Indiana’s Cool Gem: Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes

As the post-vacation feelings begin to wear off and I get back to my daily routines after another fun trip to Indiana, I ask myself if that desire for exploration–that wanderlust–does it ever wear off? I am a traveler by nature who is always on the lookout for delicious food and as eager as I am to tour new sights, I crave desserts as much as I crave traveling! The taste, the flavors, the colors, and the aroma all assist in creating fresh, new experiences and arouse my temptation for exploration.

Upon first visiting the Midwest three years ago, I discovered ‘frozen custard’. With my itineraries neatly organizing sights and sounds to check out within the present destination, it always slipped my mind to squeeze in this innovative cold dessert. Frozen custard may be found in pockets of any city, but I first learned of it through an alluring billboard for Culver’s in Michigan City, Indiana.

Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes, located in the heart of Carmel, Indiana. Image Credit: Tania Hussain

This past June, I finally got my chance to try frozen custard when exploring the artsy Carmel district of Indiana, and must add that I am now a fan of this smooth and silky cool dessert.

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, within the burgeoning arts and design district of Carmel, Indiana, is a pleasant and charming dessert shop called Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes. Named after its owner, Auntie Em has been a frozen custard lover and aficionado for years. This mom-and-pop shop is an amiable and surprising oasis among the vibrancy of Carmel’s main street, designed to promote small businesses and local artisans. Auntie Em’s makes hand-dipped frozen custard fresh every day and with a dozen flavors, making it hard to choose which one to try, especially if it happens to be your first time. To help you to decide which flavors to choose, this lovely establishment offers samples to buying patrons so you can figure out which flavor you’d like to indulge in.

So what exactly distinguishes frozen custard from commercially known ice cream? It’s all in the egg, as frozen custard has a touch of egg yolk. The lecithin in the yolk naturally blends the ingredients, imparting a richer and creamier texture. Such could be seen with the mint chocolate chip flavor that I decided on. It was velvety, decadent and soft, and didn’t melt as quickly as ice cream. What I enjoyed most about it was the silky, smooth quality and the amount of sweetness. It wasn’t overly sweet, and was definitely a cool treat for a warm summer day. Though I ordered my frozen custard in a cup, Auntie Em’s bakes fresh waffle cones daily on site.

Frozen custard flavors, mint chocolate chip and chocolate in cups. Image Credit: Tania Hussain

With floors that are checkered black and white, this dessert shop is bright, classic, and welcomes in an abundant amount of natural light with long broad windows. Sitting at their shiny black tables and gazing out at the stimulating artistic atmosphere that is Carmel is pleasant and a true delight.

While sitting and admiring the view, the employee who served my guests and I brought over a batch of cupcakes and asked if we would like to sample some of their leading flavors. We happily obliged and found ourselves enjoying delightfully moist and sumptuous cupcakes. Though sample size, the cupcakes are agreeably adorable and not very sweet, especially coming off treating myself to frozen custard. They are rich and delectable, topped with fluffy and light buttercream frosting that complement the flavor of the cupcake ever so perfectly.

Serving more than just desserts, Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes is a cool and wonderful hidden gem in central Indiana. It’s a great spot to spend time with friends, family or even first dates, especially if taking a walk down the marvelous main street and enjoying the sights and sounds of this cultural haven. Auntie Em’s is known for desserts rightfully so, because they are delicious and easy on the wallet too! With an atmosphere reminiscent of an old soda shop and staff that is incredibly congenial, Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes makes one’s visit all the more satisfying.

Red velvet, caramel and chocolate cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. Image Credit: Tania Hussain

The interior of Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard and Cupcakes, looking out onto Main Street in Carmel, Indiana. Image Credit: Tania Hussain

Craving dessert now? Head on over to Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes, located at 111 W Main St., Unit 130 in Carmel, Indiana.

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