From European Roots to American Delight: The Sweet Journey of Frozen Custard.
Frozen custard is a beloved American dessert that brings joy with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible sweetness. But behind every scoop of this velvety treat lies a fascinating history that traces its origins back to Europe, eventually becoming a staple of American summer indulgence.
Frozen custard’s roots can be traced to early European ice creams, particularly in France and Italy. The concept of making frozen, cream-based desserts dates back to the 17th century, when Italian chefs created sorbets and ice creams using milk, sugar, and ice.
These early creations laid the groundwork for frozen custard, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the addition of egg yolks—giving the dessert its signature creamy texture—was introduced. This innovation gave rise to what we know today as custard.
Frozen custard made its way to America in the early 20th century. In 1919, two entrepreneurs, Archie and Elaine Kohr, opened a stand in Coney Island, New York, where they began selling their version of frozen custard.
Their formula, which included eggs as a key ingredient, set their product apart from regular ice cream, creating a smoother, richer texture. The dessert was an instant hit, and soon after, stands selling frozen custard began popping up along American boardwalks, beaches, and fairgrounds.
In the 1930s, frozen custard found a more permanent place in American culture when the first dedicated custard stands opened in Wisconsin.
The state, known for its dairy farming, became the epicenter of frozen custard production, with Milwaukee emerging as the “frozen custard capital of the world.”
The smooth, dense texture of frozen custard, created by using a higher percentage of egg yolks than regular ice cream, helped cement its status as a luxury dessert.