National Strawberry Ice Cream Day (January 15)
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is celebrated every year on January 15, giving everyone the perfect excuse to indulge in a scoop of this fruity, creamy favorite.
Whether you prefer it in a cone, a sundae, or as part of an elaborate dessert, this day is all about enjoying strawberry ice cream in all its forms.
And if you’re looking for more quirky celebrations, there are plenty of wacky holidays in January to explore!
When is the Holiday?
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is observed annually on January 15th.
It falls right in the middle of winter, making it a fun and unexpected way to enjoy a taste of summer even when it’s cold outside.
Who Invented It?
While the exact origins of the holiday are unknown, we do know that strawberry ice cream itself dates back to the early 19th century.
The First Lady Dolley Madison is credited with popularizing it when she served it at the second inaugural banquet of her husband, President James Madison, in 1813.
The History of the Holiday
Strawberry ice cream has a rich history. Although ice cream itself dates back to ancient civilizations, strawberry ice cream became widely known in the early 1800s.
Before modern refrigeration, people stored large blocks of ice in underground vaults, insulated with hay, to create frozen treats.
By the mid-20th century, strawberry ice cream had secured its spot as a favorite flavor alongside vanilla and chocolate.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Strawberry ice cream was first served in the White House by Dolley Madison in 1813.
- It ranks as the third most popular ice cream flavor after vanilla and chocolate.
- Strawberries belong to the rose family, which is why some strawberry ice cream recipes incorporate floral notes like rose water.
- The first celebration of Strawberry Ice Cream Day dates back to the early 1930s.
- Neapolitan ice cream—a mix of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—originated in Naples, Italy, in the 19th century.
Activities to Celebrate
- Make homemade strawberry ice cream – Try a simple no-churn recipe or use an ice cream maker for a rich, creamy texture.
- Host a strawberry ice cream tasting party – Sample different brands or homemade versions with family and friends.
- Create an ice cream sundae bar – Set up a toppings station with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and fresh strawberries.
- Try a new strawberry ice cream dessert – Incorporate it into milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, or layered cakes.
- Visit a local ice cream shop – Support small businesses by ordering a scoop of strawberry ice cream from a nearby parlor.
- Make strawberry ice cream-themed crafts – Fun activities for kids like drawing, coloring, or making ice cream cone art projects.
Best Strawberry Ice Cream Recipes
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream – A simple no-cook recipe using fresh strawberries.
- Baked Alaska Cake Roll – Chocolate cake filled with strawberry ice cream and topped with meringue.
- Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars – A delicious mix of strawberry and vanilla flavors.
- Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Ice Cream – A unique twist on a classic dessert with a subtle floral note.
- Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream – A homemade version of a chocolate-covered strawberry in ice cream form.
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake – A creamy, layered frozen dessert with a graham cracker crust.
- Strawberry Banana Nice Cream – A dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative using frozen bananas.
- Strawberry Ice Cream Pop Cake – A fun cake layered with strawberry filling and ice cream frosting.
- Strawberry Cobbler Ice Cream Pops – A quick and easy treat featuring creamy ice cream with jam swirls.
- Strawberry Protein Banana Ice Cream – A high-protein option made with coconut milk and protein powder.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
- Ice Cream Maker. A high-quality ice cream maker that allows you to create delicious, homemade frozen treats with ease. Perfect for making fresh strawberry ice cream any time of year!
- Ice Cream Scoop. A sturdy and ergonomic ice cream scoop designed for easy serving. It features a comfortable grip and a heat-conductive design to effortlessly scoop even the hardest ice cream.
- Hershey’s Strawberry Syrup. A sweet and fruity syrup that enhances the flavor of your strawberry ice cream. Drizzle it over sundaes, milkshakes, or mix it into your homemade ice cream for an extra burst of strawberry goodness.
Related Holidays
- National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in July, making it the perfect summer excuse to enjoy all flavors of ice cream.
- National Chocolate Ice Cream Day falls on June 7th and is dedicated to lovers of rich, chocolatey frozen treats.
- National Vanilla Ice Cream Day happens on July 23rd, honoring the classic flavor that serves as the base for many delicious ice cream recipes.
- National Ice Cream Sundae Day on July 8th encourages people to enjoy elaborate sundaes topped with syrups, whipped cream, and cherries.
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