If you're looking for one type of dessert that will please special event guests of all ages, you can't go wrong with frozen custard. Cold, smooth and creamy, frozen custard can easily be customized by each party-goer to reflect their specific tastes. 

You can either buy the frozen custard pre-made in packages, or for large events, in mixes. Frozen custard mixes are ideal if you have a soft serve machine, and have to feed a big crowd. If you don't own a machine, you may be able to rent one for the day. The venue you're hosting the event in may also have one that you can use.

Frozen custard mixes are typically made from premium ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon or fruit purees, depending on what flavor you prefer. Simply add the mix to the soft serve machine along with the other required ingredients, and you'll have fresh frozen custard in minutes.

You may be able to save money by purchasing the mixes in bulk from a food supplier, and it may end up being less expensive than buying premade frozen custard, especially when you have a lot of people to feed. If you have access to more than one machine, you can offer multiple flavors. If you only have one option, however, stick with basic vanilla or chocolate, and don't forget to provide a sugar-free option if any guests are on restricted diets. 

Here are additional tips for serving frozen custard at a special event:

1. Buffet-Style Toppings

Serving the frozen custard buffet-style will allow guests to make their own creations. This is especially fun for kids' birthday parties, as it allows the youngsters to get creative with their desserts and is a hands-on activity. 

On a long table, set up a variety of toppings in bowls and bottles. Some ideas include hot fudge and caramel sauces, whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, cookie crumbles, gummy candy, chocolate and butterscotch chips, nuts, toasted coconut nut flakes and fresh fruit such as pineapple and bananas. 

2. Ice Cream Cones

Another delicious way to serve the frozen custard is in cones. These handheld desserts are ideal for kids, and they can swirl their ice cream onto their own cones from the machine. Provide candy and chocolate sprinkles as toppings.

To personalize the desserts, provide customized cone wrappers in colors that reflect the theme of the event, such as pink for a princess-inspired party. You can also have them printed with names, dates or special messages. Find frozen custard mix at a store near you.