ingredients and is super easy to make. So if you’re one of those who want to learn how to make desserts, you can start with this simple dish first.
It’s a beloved dessert
Frozen custard is best enjoyed in the summers and it's only fitting that it is celebrated in August. This dessert is widely loved by people across the globe.
It’s a close cousin of ice cream
Frozen custard and ice cream come real close except for the difference of one ingredient and the texture and temperature. Anyone who loves ice cream is surely going to love frozen custard.
National Frozen Custard Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 8 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 8 | Wednesday |
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