March 28 Eat an Eskimo Pie Day #EatAnEskimoPieDay

I remember as a child waiting in the Summer for the Ice cream Truck and for the Snow Cone Turck to come by. Most of the time I would choose a #Snowcone but sometimes I would choose a #IceCream and one of my favorites was a #EskimoPie.

Looks like I need to run to the Grocery Store to pick up a box of Eskimo Pies. Would you want a Eskimo Pie with my family? Or would you prefer a different Ice Cream If so what? I’m sure Charlie would want a #Drustick and David a Ice Cream Sandwich although they might surprise me and actually have a Eskimo Pie.

Grab your friends and family and lets have a Eskimo Pie and we can celebrate Eskimo Pie Day which is celebrated annually on March 28th. Eskimo Pie Day commemorates the discovery of America’s first Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bar, also known as Eskimo Pie, a frozen treat made of a Vanilla Ice Cream Bar and Chocolate Coating served on a stick

In the Summer of 1920, high school teacher and Candy shop owner Christian Kent Nelson witnessed a boy torn between purchasing a Ice Cream or a Chocolate Bar. The boy eventually purchase the Chocolate.

Nelson asked the boy why he didn’t purchase both, and the boy responded that he only had one nickel, so he couldn’t purchase his favorite treat. At this moment, Nelson came up with the idea of combining both treats to satisfy more children. A month later, he successfully produced the official Chocolate-Coated Ice Cream Bar, which he called an ‘I-Scream Bar.’

Nelson first made 500 bars without the sticks and sold them at a fireman’s picnic. After successfully selling his first few batches, Nelson began searching for a manufacturer to take his business to the next level. He partnered with Chocolate maker Russel C. Stover and renamed the Ice Cream Bars Eskimo Pies. Over time, Nelson and Stover sold the rights to local Ice Cream Shops in their area.

By the Spring of 1922, roughly 2,700 different shops sold the Eskimo Pie, selling over a million per day. In 1934, the popularity of Ice Cream Bars was at its peak. It was then that sticks were introduced to make the Pies easier to eat, shaping them into the modern version we know and love today. Nelson retired in 1961 and passed away on March 8th, 1992, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed the global Ice Cream industry

Eat an Eskimo Pie Day Activities

If you have the means and the opportunity today visit your favorite Ice Cream Shops and buy one or two Ice Cream Bars on Eat an Eskimo Pie Day to make the event more fun you could bring your friends, family, or children with you.
Check out modern Artisanal Ice Cream Bars on Eat an Eskimo Pie Day and you could get creative by adding dried Fruits, Nuts, Candies, or Chocolate shavings to your Ice Cream.
Go on a picnic and pack a basket of Eskimo Pies and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. There’s nothing better than enjoying a frozen treat while sitting under the warm Sun. Is there?

Interesting Facts About Eskimo Pies

Did you know in 2020, Dreyer’s division of Nestle announced that they’re changing the name from Eskimo Pie to Edy’s Pie?
The Eskimo Pie Company used to spend $4,000 in legal fees per day defending the rights to the broad coverage of Ice Cream Bars and for trademarking the word ‘Pie.’
In 1922, the popularity of Eskimo Pies caused the price of Cocoa Beans to increase.
Klondike pioneers the different Eskimo Pie flavors while Christain Nelson Kent invented the Chocolate Bar, it was Klondike that introduced a variety of flavors including Maple and Cherry. Which I will pass on. How about you?
In France, Eskimo Pies are called ‘Esquimaux Bricks.’

Why People Love Eat an Eskimo Pie Day

The Eskimo Pie still lives true to its purpose: offering two desserts in one.
Ice Cream reminds us of plenty of childhood memories and a bite of the Eskimo Pie is like being a kid all over again.
It’s always good to patronize local businesses in your area and today you can help them boost their sales by purchasing a bar of Eskimo Pie on this holiday.

Recipe for Eskimo Pie

Main Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla ice cream (or any flavor of your choice)
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (for the coating)
2 tablespoons coconut oil (to help the chocolate harden)
Popsicle molds (to shape the popsicles)
Popsicle sticks (to hold the ice cream popsicles)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicle Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cream Base

The first step in making your homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicle Recipe is preparing the ice cream base.

Soften the ice cream: Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and allow it to soften for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature. You want it soft enough to scoop and pack into molds but not melted.
Fill the popsicle molds: Scoop the ice cream into your popsicle molds once softened. Use a spoon to pack it down firmly and eliminate air pockets. Leave a small space at the top for the popsicle sticks.
Insert the popsicle sticks: After filling the molds, insert the popsicle sticks into the center of each mold. Make sure they are positioned securely and straight.
Freeze the ice cream: Place the filled molds into the freezer for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. The ice cream should be frozen before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Making the Chocolate Coating

Now that your ice cream is frozen solid, it’s time to prepare the Chocolate coating that will give your Eskimo Pie Popsicles their signature crunch.

Melt the chocolate chips: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate on the stovetop.
Mix in the coconut oil: Adding coconut oil to the melted chocolate is essential for achieving the right texture. The coconut oil helps the chocolate harden quickly when it comes into contact with the ice cream.
Let the chocolate cool slightly. After melting, let the chocolate sit for a few minutes to cool. It should be slightly warm but not hot enough to melt the ice cream when you dip the popsicles.

Step 3: Dipping the Popsicles in Chocolate

With your Ice Cream Popsicles frozen and your Chocolate coating ready, it’s time to dip!

Remove the popsicles from the molds: Carefully take the popsicles out of their molds by running the outside of the mold under warm water for a few seconds. Gently pull the popsicles out without breaking them.
Dip the popsicles in chocolate: Hold each popsicle by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring the entire ice cream is covered. You may need to tilt the bowl to ensure an even coating.
Let the chocolate harden: As soon as the popsicles are dipped, the chocolate should begin to harden. Place each dipped popsicle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the freezer to fully set for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Adding Toppings and Variations (Optional)

This step is optional but can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your popsicles.

Roll the popsicles in toppings: Before the chocolate hardens completely, roll the dipped popsicles in your choice of toppings, such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies.
Freeze again: After adding the toppings, place the popsicles back in the freezer for another 5-10 minutes to ensure everything sets nicely.

Step 5: Storing the Popsicles

Once all your popsicles are dipped, coated, and frozen, they are ready to be enjoyed! If you have extras or want to save them for later, follow these steps for proper storage:

Freeze for up to two weeks: Homemade Eskimo Pie popsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. Beyond this, the texture of the ice cream and chocolate may start to degrade.

Wrap individually: To prevent freezer burn, wrap each popsicle individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap.

Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped popsicles in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. This will help preserve the freshness and texture of the popsicles.

Optional Ingredients for Variations: