Trick or Treat Ice Cream: History and Party Tips

The History of Trick or Treat Ice Cream

Ice cream and Halloween have had a special connection for decades. The popular ice cream chain Carvel is well known for its Freaky Face cakes that allow you to customize silly monster faces on ice cream cakes. And special Halloween themed ice cream flavors like Monster Mash have been delighting trick or treaters since the 1970s.

But where did the concept of trick or treat ice cream originate? Ice cream historians point to the 1950s when pre-packaged novelties like the Bomb Pop became popular. The red, white, and blue popsicles evoked patriotic themes. And as the Halloween holiday grew in popularity in the mid-1900s, ice cream makers began experimenting with seasonal specials to capture the youth market.

Novelties and Sundae Creations

Ice cream makers started rolling out special Halloween themed treats like orange and black popsicles and ice cream sandwiches in the 1960s and 1970s. The novelty creations were usually colored black or orange with spooky names like Scream Pops and Jack O’Lantern bars.

Ice cream parlors also got into the trick or treating action by creating elaborate sundaes with clever names and spooky toppings. Some classics included the Peanut Butter Eye Scream made with chocolate ice cream, peanut butter topping, and chocolate cookie eyes. Or the Graveyard Smash made with crushed chocolate cookie “dirt”, gummy “worms”, and hidden chocolate “tombstones.”

Carvel's Famous Freaky Face Cakes

No history of trick or treat ice cream would be complete without mentioning Carvel’s iconic Freaky Face cakes. Tom Carvel pioneered the idea of customizable ice cream cakes decorated to look like monsters. For Halloween, kids could choose scary eyes, mouths, and all kinds of creepy decorations to create a one-of-a-kind freaky face ice cream treat.

Generations of ice cream lovers have grown up with Carvel’s freaky face cakes that made the perfect centerpiece dessert at both Halloween and birthday parties. The cakes bridged the gap between trick or treating and ice cream creations.

Popular Modern Trick or Treat Ice Creams

While old school classics like Freaky Face cakes are still beloved today, ice cream makers continue finding innovative ways to blend Halloween and ice cream:

1. Scary Swirl Ice Creams

Picture swirling ribbons of orange and black ice cream perfect for the Halloween season. Companies like Baskin Robbins get into the spirit with flavor combos like Chocolate Polar Bear and Black Cat Licorice ice cream blended together.

2. Monster Themed Ice Cream Pints

Why hand out candy for Halloween when you can hand out themed ice cream pints instead? Fan favorites include brands like Ben & Jerry’s with flavors like Monster Mash packed with candy mix-ins. Or Halo Top’s seasonal Vampire Vanilla Bean pint made with light ice cream and a black raspberry swirl.

3. Creepy Crawly Add-Ins

Gross out your friends and family by serving up some creepy crawly add-ins with your ice cream this Halloween! Real edible insects like crunchy crickets or mealworms are showing up blended into some extreme ice cream flavors. Or opt for some plastic gummy worms, spiders, or bugs to mix in for some spooky fun without the ick factor.

Throw Your Own Trick or Treat Ice Cream Party

Now that you’re inspired, why not throw your own trick or treat ice cream party this year? Here are some quick tips to get the frightful festivities started:

Creepy Cones

Make your own creepy ice cream cones by dipping ice cream cones upside down in melted chocolate or orange candy coating. Sprinkle on some black sprinkles for an eerie effect. Fill with ice cream and scary sprinkles or toppings.

Make Your Own Sundaes

Set up a sundae bar with Halloween themed toppings so guests can build their own frightening frozen concoctions. Don’t forget classic treats like crushed cookies, candy pieces, caramel, fudge sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream and of course creepy crawlers!

Kids Candy Contest

Have the kids guess how many Halloween candies or gummies are hidden inside a jar. The winner scores a prize pack of ice cream treats. For an even grosser contest, see who can finish a bowl of insects and ice cream the fastest!

However you choose to celebrate, bringing together trick or treating and ice cream is sure to scream Halloween happiness. Have a fang-tastic holiday!

FAQs

When did trick or treat ice cream first become popular?

Ice cream historians trace the concept of trick or treat ice cream back to the 1950s when novelty treats like bomb pops became popular around Halloween. Ice cream makers started experimenting with holiday flavors and packaging as Halloween grew in popularity in the mid-1900s.

Where can I find Halloween themed ice cream in stores?

Many major ice cream chains like Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Carvel offer exclusive flavors and cakes for Halloween. Specialty seasonal pints are also available from brands like Talenti, Ben & Jerry's, Halo Top, and more featuring spooky names and packaging.

What are some ideas for a DIY trick or treat ice cream party?

Try ideas like a creepy ice cream cone decorating station, sundae bar with frightening toppings, guess the Halloween candy jar game, or an extreme eat off contest featuring insect-infused ice cream. Get creative with creepy and spooky themes!

Can I make freaky face ice cream cakes at home?

While you can't exactly replicate Carvel's iconic customizable cakes, you can decorate store-bought ice cream cakes at home with scary decorations. Use candy eyeballs, chocolate chips for warts, candy fangs to rim the cake, or gel icing to draw monstrous faces.