- Attraction: Adele’s Frozen Custard
- Location: 800 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331
- Industry: Ice Cream Shop
- Website: https://www.adelescustard.com/
Lake culture meets creamy perfection at this beloved seasonal treasure that’s been winning hearts since 1986.
You’ll discover what happens when a top-secret custard recipe transforms a charming lakeside farmhouse into Minnesota’s most talked-about frozen treat destination.
The difference between frozen custard and regular ice cream becomes crystal clear after your first taste – that rich, velvety texture created by egg yolks and a special churning technique will leave you wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
Adele herself started this sweet legacy with her closely-guarded recipe, and nearly four decades later, locals still plan their summer activities around the daily flavor calendar.
From the sprawling outdoor patio overlooking Lake Minnetonka to the convenient drive-through for quick lakeside treats, this place captures everything magical about Minnesota summer traditions.
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Daily Flavor Surprises: You’ll find vanilla and chocolate available every day, but the real excitement comes from checking the flavor calendar for rotating specialties.
With over 100 unique flavors in their repertoire, you might discover Cookie Dough (vanilla custard packed with chunks of cookie dough and truffle chocolate), Death by Chocolate during special occasions, or seasonal favorites like eggnog and s’mores.
The anticipation of seeing what’s featured each day becomes part of the experience.
Concrete Perfection: These aren’t your typical blended treats – you’ll get frozen custard so thick with mix-ins that it could practically hold a spoon upright.
The portions are generous to the point where a small concrete feels substantial, and they don’t skimp on the candy additions. Whether you choose M&Ms, Oreos, cookie dough, or peanut butter cups, expect each bite to deliver serious flavor and texture contrast.
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Discover MoreSignature Sundaes: The Turtle Sundae stands out as a customer favorite, featuring vanilla custard crowned with hot fudge, caramel, and pecans.
You’ll also want to try their best-selling Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Sundae – chocolate custard with truffle sauce, fresh raspberries, and hot fudge that creates an almost dessert-restaurant quality experience.
The Banana Split earns its title as “King of All Sundaes” with three scoops, fresh banana, multiple fruit toppings, and enough whipped cream to share.
Homemade Waffle Cones: The waffle cones are made fresh in-house, adding a warm, crispy element that elevates any flavor choice. You’ll notice the difference immediately – these aren’t store-bought cones but carefully crafted vessels that complement rather than compete with the custard’s richness.
Take-Home Treats: Beyond individual servings, you can take home pints, quarts, or even half-gallons of any flavor currently available.
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Keep Exploring →The frozen custard pies deserve special mention – Turtle, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, and Oreo varieties that rival any high-end dessert shop. Custom pies are available with 24-hour notice, perfect for special occasions.
Atmosphere & Setting
Lakeside Charm: The converted farmhouse sits steps from Lake Minnetonka, creating an authentic lake town atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless. You’ll appreciate how the building’s original character has been preserved while accommodating the steady stream of custard lovers throughout the season.
Expansive Outdoor Seating: The huge front deck becomes the heart of the operation during busy summer days. You’ll find umbrella-covered tables perfect for enjoying your treats while watching the constant parade of families, boaters, and lake visitors. The outdoor space feels more like a community gathering spot than a typical ice cream shop patio.
Seasonal Operation: The shop operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall, which adds to its special appeal. This isn’t an everyday convenience but a destination worth planning around, making each visit feel more significant. The one exception is their famous “Christmas Fix Day” on the Saturday before Christmas, when they open specially for holiday custard flavors and pies.
Drive-Through Convenience: For boaters and busy families, the drive-through window extends operating hours slightly and provides quick access to frozen treats without leaving your vehicle. This practical addition acknowledges the shop’s role in lake culture where people often want treats to take on boats or back to rental cabins.
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Pricing & Value: With small dishes starting around $5.49 and large sundaes reaching $8.49, the pricing falls into the mid-range category for specialty frozen treats.
You’ll find the portions generous enough to justify the cost, especially considering the quality ingredients and fresh daily preparation. The daily specials that include a sandwich, chips, and small malt or shake for around $10.99 offer solid value for a complete meal.
Parking Reality: The small parking lot fills quickly during peak summer hours, particularly on weekends and during special lake events like July 4th celebrations. You might need to park on nearby streets during busy periods, but the short walk is manageable and part of the authentic small-town experience.
Menu Beyond Custard: While frozen custard is the star, the deli sandwich selection provides surprisingly solid lunch options. The turkey and swiss, club sandwiches, and BBQ pork are freshly made with quality ingredients, making this a viable stop for both lunch and dessert. The hot dogs and bratwurst round out the casual menu perfectly.
Best Visit Times: Weekday afternoons and early evenings typically offer shorter waits and easier parking. During major lake events or perfect summer weekends, expect lines but know that the efficient operation keeps things moving.
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Keep Exploring →Many regulars suggest checking the flavor calendar and planning visits around particularly exciting daily offerings.
Family-Friendly Focus: The kid-sized portions, outdoor seating, and relaxed atmosphere make this an ideal family destination. You’ll see multiple generations enjoying treats together, and the patient approach to first-time visitors who need flavor explanations adds to the welcoming environment.
Adele’s Frozen Custard
📍 800 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331
