Rich, creamy and deeply chocolatey, chocolate ice cream is one of the most popular flavors in America, second only to vanilla in many surveys. National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, on June 7, celebrates this classic treat as summer begins. Whether you enjoy it in a cone, a sundae, a milkshake or straight from the carton, it's a delicious way to cool off.
History of National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
Frozen desserts have existed for centuries, from flavored ices in ancient China and Persia to chilled sweets in the courts of Europe. Chocolate, originally a drink from Mesoamerica, arrived in Europe in the 1500s.
In the 1690s, Antonio Latini, a steward in Naples, Italy, recorded recipes for frozen desserts, including one flavored with chocolate. Chocolate ice cream became fashionable among European elites, and in the United States, early presidents such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson served ice cream at their homes.
Ice cream became more widely available in the 1800s. In 1843, Nancy Johnson of Philadelphia patented a hand-cranked ice cream freezer, making homemade ice cream much easier. Later, refrigeration and factories made ice cream an everyday treat. Who created National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is not documented.
Why National Chocolate Ice Cream Day Matters
Chocolate ice cream is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of summer days, ice cream trucks and birthday parties.
It also connects to fascinating history, from the Mesoamerican origins of chocolate to inventions like the hand-cranked freezer.
Making ice cream at home is a fun science experiment, showing how salt lowers the freezing point of ice and how churning creates a smooth texture.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
- Enjoy a scoop: visit a local ice cream shop.
- Make a sundae: add hot fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles.
- Blend a shake: make a chocolate milkshake or malt.
- Make it at home: try a no-churn recipe or an ice cream maker.
- Try a float: add chocolate ice cream to root beer.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, an ice cream social or sundae bar is a classic summer celebration; offer dairy-free options. In classrooms, students can make ice cream in a bag using milk, sugar, cocoa, ice and salt, learning how salt lowers the freezing point. They can also learn about Nancy Johnson as an inventor. At home, families can make sundaes together, host a taste test of different chocolate ice creams, or make homemade ice cream. Remember to check for food allergies.
Fun Facts About National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
- Antonio Latini recorded a chocolate frozen dessert in the 1690s.
- Nancy Johnson patented a hand-cranked ice cream freezer in 1843.
- Chocolate originated in Mesoamerica.
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day FAQs
When is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day?
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is June 7.
When was chocolate ice cream invented?
Recipes appeared in Italy in the 1690s.
Who invented the ice cream maker?
Nancy Johnson patented a hand-cranked freezer in 1843.
How do I make ice cream in a bag?
Shake milk, sugar and cocoa in a small bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt.