National Chocolate Custard Day

The story

The custard itself dates back to the Middle Ages, originally baked into tarts and named after the French word croustade, meaning “crust.” Early custards often included unexpected ingredients like meat or fish, but over time, they evolved into the sweet treat we know today.

Chocolate custard, a newer twist, likely emerged in the late 19th century. Combining chocolate with the classic custard mix of milk, eggs, and sugar creates a velvety dessert that’s as indulgent as it is simple. An early recipe appeared in Fannie Farmer’s 1918 cookbook, marking its rise in popularity. By 1934, General Foods introduced chocolate pudding, closely related to custard, under the name “Walter Baker’s Dessert,” later rebranded as Pickle’s Pudding in 1936.

Chocolate custard sits somewhere between pudding and cake, offering endless possibilities. It can be thickened with starch, baked into a firmer texture, or kept soft and silky. Despite its humble beginnings, this dessert became a beloved staple, especially for children and those in need of a gentle meal.