Got snow? Let’s turn it into a delicious treat!
Table of Contents
Snow ice cream is the ultimate snowy day indulgence, and it couldn’t be easier to make. All you need are just a few basic ingredients, a bowl, a spoon, and some fresh snow (or shaved ice). In minutes, you’ll have a delightful bowl of homemade snow cream that’s ready to enjoy!
This is the perfect recipe to make with kids (or your inner child!), and it’s super versatile. Think sprinkles, crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of homemade blueberry syrup—whatever makes your winter heart happy!
So, the next time the world outside is blanketed in snow, grab a scoop of the fresh stuff and get ready to whip up this magical treat together!
What’s in Snow Cream?
Making snow cream is a breeze with just four simple ingredients, one of which is right outside your door:
- Evaporated milk, half-and-half, or cream: This provides the creamy, dairy base for the ice cream.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture to perfection. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like it.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a classic, comforting flavor to your snow cream.
- Snow: The star ingredient! It turns into a cool, instant frozen treat when mixed with the other ingredients.
Rosie’s tip: Swap the dairy and sugar for a can of sweetened condensed milk—a quick, creamy fix that makes snow cream even easier.
Want more simple treats? Try this Oreo Mug Cake for a one-minute chocolate fix!
Choosing the Best Snow for Snow Cream
While it’s important to use clean (and definitely not yellow) snow, here are some extra tips for getting the freshest snow:
- Place a metal bowl outside to catch a batch of clean snow.
- Opt for fluffy snow rather than packed snow for the best texture.
- Wait an hour or two into the snowfall before collecting to avoid initial pollutants in the air (source: AccuWeather Snow Safety Tips).
Now you’re all set to create your own snowy delight!
How to Make Snow Cream
Making snow cream is easy, fun, and a great way to get the whole family involved! Here’s how to do it:
- Whisk together the milk, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge while you gather a fresh batch of snow.
- Stir in the snow until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a creamy milkshake.
- Enjoy immediately—this treat is best served fresh!
Variations for Snow Cream
Just like with traditional ice cream, you can add all kinds of fun mix-ins to personalize your snow cream:
Fold in mix-ins: Get creative by folding in sprinkles, crumbled cookies, cubed brownies, mini marshmallows, graham crackers, jam, shredded coconut, or any other fun treats you love.
Flavor the milk mixture: Whisk in extracts, food coloring, cocoa powder, citrus zest, spices, or other flavorings into the milk mixture for an even distribution of flavor. For an adult twist, try adding a splash of rum, bourbon, or cooled espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is snow ice cream a southern thing?
Snow ice cream is particularly popular in the Southern United States, but it’s not exclusive to the South. People in various parts of the country, especially those with snowy winters, enjoy making snow ice cream as a fun winter treat.
What do you need for snow ice cream?
To make snow ice cream, you’ll need clean, freshly fallen snow, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or cream). Some variations may include sweetened condensed milk or other flavorings.
Is it safe to use snow for ice cream?
It’s generally safe to use snow for ice cream if it’s clean and freshly fallen. However, you should avoid using snow that’s been exposed to dirt, pollutants, or other contaminants. Always gather snow from a clean area, away from roads or industrial zones. Learn more about snow safety here.
What is snow freeze ice cream made of?
Snow freeze ice cream is a type of snow ice cream made with fresh snow, sugar, milk or cream, and sometimes vanilla. It’s essentially a homemade frozen dessert made by mixing the snow with sweetened liquids to create a creamy treat.
Snow Ice Cream
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined. Go scoop up some fresh (clean!) snow, and immediately stir it into the milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency. (The ice cream should be fluffy, not runny. But it melts quickly, so dive in quickly.)
- Top with sprinkles or other ice cream toppings if desired, and enjoy!
