National Frozen Custard Day is a delicious food holiday celebrating the creamy, egg-enriched frozen dessert that has become a beloved American treat. This frozen delight differs from ice cream due to its higher egg yolk content, resulting in a denser, creamier texture.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 8th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Dessert Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFrozenCustardDay
- When was it founded?: Not officially documented
- Who founded it?: Origins unclear, though the dessert itself was invented by Archie and Elton Kohr
History
Frozen custard’s story began on Coney Island in 1919 when the Kohr brothers discovered that adding egg yolks to ice cream created a smoother texture and helped it stay frozen longer. The treat gained widespread popularity at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and particularly flourished in Milwaukee, which became known as the unofficial “Frozen Custard Capital of the World.”
Timeline
- 1919: Invention on Coney Island
- 1933: Chicago World’s Fair popularization
- 1938: First Milwaukee frozen custard stand opens
- 1941: Major expansion across the Midwest
- 1960s: Introduction of the “concrete” style frozen custard
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Aug 8 | Thursday |
| 2025 | Aug 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | Aug 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Aug 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | Aug 8 | Tuesday |
Observed
Celebrations typically involve visiting local custard shops, making homemade frozen custard, or enjoying special promotions at national custard chains. Many establishments offer discounted treats or special flavors on this day.
Fun Facts About Frozen Custard
- Must contain at least 1.4% egg yolk solids
- Served at a warmer temperature than ice cream
- Contains less air than traditional ice cream
- Has more butterfat content than regular ice cream
- Best eaten fresh rather than stored
Quiz
- What year was frozen custard invented?
- Which city is known as the Frozen Custard Capital?
- What minimum percentage of egg yolk is required?
(Answers: 1919, Milwaukee, 1.4%)
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between ice cream and frozen custard?
A: Frozen custard contains egg yolks and has less air whipped into it.
Q: Does frozen custard have more calories than ice cream?
A: Generally yes, due to higher fat content.
Importance of National Frozen Custard Day
This celebration helps preserve an important piece of American dessert history while supporting local custard shops and encouraging culinary exploration. It also promotes understanding of different frozen dessert varieties.
Related
- National Ice Cream Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Vanilla Custard Day
- National Dairy Month
- World Ice Cream Day