Eat an Eskimo Pie Day - March 28, 2027

Eat an Eskimo Pie Day falls on March 28 to highlight the clever invention that brought together two beloved treats into one convenient, delicious bar. This fun observance shines a light on the chocolate-covered ice cream treat that has delighted generations with its perfect contrast of creamy vanilla center and crisp chocolate shell. Whether enjoyed on a stick during summer outings or savored as a nostalgic snack, the Eskimo Pie represents simple ingenuity that turned a child's dilemma into a lasting favorite.

Eat an Eskimo Pie Day History

One ordinary summer afternoon in a small Iowa town forever changed the way Americans enjoyed frozen treats. A young boy stood at a candy counter with only a single nickel in his pocket, unable to decide between an ice cream cone and a chocolate bar. His frustration caught the attention of high school teacher and candy shop owner Christian Kent Nelson, who began wondering why no one had ever thought to combine both flavors into a single treat that would satisfy both cravings at once.

Nelson returned to his kitchen and spent weeks experimenting with different methods of coating ice cream with chocolate. The biggest challenge was finding the right temperature and technique so the chocolate would adhere properly without melting the ice cream or cracking when it hardened. After many failed attempts, he finally perfected the process and created the world's first chocolate-coated ice cream bar, initially calling it the "I-Scream Bar".

He tested his creation by making 500 bars without sticks and selling them at a local fireman's picnic. The bars sold out almost immediately, with customers raving about the wonderful combination of cool, creamy ice cream and crisp chocolate coating. Encouraged by this success, Nelson sought a business partner who could help him produce the treat on a larger scale. He eventually teamed up with chocolate maker Russell C. Stover, who helped refine the recipe and suggested changing the name to "Eskimo Pie" to evoke the idea of something cold and delicious from the far north.

By the spring of 1922, Eskimo Pies were flying off shelves at more than 2,700 stores across the country, with sales reaching over a million bars per day. The introduction of a wooden stick in 1934 made the treat even more convenient and portable, turning it into the familiar handheld snack that remains popular to this day. Although the brand changed ownership several times over the decades, the core idea stayed remarkably consistent, proving that a simple but brilliant concept can endure for generations.

National Eat an Eskimo Pie Day was established to honor this American classic, celebrate its inventive beginnings, and remind us how one person’s clever solution to a small problem can create something that delights millions of people for more than a hundred years.

Why Eat an Eskimo Pie Day Matters

Assist Regional Dairy Vendors

Choosing to enjoy Eskimo Pies or similar local ice cream creations helps sustain small businesses, family-owned shops, and independent makers who keep traditional recipes alive. The day encourages patronage of these establishments, preserving culinary heritage while enjoying high-quality, locally made treats that often taste better than mass-produced versions.

Recall Joyful Childhood Moments

A single Eskimo Pie can instantly transport people back to simpler times, evoking memories of summer days, ice cream trucks, family outings, or special treats after school. The day celebrates this nostalgic power, reminding us how certain foods become tied to joy, innocence, and happy moments that stay with us long after childhood ends.

Savor Double Sweet Combinations

The Eskimo Pie brilliantly merges the cool creaminess of ice cream with the rich snap of chocolate, satisfying two cravings at once in a convenient, mess-free form. This clever combination proves that the best treats often come from pairing beloved flavors, creating something greater than the sum of its parts and delivering pure delight with every bite.

How to Celebrate Eat an Eskimo Pie Day

Share The Joy With Others

Bring Eskimo Pies or homemade chocolate-covered ice cream bars to work, school, or a gathering, surprising colleagues, friends, or neighbors with a sweet gesture. Use the moment to talk about favorite childhood treats or simply enjoy the shared happiness that comes from passing around a simple, delicious snack.

Try Making Your Own Version At Home

Experiment in the kitchen by coating your favorite ice cream bars or scoops with melted chocolate, adding toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel for a personal twist. The process is fun, the result delicious, and it allows you to customize the treat exactly to your taste while appreciating the original idea behind it.

Indulge In The Classic Treat

Whether you buy a box from the store or visit an ice cream shop that offers similar chocolate-covered bars, take time to savor the contrast of cold ice cream and crisp chocolate shell. Enjoy it slowly, perhaps with friends or family, letting the simple pleasure bring back fond memories and create new ones on this sweet day.

Facts About Eskimo Pies

1920 Invention

Christian Kent Nelson created the first chocolate-coated ice cream bar in 1920 after seeing a boy torn between buying ice cream or a chocolate bar with only one nickel.

Initial Name

The treat was first called the "I-Scream Bar" before being renamed "Eskimo Pie" when Nelson partnered with Russell C. Stover.

Massive Early Success

By 1922, over a million Eskimo Pies were sold daily through more than 2,700 outlets across the United States.

Stick Addition

In 1934, the wooden stick was added, transforming the bar into the convenient handheld treat known today.

Enduring Popularity

Despite changing ownership and recipe tweaks over the decades, the Eskimo Pie remains a beloved American classic, still evoking nostalgia and joy nearly a century later.

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