History

Abbott's Frozen Custard opened its Lake Avenue stand in 1926 and has operated continuously from that site ever since. The product differs structurally from commercial soft-serve: custard uses a much higher proportion of egg yolk, is churned at a lower overrun (less air), and is served at a warmer temperature that produces a creamier, denser texture. Abbott's operates multiple locations in the Rochester area, all closed November through March.

Common allergens: Eggs, Dairy

Make it at home

Yield Serves 4-6Hands-on 20 minTotal 5 hrDifficulty Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method

  1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
  2. Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium until steaming, about 170F. Do not boil.
  3. Slowly temper the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return to the saucepan.
  4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard coats a spoon at 175F. Strain into a bowl.
  5. Add vanilla and salt. Chill completely over an ice bath, then refrigerate at least 4 hours.
  6. Churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy. The lower overrun of true custard means it should be churned just until it holds shape.

Tip from the editors. Abbott's uses a much lower overrun than commercial soft-serve. Stop churning when the custard is dense and slow-moving, not fluffy.

Where to eat abbott's frozen custard

Abbott's Frozen Custard in Rochester

Abbott's Frozen Custard ★ 4.5

Frozen Custard$park-avenueApr-Oct daily 11:00-22:00

Abbott's Frozen Custard at Lake Ave serves Rochester's original frozen custard for $4-$6, open late April through October with a dozen metro locations.

Tip: The Lake Ave location on Lake Ontario is the original; others are throughout the metro. Concrete mix-ins follow the custard base. Closes late October for the season.

4791 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612

Pittsford Farms Dairy and Bakery ★ 4.2

Ice Cream and Bakery$$park-avenueMon-Sun 13:00-21:00

Pittsford Farms Dairy on Park Ave in Rochester serves house-made ice cream and pastries, the Park Avenue outpost of a beloved Monroe County dairy institution.

Tip: The main Pittsford location at 44 N Main St is worth the 15-minute drive for the full bakery and dairy experience. Park Avenue location for convenient city-side ice cream.

733 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

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