How to Make Snow Cream

Ranked #19,269 in Food & Cooking, #344,006 overall

Treat Right After a Snow Storm

Have you ever tasted Snow Cream? I didn't know such a thing existed. I've heard of Snow Cones, people scooping snow off the ground and packing it on a cone, then adding flavoring to it. Snow cream was new to me.

Doing a bit of research I discovered how easy it is to make. all you need is three other ingredients that are most likely already in your kitchen: Sugar, Milk and Vanilla Extract.

Now all you have to do is wait for it to snow. If you live in the northern states, that is not a big deal. There is a new snow storm every few days. This year seems a bit colder than most. Even down where I live, we got to see snow twice. I kind of expect a third... but I digress.

Take a look at the following three steps. I think you will find this project will be fun, tasty and perfect for the little ones. They love to go out into the snow and eat it. Might as well give them some sugar they can burn off.

Step One: Collect Fresh Snow

Make sure it's not yellow

You are going to need 8 cups of fresh, clean snow. Stay away from snow that has any color to it. When you dig into the snow, make sure you don't go too deep. You might regret it when you have dirt or grass or who knows what in your snow cream.

The best time to collect your snow is during the snow storm or right after one before anything bad happens to the clean snow. If it is snowing right now, take a plate or a bowl outside and set it on the ground and catch that fresh snow.
Loading

WARNING

The first snow of the year can collect dirty air as it falls. Imagine smog in your snow cream. You may want to wait till the second snow of the season, a cleaner snow, before making your first batch of snow cream. Personally, I don't know if I will be able to wait.

Step Two: Grab Your Mixer

You can use a mixer or a wooden spoon

You will most likely need to take your mixer outside with you. Don't be afraid. Stretch out an extension cord and plug it in on the front porch or even in the driveway; wherever the clean snow is handy. If you don't have a mixer, you could use a whisk or a wooden spoon, It just won't come out as nice. You should really invest in a good mixer. They are great for all kinds of batters and doughs. Check out the following.
Loading

Step Three: Ingredients

- 8 Cups of Clean Snow
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

Mix all ingredients together till you are happy with your snow cream's texture. If you find it is not thick enough, add some more fresh snow and mix some more.

Step Four: Add Your Toppings and Enjoy

I Personally Like Hot Fudge

When mixed well enough, your Snow cream should be the consistency of soft serve ice cream. If you have ever made homemade ice cream, it comes out of the churn soft but yummy. If you want it to be harder ice cream like you get in the grocery store, you have to stick it in the freezer over night. I don't know if the same thing can be said of snow cream. You can try it if you like.

Now for the toppings. The possibilities are endless. I like hot fudge, chocolate morsels, sprinkles, or that magic shell chocolate topping. I have been known to throw M&Ms or Reeses Pieces on top. What about gummy bears? That would be fun. Then there is a whole array of nuts, dried fruits, and maybe even a spice or two. Get creative. Have fun. Most of all, enjoy a winter delicacy.
Loading

Have You Ever Eaten Snow Cream?

Let Me Know What You Like to Put In Your Treat

  • Cumberland Mar 13, 2012 @ 10:06 am | delete
    Yes, although it has been many years. We added vanilla and sometimes a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. I've tried mixing in bit of banana, but that was marginally successful. Thanks for reminding me of SnowCream.
  • anne_mohanraj Feb 12, 2012 @ 4:29 am | delete
    It is the first time I am hearing about snow cream. Real fun thing to do.
  • casquid Feb 11, 2012 @ 8:42 pm | delete
    What a good idea for my Grandkids to try. They are outside playing in snow today.
  • Annamadagan Feb 11, 2012 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    Looks interesting! I will have to try this.
  • KarenCookieJar Feb 11, 2012 @ 9:42 am | delete
    I've never heard of this before. Very cool.
  • Loganor Feb 11, 2012 @ 5:29 am | delete
    I remember my Mom making this when we were growing up. Way cool.
  • Tipi Feb 10, 2012 @ 8:53 pm | delete
    Congratulations on a fun front page feature!
  • Tipi Feb 10, 2012 @ 8:52 pm | delete
    What delightful old time fun, you'll have everyone wishing for snow, its been a slow winter!
  • lasertek Feb 9, 2012 @ 9:14 pm | delete
    Yes. My mom used to make me one and now I make it for my children.
  • leahjsongs Feb 9, 2012 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    Yeah. We make it at camp by putting the milk, sugar and vanilla in a sandwich bag, then putting that small bag into a large gallon bag filled with snow or ice and a spoonfull of rock salt. Seal the bigger bag around the smaller one and shake it a few minutes; smooth and creamy (and cheap...and quick!).
  • JesPiddlin Feb 9, 2012 @ 9:34 am | delete
    I just had a bowl of snow ice cream a couple of nights ago. We made gallons and gallons of it, last year. We are finally eating the last gallon of last year's snow ice cream, now. :( I've never heard it called "snow cream," before. I didn't see where you live, but it must be a location difference that calls it that. In Oklahoma, we call it snow ice cream. The weather man used to give us snow ice cream recipes to try out, when it snowed. Look on facebook for snow ice cream groups to join.
  • WhiteSockGirl Feb 9, 2012 @ 7:30 am | delete
    Nope! Desert bunny!

    But sure looks and sounds interesting and yummy!
  • jenms Feb 8, 2012 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    I ate snow ice cream when I was in kindergarten and I still remember it! I'd be curious to try it again, but I leave in the south so I'm not sure when I'll have the chance again!
  • DLeighAlexander Feb 8, 2012 @ 5:05 pm | delete
    Yes, it's good. We called it snow ice cream. My grandma made it for me when I was a kid. It's a great treat to make with clean, fresh snow.
  • TheLittleCardShop Feb 8, 2012 @ 10:26 am | delete
    Snow cream sounds so yummy! I have to try this idea :)
  • barrysummers Feb 8, 2012 @ 6:28 am | delete
    brilliant!
  • SirKrispy23 Feb 7, 2012 @ 11:03 pm | delete
    Never even heard of it, but now I'm eager to try it! thanks!
  • John_Michael Feb 7, 2012 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    nope ... sounds interesting though
  • jimmyworldstar Feb 7, 2012 @ 1:52 pm | delete
    Is this sanitary? It's like shave ice which is basically ice in the consistency of packed snow with flavored syrup.
  • emonanam Feb 7, 2012 @ 12:11 pm | delete
    Completely new to me. Thanks
  • sherridan Feb 7, 2012 @ 2:54 am | delete
    Sounds good if you live somewhere clean - my kids would love to make it - but not sure I should risk London snow full of pollutants.
  • desertdarlene Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:07 pm | delete
    No, I've never heard of snow cream. Sounds great!
  • LiteraryMind Feb 6, 2012 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    Sounds great -- I want to run out and make some, but we had hardly any snow in Connecticut this years. Just when I get a great snow recipe --- a no snow year! Great lens
  • cffutah Feb 6, 2012 @ 8:21 am | delete
    this was fun to see, nice write up.
  • blanckj Jun 8, 2011 @ 8:11 pm | delete
    Nope, but I would like to. My daughter would find it fun.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Feb 22, 2011 @ 8:20 am | delete
    Very nicely done lens and although I live where the snow gets deep (in Canada) I've never thought of eating it. I'm not sure I will try this recipe, but I will think about it.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Feb 21, 2011 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Sounds good
  • guardianstar77 Feb 21, 2011 @ 10:31 am | delete
    We never made snow cream, but I do remember eating the snow by itself as a child. You should add a disclaimer about eating from the first snow fall of the year. That snow cleans all the ugly pollution-type garbage out of the air and trees. Best to wait until the 2nd snowfall when the air is much cleaner. Nice job of explaining how to make snow cream.
  • rgasperson Feb 21, 2011 @ 10:44 am | delete
    Good Idea. Thanks for the Tip.
  • Photahsiamirabel Feb 21, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    No, but I might. I used to catch snowflakes on my tongue :)

A Little About Me

Any Some of My Other Lenses

Loading

by

rgasperson

My Name is Robert. Please follow me on Amplify, Twitter, Facebook and Tumbler. I am a Haiku Poet, Artist, Writer, Gardener and Pretty Much a Jack of All... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!