There’s something magical about a snow-covered day that brings out the kid in all of us. I remember back in 2014, living in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, when my grandmother and I would gather outside in the thick of a winter storm, laughing as we scooped up the freshest snow, ready to turn it into something sweet. The warmth of her kitchen, the smell of vanilla and sugar, and the joy of sharing a simple treat—those were the moments I cherished most.
Now, as a mom of three, I’m lucky enough to carry on that same tradition with my kids. On snowy days, we bundle up and rush outside to collect the softest, fluffiest snow. It’s one of those small moments that feels timeless—just like the recipe my grandmother shared with me. Making snow cream with my little ones reminds me of the love, joy, and connection that only family can bring, and I’m excited to share this old-fashioned treat with you.
This isn’t just any snow cream—it’s a recipe passed down through generations, simple and full of heart. It’s a perfect way to make the most of a snowy day and create memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your snow and let’s make some old fashioned snow cream together, just like my grandmother used to.
If you love nostalgic, made-from-scratch recipes, you might also enjoy our Grandma’s White Cake or this cozy Chocolate Cobbler for chilly nights.
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Is It Safe to Eat Snow Cream?
Safety can be subjective. While driving a car or even breathing polluted air might not be considered “safe,” they are daily activities we often engage in. When it comes to eating fresh snow from your own yard, I feel comfortable doing so.
However, there are a few types of snow you should steer clear of:
- Avoid snow from areas that have been plowed, particularly near roadsides. This snow may contain harmful chemicals used for de-icing or contaminants from the road.
- Never eat snow that appears dirty or discolored.
- Of course, stay away from yellow snow.
To collect snow for snow cream, use a bowl and scoop the clean, fresh layer from the top. Don’t go too deep, as that could include dirt, grass, or old debris mixed in with the snow.
For more about snow safety, Yahoo offers helpful insight into when it’s safe to eat snow.
If you love this kind of throwback recipe, don’t miss our Rhubarb Cake—another old-fashioned favorite from the archives.
Milk Choices for Old Fashioned Snow Cream
We love using heavy cream from raw, grass-fed milk—there’s just something so special about it. The nutritional benefits of local raw milk are amazing, and we’re so lucky to have it available! If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, you can definitely use sweetened condensed milk. Just be sure to choose organic if you can.
Now, if you’re stuck indoors during a blizzard and only have regular milk on hand, that’s perfectly fine! Just make sure it’s full-fat milk for that creamy texture we all crave.
Dairy-Free Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe (No Milk Needed)
For those who can’t do dairy—like my husband—don’t worry! You can still enjoy this classic treat. My go-to substitute is canned, full-fat coconut milk. It does bring a hint of coconut flavor, but if you add a pinch of salt and a little extra vanilla, it blends in beautifully.
And hey, maybe you’re one of those people who love the coconut flavor—nothing wrong with that!
We’ve whipped up batch after batch of this old-fashioned snow cream every time it snows this winter. It’s so easy and fun, and now, anyone can enjoy snow ice cream—no emperor status required!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do people make ice cream in the olden days?
Making ice cream in the olden days was a real labor of love! People didn’t have fancy electric mixers or freezers, so they had to get a little creative. The classic method was to use a hand-cranked ice cream maker. They’d fill a wooden bucket with ice and salt, then pour the ice cream mixture into the inner container. You’d take turns cranking it, and after a lot of elbow grease, you’d end up with a creamy, homemade treat. It was a fun process, and often the whole family would gather around to help, making it even more special!
What are the ingredients for snow cream?
The ingredients for snow cream are so simple, yet magical! You’ll need fresh, clean snow (of course!), some kind of milk or cream (heavy cream, whole milk, or even coconut milk), sugar to sweeten it, and a little vanilla extract for flavor. That’s it! You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, or even a bit of sweetened condensed milk if you like it richer and sweeter.
What’s the difference between snow cream and ice cream?
Snow cream and ice cream might seem similar, but there’s a key difference that makes snow cream so special. Ice cream is made with a custard base, which you cook and chill, then churn it to get that creamy texture. Snow cream, on the other hand, is made by mixing fresh snow with milk or cream and sugar—no cooking or churning required. It’s a quick and fun treat to make when the snow falls, and it has a light, fluffy texture compared to the richer, denser ice cream.
How do you make Appalachian snow cream?
Making Appalachian snow cream is a nostalgic treat that’s been passed down through generations. To make it, you’ll need to gather clean, fresh snow (about 8-10 cups), and then mix it with sugar (around 1 cup), a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and about 1-2 cups of milk or cream—heavy cream is ideal for a rich taste. Some folks like to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. You mix everything together until it’s smooth, then scoop and enjoy! It’s a cozy, heartwarming treat that takes you back to simpler times.
Old Fashioned Snow Cream
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh snow
- 1 cup cream or milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place snow into a large bowl.
- Pour milk over the snow and add vanilla.
- Mix to combine.
- Serve immediately in bowls.
