The history of Custard Cream biscuits

Whether you nibble them or chomp them down whole, the humble Custard Cream biscuit is a staple of the vending machine, usually coming in a convenient triple pack. But for something so familiar how much do you know about its history?

Who doesn’t love those delightful treats? Let’s take a tasty trip down memory lane and explore their history, complete with dates, names, and examples!

The story begins back in 1908 when the humble custard cream biscuit was first introduced to the world by the Peek Freans company, a famous British biscuit manufacturer. The original custard cream biscuit was created by their food scientist, Alexander Grant. Thanks to his genius, the world gained a biscuit that would go on to win the hearts of millions.

Now, you might be wondering, why “custard cream”? Well, it’s not because they’re filled with liquid custard! (Can you imagine the mess?) The name comes from the creamy, custard-like flavour of the filling sandwiched between two crunchy biscuit layers. It’s like having a custard pie in a handy, snackable form.

Over the years, these biscuits became a staple in British tea time culture. Imagine sitting down with a cuppa and reaching for a plate of custard creams to dunk in your tea. It’s the perfect combination of smooth, creamy sweetness and a nice, satisfying crunch.

As time went on, other biscuit companies couldn’t resist jumping on the custard cream bandwagon. They put their own twist on the classic, creating variations with different fillings or shapes. Some even added subtle flavourings like vanilla or lemon to give them a unique touch.

In the 21st century, custard cream biscuits continued to spread their deliciousness beyond the UK. They’ve become popular in various parts of the world, popping up in international grocery stores and winning over new fans with each bite.

Of course, custard creams aren’t just enjoyed on their own. They’ve become a versatile ingredient in many dessert recipes too. Crush them up and sprinkle them over ice cream or use them as a tasty crust for cheesecake. The possibilities are endless!

Nowadays, you can find custard creams in all shapes and sizes, and they remain a classic favourite for people of all ages. Whether you’re a kid indulging in a sweet treat after school or an adult enjoying them with your afternoon tea, custard creams have a way of bringing smiles to faces.