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Photo courtesy of JJ's Custard Company
On a sunny day, there is nothing better than a rich, decadent cone filled with frozen custard, one of the finest treats you can enjoy in Metro Detroit. Thankfully, Metro Detroit is home to a variety of spots where you can indulge in this delightful treat. Custard is very similar to ice cream but is made with egg yolks and minimizes the amount of ice crystals while being made, allowing a more creamy texture. Whether you’re a custard connoisseur or just looking to try something new, these local favorites are sure to satisfy your cravings.
ERMA’S ORIGINAL FROZEN CUSTARD
6451 Auburn Road, Shelby Township
2080 14 Mile Road, Warren
For over eighty years, Erma’s Original Frozen Custard has been a Metro Detroit must-visit. Best known for its traditional vanilla and chocolate custard flavors, Erma’s offers weekly flavors as well. Here, you can find everything from parfaits and shakes to sundaes and more, all with frozen custard at the base. The Explosions are a great mix of custard and toppings, and a Creamee Freeze is a delightful combination of vanilla custard and slush, with flavors ranging from watermelon and lemon to sour green apple. With so many options, you can also keep it simple with a dipped cone if that’s what you’d prefer. Erma’s is a great spot to cool off for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat.
WALLY’S FROZEN CUSTARD
22501 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
If you go to this spot, chances are there will be a line at both the walk-up counter at its fire station-inspired custard palace as well as the drive-through window. Wally’s Frozen Custard has people devoted to this family-owned business that has made frozen custard an Eastside must-have. Wally’s is known for its silky smooth custard, available in rotating flavors and classics, all served with a smile. You can have your dipped custard in a cone, inside a Whirley with lots of candy added, or in a giant firefighter helmet that you’ll need family and friends to help you finish it in one sitting. This spot also offers shakes, floats, and specialties (like a hot fudge cream puff or bananas foster dessert), along with homemade Wally bars and frozen custard pies.
THE CUSTARD HUT
25947 West Warren Street, Dearborn Heights
The Custard Hut is a bit newer to the frozen custard scene, but certainly cannot be forgotten about. Owner Zahra Saad shares, “I bought the business in 2013 and have since grown [The Custard Hut] to what it is today. My biggest flex to date is our contract with The University of Michigan! We will be at Michigan Stadium for the 2024 season, along with being at Crisler & Yost Arenas.” Some offerings you’ll want to check out are the Frozen Custard Macarons, made from a French macaron sandwiched with delicious custard, along with the custard parfaits, sundaes, and even the vegan soft serve. “We are also the original (post-1920s Detroit) to do the hot waffle sandwich!” For this, you’ll get two toasted waffles, filled with custard, toppings, and more. It’s a must-try.
JJ’S CUSTARD COMPANY
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
JJ’s Custard Company is a beloved custard spot that has become synonymous with innovative and delectable frozen treats in Southeast Michigan. Karim Kadouh, VP of Operations & Marketing tells us, “The company is renowned for its unique menu items, including The Sweet Bun, The Wowffle, and Injected Loaded Cones, making it a favorite in the Metro Detroit area. Committed to providing an excellent customer experience, JJ’s emphasizes great customer service and high-quality products.” You can also find frozen custard pies, sundaes, cookie sandwiches, and more made with the delicious frozen custard.
HUDDLE SOFT SERVE
2 John R Road, Detroit
8130 Kercheval Avenue, Detroit
Huddle Soft Serve is a family-owned and operated walk-up window and pop-up at Two Birds cocktail bar. Keeping things simple, this spot has been serving up chocolate, vanilla, and twisted frozen custard for five years now. With a handful of toppings and dips to choose from, like cherry, sprinkles, and chocolate chips, Huddle Soft Serve lets its custard speak for itself. Open for the warmer seasons, Huddle Soft Serve is prepared to cool you off with its simple yet sweet desserts, perfect for a quick treat or a leisurely afternoon indulgence.
TRAILSIDE DAIRY
60000 Campground Road, Washington
Trailside Dairy is a charming spot where the traditional frozen custard is exceptional. This family-friendly destination is known for its custard desserts, ranging from sundae specialties to waffle tacos, filled with custard, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in a topping of your choice. The sundaes are fun, like the classic Dirt & Worms Kids option, topped with cookie crumbles, gummy worms, and whipped cream, the Donut Sundae with vanilla custard atop four mini cinnamon sugar donuts with caramel sauce, or the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae with sliced strawberries. The shop’s outdoor patio provides a pleasant setting to enjoy your treats while soaking in the sunshine. With its welcoming vibe and dedication to delicious desserts, Trailside Dairy is a cherished spot for custard lovers of all ages.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on June 14, 2021, and was authored by Karen Dybis.
