This simple snow cream recipe teaches you how to make snow ice cream however you like it. We even include dairy-free and sugar-free options!
When I moved to North Carolina, I was told by some that my childhood was lacking because I had never had snow ice cream. I had never even heard of it! You can even buy it now from some ice cream manufacturers, but it’s a lot cheaper and a lot more fun to make your own.
Snow Cream or Snow Ice Cream
This sweet treat made with cream or milk, sugar or a sugar substitute, vanilla and freshly fallen snow. It dates back to the 15th or 16th century and early recipes included snow, rosewater, and sugar.
If you don’t want to use snow or don’t have access to it, you can use shaved ice.
Snow Cream Recipe
This simple snow cream recipe teaches you how to make snow ice cream however you like it. We even include dairy-free and sugar-free options!
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Active Time
- 5 minutes
- Total Time
- 10 minutes
- Servings
- 4 people
- Course
- Dessert
- Estimated Cost
- $1
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups fresh snow or substitute shaved ice
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup maple syrup (Or honey, cane sugar, or macerated fruit. If using stevia use this conversion calculator.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (homemade vanilla recipe)
- enough cream or milk to make it creamy (for a dairy free version use your favorite milk substitute)
Instructions
-
Scoop the snow into a bowl and sprinkle with your favorite sweetener (or macerated fruit).
-
Stir in the vanilla and add enough milk or cream to make it creamy.
Nutrition:
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Snow Ice Cream Recipe Tips
This basic recipe will teach you how to make this in a simple way. For a fruity sweet treat try substituting the sweetener with 1/3 cup of your favorite macerated berries!
If you do use substitutes like stevia or monk fruit, I suggest starting with a bit and tasting it as you go. Too much can make it bitter. The same will hold true with milk substitutes so start with a small amount and add more if you like.
Eat your snow ice cream right away because if you wait, the snow crystals will freeze solid. If you wish to keep it, you can freeze the snow and shave it later. Or try freezing it in popsicles molds and eating whenever.
Pollution Concerns
There is some concern about pollution and other contaminants when using snow. Fresh snow should contain little to none of these. But if there is a concern, you can use shaved ice made from your favorite water source.
Tip: check out this other easy ice cream recipe.
Snow ice cream is a tasty childhood treat that everyone can enjoy. Have you ever tried it?
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Diane N says
There is only one thing that you forgot to mention… DON’T EAT YELLOW SNOW! HAHA.
I always like your suggestions and ideas.
Rhonda Winkles says
I always wait until about 3 inches have fallen and that way the snowflakes will have gathered most of the impurities from the air. Then you only skim off the upper layer of snow to use.
Tikvah Duesters says
beware of chemicals in the snow
Rhonda Winkles says
Loved snow ice cream growing up. We were financially strapped and my mom would make this for a wonderful treat. We would add chocolate syrup or strawberry syrup used for milk to really boost the flavor and lessen the sugar. Gotta watch it though….can get it too sweet. I had a daycare for years and would make this for them. They loved it!! Thanks for bringing back a great old recipe from the past. Love your website!?