National Custard Day Celebrations Freebies And Deals For Vanilla And Frozen Custard Lovers

The United States celebrates two distinct custard holidays throughout the year: National Vanilla Custard Day on August 17th and National Frozen Custard Day on August 8th. While both honor the rich, creamy dessert, they offer different opportunities for consumers to enjoy free samples and promotional offers. This article explores the deals available for both celebrations, highlighting where to find free or discounted custard treats across the country and how to make the most of these delicious holidays.

Understanding the Difference Between Vanilla Custard and Frozen Custard: Vanilla custard is a traditional dessert made from milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, heated until thickened. It has been a staple in European cuisine since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in America as a filling for pies, cakes, trifles, and cream puffs. In contrast, frozen custard is a denser, richer version of ice cream made with egg yolks in addition to cream and sugar. It is distinguished by its trademark smooth and creamy texture, achieved through a slow churning process that minimizes air and ice crystals. This difference in preparation results in frozen custard having a richer flavor and denser consistency than traditional ice cream or even regular custard served chilled.

National Frozen Custard Day (August 8th) - Deals and Freebies: National Frozen Custard Day on August 8th offers numerous opportunities for custard enthusiasts to enjoy free or discounted treats at various chains across the country. Several major brands participate in this celebration with special promotions:

Andy's Frozen Custard: Andy's Frozen Custard participates in National Frozen Custard Day by offering one small cone for 86¢ per customer. This discounted price makes it an affordable way to enjoy their signature frozen custard. While not entirely free, this represents a significant discount from regular prices and provides customers with an opportunity to try their product without a major financial commitment.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a chain founded and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, offers several deals on National Frozen Custard Day. All single cones, single dishes, and custard cookie sandwiches are available for $1 each. Additionally, Freddy's demonstrates community involvement by donating 50 cents from each sale to the Kids In Need Foundation, an organization that provides school supplies to children across the country. This dual benefit allows customers to enjoy a treat while contributing to a worthy cause. The chain has expanded beyond its Kansas roots, with locations now in several states, but maintains its commitment to quality and community involvement.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard participates in the celebration by offering one "promotional-size" custard for 99¢. This deal provides customers with an opportunity to enjoy Rita's version of frozen custard at a reduced price. Rita's, known for its Italian ice offerings, combines these with frozen custard to create unique flavor combinations that have become popular with customers across the country. Their promotional-size portions ensure that even at the discounted price, customers receive a satisfying amount of product.

Savvy Sliders: Based in Michigan, Savvy Sliders offers a free shake on National Frozen Custard Day at participating locations nationwide. Their menu includes specialty shakes such as Cookies n' Cream, Banana Pudding, and Strawberry Shortcake, as well as rotating specials like their Savvy Sliders S'mores Shake, which blends vanilla custard with graham cracker crumbles, chocolate syrup, and toasted marshmallow flavor, then tops it with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, mini marshmallows, and additional graham cracker crumbles. This elaborate presentation makes their shakes not just a treat but an experience. The free shake offer is particularly attractive as it provides full-value items at no cost to customers, making it one of the most generous promotions of the day.

BurgerFi: BurgerFi provides a free shake option for customers on National Frozen Custard Day. Customers can swap out a standard drink in a combo meal with a shake at no additional cost. This deal is valid for dine-in or ordering online at all BurgerFi locations nationwide. BurgerFi's shakes feature classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as rotating specials such as birthday cake. The flexibility of this promotion allows customers to customize their meal while still taking advantage of the free offer. BurgerFi has multiple locations across the country, including a metro Detroit location in Northville Township, making their promotion accessible to many customers.

National Vanilla Custard Day (August 17th) - Celebration Ideas: While fewer promotional offers are specifically mentioned for National Vanilla Custard Day on August 17th, the day provides numerous opportunities for vanilla custard enthusiasts to celebrate and enjoy this classic dessert:

Traditional Methods of Making Vanilla Custard: Vanilla custard is made by mixing milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then heating the mixture until it thickens. This traditional cooking method has been perfected over centuries and remains a beloved technique for creating the rich, creamy dessert that is vanilla custard. The process requires careful attention to temperature and timing to achieve the perfect consistency without scrambling the eggs. Many families have passed down their own variations of this recipe, adding their own unique touches while maintaining the fundamental elements that make vanilla custard so beloved.

Places to Enjoy Vanilla Custard: For those who prefer to enjoy vanilla custard without preparing it at home, several establishments across the country offer exceptional vanilla custard treats:

• Ladurée in Los Angeles provides a luxurious vanilla custard experience with intricately designed and delicious pastries. Known for their French macarons and elegant desserts, Ladurée offers vanilla custard creations that embody sophistication and artistry.

• The French Bakery in San Francisco serves traditional French pastries featuring rich, creamy vanilla custard. Their commitment to authentic French baking techniques ensures that customers receive a genuine taste of European pastry traditions.

• Crème Brûlée shops in Chicago offer vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust, providing a classic French dessert experience. The contrast between the smooth custard beneath and the crackling caramelized sugar on top creates a textural delight that has made this dessert a worldwide favorite.

Online Bakeries and Delivery Options: Several online bakeries and delivery services make it possible to enjoy vanilla custard desserts from home:

• Companies like Gobble and Goldbelly partner with top bakeries to deliver vanilla custard desserts to customers' doorsteps. These services have become increasingly popular, especially for those who may not have access to high-quality bakeries in their immediate area.

• Online bakeries such as Meringue Bakery and Buttercup Bake Shop offer a variety of vanilla custard treats, from classic custard pies to innovative desserts. Their websites provide detailed descriptions of products, customer reviews, and convenient ordering processes, making it easy for customers to find and enjoy their vanilla custard favorites.

Ways to Celebrate at Home: National Vanilla Custard Day can be celebrated in numerous ways at home:

• Making vanilla custard from scratch provides a fun activity for the whole family. The process, while requiring attention to detail, is relatively straightforward and offers an opportunity for family members to work together in the kitchen. Children can help with measuring ingredients and stirring, while adults handle the more delicate heating process.

• Hosting a Custard Creation Contest allows participants to showcase their culinary skills with various vanilla custard creations. This can be adapted for different skill levels, from simple variations like adding different fruit toppings to more complex creations like incorporating vanilla custard into layered parfaits or incorporating it into baked goods.

• Organizing a vanilla custard tasting offers an opportunity to sample different variations of the dessert. Participants can prepare vanilla custard using different recipes or purchase pre-made versions from various bakeries and compare them based on factors like texture, sweetness, and vanilla intensity.

• Preparing a vanilla custard ice cream social provides a refreshing way to celebrate while enjoying the company of friends and family. This can include serving vanilla custard in various forms, from traditional chilled custard to frozen versions, and offering a variety of toppings to customize each serving.

Community Involvement and Events: National Vanilla Custard Day also presents opportunities for community engagement:

• Organizing a custard-making workshop for local charities combines the love of custard with charitable giving. Participants can learn to make vanilla custard while donating their creations to food banks, shelters, or other community organizations in need.

• Hosting a custard-themed fundraiser supports good causes while bringing the community together. Events like "Custard for a Cause" can feature tastings, contests, and sales of vanilla custard products, with proceeds benefiting selected charities.

• Encouraging local businesses to offer special vanilla custard dishes or discounts helps promote the celebration and brings community members together. Coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries can participate by creating limited-time vanilla custard offerings or providing special deals on August 17th.

• Planning a Custard Tasting Tour around the city is a fun and tasty activity that lets participants try different vanilla custards from various establishments. This can be organized as a self-guided tour or as a guided event, providing an opportunity to explore local businesses while enjoying delicious treats.

The History and Versatility of Custard: Vanilla custard has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Initially used as a filling for pies and tarts, custard has evolved over centuries to become a versatile dessert component. The term "custard" itself encompasses a wide range of preparations, from the simplest egg-and-milk mixtures to more complex formulations incorporating various thickeners and flavorings.

The introduction of vanilla from the Americas in the 16th century added a new dimension to custard, creating the familiar and exciting flavor combination enjoyed today. Vanilla, originally from Mexico, was cherished by both the Aztecs and Europeans who developed methods to cure and dry vanilla beans to enhance their flavor. As trade expanded globally, vanilla became a key spice that influenced many desserts, including custard. The spice's ability to enhance other ingredients while providing its own distinctive sweetness made it an ideal addition to custard recipes.

In American cuisine, vanilla custard has found diverse applications, from pies and cakes to trifles and cream puffs. The fusion of European recipes with vanilla has made custard a staple in American kitchens. Early American cookbooks from the 18th and 19th centuries often included multiple custard recipes, reflecting the dessert's popularity and versatility. These recipes have been adapted and refined over time, with each generation adding its own touches while maintaining the fundamental appeal of vanilla custard.

Today, vanilla custard is not only loved for its taste but also for its ability to bring people together, symbolizing warmth and hospitality at family and community events. Its creamy texture and comforting flavor make it a favorite for celebrations, from casual family gatherings to formal dinner parties. The dessert's adaptability allows it to be served in various forms, from simple chilled custard in glasses to elaborate baked custards topped with caramel or fruit.

Frozen custard, while a more recent innovation, has quickly gained popularity in the United States. Starting as a novelty, it has evolved into a mainstream dessert option. The inclusion of pasteurized egg yolk distinguishes frozen custard from traditional ice cream, contributing to its characteristic smooth and creamy texture. The slow churning process used in its preparation minimizes air incorporation and ice crystal formation, resulting in a denser, richer product.

The frozen custard industry began to flourish in the early 20th century