A little reason to celebrate
National Frozen Custard Day
Food · August 8
Frozen custard is a dense, creamy frozen dessert made with egg yolks, churned slowly and served fresh. Here is what sets it apart and how to enjoy it.
National Frozen Custard Day falls on Sunday, August 8, 2027. That is 285 days away.
Frozen custard looks a lot like soft serve until you taste it. It is a frozen dessert made from cream, sugar and egg yolks, and the yolks give it a richer flavor and a smooth, almost velvety texture.
The difference comes from how it is made. Custard machines churn the mix slowly, so less air gets folded in. Less air means a denser scoop that feels heavier on the spoon and melts more slowly on the tongue. Many stands make it fresh throughout the day and serve it soon after it comes out of the machine, because it is at its best before it hardens in a freezer.
The Midwest is especially fond of it, with roadside stands that post a flavor of the day on a sign out front. Vanilla and chocolate are the usual anchors. The daily flavor might be butter pecan, or something with a whole pie's worth of ingredients stirred in.
The easiest way to try it is at a local custard stand, in a cup or cone or blended into a thick shake. Making it at home is possible too. Cook the egg yolk base gently to 160°F (stir the whole time) before chilling and churning it, so the eggs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
If you find a place that serves both custard and ice cream, order a small scoop of each and taste them side by side. The custard is usually the one that stays on the spoon a little longer.
Ways to celebrate
- Visit a local custard stand and try the flavor of the day.
- Taste frozen custard and ice cream side by side.
- Make a cooked custard base at home and churn it.
- Share a custard shake with a friend.
- Ask a stand what flavor is coming up next.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, August 8 |
| 2027 | Sunday, August 8 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, August 8 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, August 8 |
| 2030 | Thursday, August 8 |
Also on August 8
Categories: Food days