Snow Ice Cream Recipe

31 Comments | Jill Winger | Last Updated: June 13, 2023

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Lately, my Facebook feed has been filled with people bemoaning the fact it’s winter…

The cold… the wind… having to bundle up before going outside… people just aren’t happy.

But can I tell you a secret?

I actually love winter. The longer I homestead, the more I appreciate the cycles of nature, and savorthe shifts. Welcoming new life in the spring, working hard in the summer, harvesting in the fall, and hibernating in the winter… I crave the rhythm and honestly appreciate the quieter, colder months when I can spend more time resting, rejuvenating, and consuming good books by the light of the wood stove.

And I just found a new reason to love winter: this snow ice cream recipe. Because when you’re buried under several feet of snow drifts, why not put that snow to good use?

One caveat: If you’re looking for a perfectly smooth gourmet ice cream recipe, this isn’t it. (But you probably will enjoy my simple raw vanilla ice creaminstead!). However, snow ice cream is a fun way to make memories, and the kids (or grandkids) will get a huge kick out of it.

Oh! And make sure you’re using local, organic, GMO-free snow… Of course….

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Yield: Approximately four servings

1 cup cream
1/2 cup real maple syrup (I love this maple syrup)
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract (how to make your own)
Pinch of sea salt (I like this one)
8 cups of fresh snow

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.

Quickly pour this mixture over the snow, and mix thoroughly.

Eat immediately, as snow ice cream melts fast. It also doesn’t refreeze well, so you’ll want to eat the entire batch in one sitting.

Kitchen Notes:

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute 1/2 cup of granulated sugar instead. I especially like this evaporated cane sugar.
I don’t think I really need to tell you this, but I’ll say it anyway–don’t use dirty snow. If you’re plum out of clean snow, you could also use shaved ice in the recipe instead.
If you don’t havecream, you can use whole milk, half n’ half, or coconut milk instead. But cream is the best. And the bigger question here is WHY do you not have cream?!
If you want to be really wild and crazy,top your freshly-made snow ice cream with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or homemade caramel sauce.

Snow Ice Cream Recipe

Author: The Prairie Homestead
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dessert

Ingredients

1 cup cream
1/2 cup real maple syrup
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (I love this one)
8 cups of fresh snow (Use only local, organic, GMO-free snow. Of course.)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
Quickly pour this mixture over the snow, and mix thoroughly.
Eat immediately, as snow ice cream melts fast. (It also doesn’t refreeze well, so you’ll want to eat the entire batch in one sitting.)

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Reader Interactions

31 Comments

Lori from LL Farm says
January 9, 2015 at 6:32 am
I just made snow ice cream yesterday for my youngest…. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
reply to comment
Tina says
January 9, 2015 at 11:15 am
Awesome post!! I am going to let my daughter do this tonight as we had about 6 inches of snow last night. Did you see my post on making snow molasses candy? It’s on my blog and another great treat!! Tina
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- Jill Winger says
  See Also
  10 Pioneer Recipes Every Prepper Should Learn Easy Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe - The Schmidty Wife 18 Amazing Fruit Leather Dehydrator Recipes Depression Era Recipes to Bring Your Cooking Back to Basics
  January 18, 2015 at 10:59 pm
  Snow molasses candy is next on my list! YUM
  reply to comment
  - Kim says
    January 22, 2019 at 5:33 am
    My dad always made us kods snow cream every winter when it snowed a bunch. When I had kids of my own, I made it for them. And Im pretty sure when they have kids of their own (theyre 20 and 21 now) they will carry on this tradition. We always used sugar instead of syrup, though.
    reply to comment
MM says
January 9, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I had just had a conversation with a friend this week about making snow ice cream. We didn’t have a recipe. This is right on time, we have lots of snow to give it a whirl! Thanks!
reply to comment
- Jill Winger says
  January 18, 2015 at 10:58 pm
  Woot! Love timing like that.
  reply to comment
ChrisM says
January 9, 2015 at 6:27 pm
I would NOT eat snow, fresh or otherwise. My daughter melted fresh-fallen snow in clear glass jars for a science-fair project. The water was murky and full of debris. Maybe melt some in a jar first and see if your snow is clean. Weather and pollutants will probably vary.
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- Alex says
  January 23, 2019 at 9:57 am
  I agree, check your melted snow first for cleanliness. Our atmosphere is very polluted these days. Here in south western Ohio you always see jets flying across the sky leaving dense trails of exhaust that eventually spread out and cover the sky. Some days there are several crisscrossing the sky at once. I’ve heard people call the exhaust “chemtrails”, probably because of all the chemical pollution they carry. It has to fall down to us and that can’t be very healthy to consume.
  Love 🙂
  reply to comment
- Anita says
  January 8, 2020 at 7:25 am
  Well, I wouldn’t make a steady diet of snow ice cream daily, but I’m sure once a winter treat will not have any lasting effects.
  reply to comment
Karen says
January 11, 2015 at 4:55 pm
I wanted to thank you for this one, we tried it last night for dessert and are making it again tonight. This is so easy, a lot of fun, delicious, and my 3 year-old loves to help since it isn’t a very time-consuming or labour intensive job. This will now be a part of our snow-day tradition!
As for the comment about not eating snow….the way I see it, I have ingested a lot worse than this, I have no problem eating untouched fresh snow. And frankly, anything that makes dreary snowy days a little more fun is great!! Thanks again for this!
reply to comment
- Jill Winger says
  January 18, 2015 at 10:55 pm
  YAY! So glad it was a hit!
  reply to comment
Mare says
See Also
Classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe - The Best Easy Recipe!
January 11, 2015 at 8:24 pm
My grandmother used to make us snow ice cream all the time. It was wonderful. This was in the middle of downtown in the 1950s-60s. We need to make this for our grand daughter!
reply to comment
Jennifer S. says
January 12, 2015 at 6:31 am
This is such a fun way to brighten up winter. Last winter we had snow cream but so far this year we haven’t had enough snow. Hopefully before spring we’ll be able to have some. 🙂
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Amy @Home & Farm Sense says
January 12, 2015 at 6:12 pm
What a great idea and so easy to do, can’t wait to try it! I love winter on our homestead too – processing and spinning wool, trying new recipes, quilting and sewing, making cheese – things I don’t always have time for during the crazy spring/summer/fall months…
reply to comment
- Jill Winger says
  January 18, 2015 at 10:54 pm
  Exactly! 🙂
  reply to comment
farmerkhaiti says
January 13, 2015 at 12:53 pm
This is seriously ten times better than the ole’ salt, ice and machine cranking method, I’d never even hard of it til now. Alright, now I DO need that milk cow… I’m conspiring to actually milk a Highland Cow this spring, we’ll see! Genius recipe, I just love your easy-going and inspirational website!
reply to comment
- Jill Winger says
  January 18, 2015 at 10:52 pm
  Awww… thanks for your sweet words. And yes, I think you do need that cow… Of course, I’m slightly prejudiced in that regard. 😉
  reply to comment
Angi says
January 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Oh, I loved snow ice cream as a kid!! Wish we had enough snow here so I could make this!
reply to comment
Amy Crowell says
October 31, 2016 at 11:20 am
I totally agree on actually liking winter now that I am a homesteader! (If you had told me 5 years ago that the words “like” and “winter” were going to be in the same sentence coming from me – I am sure I would not have believed it ?) I actually get to read books and sew in the winter!
reply to comment
Beverly Mullins says
December 12, 2017 at 5:38 am
Question……Where did these prairie homesteaders get sea salt?
reply to comment
Eric says
December 20, 2017 at 9:35 am
My grandmother use to make this for us every year…was always a special treat, she also some cinnamon in hers. She also said to never use the first snowfall of the season, not exactly sure why.
reply to comment
Daryle in VT says
December 20, 2017 at 9:59 am
Hi Jill,
Let’s see … Jill’s Chocolate Sauce has maple syrup in it.
Jill’s Snow Ice Cream has maple syrup in it.
Vermont may have to make you an honorary citizen!
reply to comment
Susanne says
January 23, 2019 at 9:28 am
My younger children have made MANY batches of snow ice cream this season – with each new snowfall there’s been a new batch. They’ve made chocolate snow cream too by adding cocoa powder. It’s making fun memories as well as a fun treat. =) Even country kid wanna be’s can enjoy this treat. We have 6 inches of beautiful new snow this morning and I’m guessing there will be more snow cream later.
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April Harrison says
January 23, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Wow I have never heard of snow ice cream before. But I want to try it and we do have snow. Thanks for the recipe.
reply to comment
Rebekah Schilling says
January 29, 2019 at 7:15 pm
We are surviving an Arctic blast and figured there was no better way to celebrate the cold and snow than to make ice cream! We had so much fun! Thanks!!!
reply to comment
TERRY BERRY says
October 15, 2019 at 8:12 am
first article ever about snow ice cream. in the 50’s my mom made it every winter until the government said the snow was dirty and contained “fallout”. All these years I’ve missed “snow cream”. well, I’m going to make some this winter anyway. At 70, I don’t think dirty snow (not dirt dirty) is going to hurt me. It’s about time I got back to my roots. Thank you for the gentle push, I needed that.
reply to comment
- Kayla- Prairie Homestead Assistant says
  October 16, 2019 at 7:04 am
  I love that! So cool that you have fond memories of snow ice cream! I hope you do make it this winter! 🙂
  reply to comment

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[…] For one natural pick-me-up that’s certainly specific to the season, you might want to try this recipe by the Prairie Homestead: […]
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[…] Make the most of snow – make snow ice cream! […]
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[…] big thank you to Jill at The Prairie Homestead for sharing this wonderful recipe (Snow Ice Cream). We finally had a chance to make it tonight and it was a huge […]
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[…] Snow Ice Cream via The Prairie Homestead, will quickly become a wintertime snack your kids won’t stop talking about. It’s tasty and easy to make, and the ultimate way to use up all that snowy goodness outside. […]
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Snow Ice Cream Recipe | The Prairie Homestead (2024)

FAQs

What is snow ice cream made of? ›

Snow cream is easy and fun, and a great opportunity to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Just whisk to combine milk, sugar, and vanilla, then pop it in the fridge while you grab a batch of snow. Stir in snow until the mixture resembles an extra-thick milkshake, and enjoy immediately.

Keep Reading ›

Is it safe to use snow to make ice cream? ›

In 2022, the Washington Post asked the same question. According to WaPo, scientists have found that new snow can contain gross stuff like pesticides and even formaldehyde. However, the substances are at extremely low levels, meaning it is technically safe to eat.

Why are you not supposed to make snow cream with the first snow? ›

Those first snowflakes will collect more of the harmful substances in the air as they fall, leaving less behind for the second round of snow. While you don't want to eat the first snow that falls, you also don't want to wait to collect it off the ground a day later.

See Details ›

Is snow ice cream a southern thing? ›

Ice cream made with snow is a beloved Southern tradition. Maybe people in other parts of the world eat snow cream, but rest assured, that does not negate the previous statement.

Get More Info Here ›

What's the difference between snow cream and ice cream? ›

Snow cream can be one of two distinct desserts. A dessert consisting of whipped cream with added flavorings. A dessert in which snow is mixed with a sweetened dairy-based liquid to make an ice cream substitute. This is also known as snow ice cream.

See Details ›

How do you make homemade snow? ›

Baking soda and shaving cream. Mix together 1 pound of baking soda, and slowly add shaving cream until you reach the perfect snowy consistency. Let kids knead the fake snow with their hands until it's all combined. Baking soda and water.

See Details ›

Why are you not supposed to eat the first snow of the year? ›

In addition to the collected airborne pollutants, the first snow to fall is often in direct contact with the ground. This contact allows it to also absorb chemicals and molecules from the soil like dirt, animal waste, pesticides and fertilizers. If the snow has been disturbed in any way, it is best to avoid eating.

Get More Info ›

How long is snow cream good for in the freezer? ›

Any leftover snow cream can be stored in the freezer for up to one week. We found the texture after holding a few days to be a bit more icy, not quite a granita, but not smooth ice cream either.

Read On ›

Is condensed milk the same as evaporated milk? ›

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

Read The Full Story ›

Is it true you shouldnt eat the first snow? ›

Martin, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, advises against eating snow that has been collected directly off the ground due to the potential for contaminants and toxins and also says you shouldn't eat any snow that has already been plowed, even if it looks clean.

Discover More ›

Can you use the first snow for snow cream? ›

Recipe FAQs

You can make this snow ice cream recipe from the first snow or the last snow, as long as it's fluffy, freshly fallen, and clean (yeah, stay away from that yellow snow, folks).

See Details ›

Who invented snow ice cream? ›

Besides being a nostalgic but tasty treat to make with the kids, snow cream is the venerable ancestor of our modern ice cream. No one knows for sure when or where people began dabbling with snow based desserts. There are records that the Persians made frozen beverages made from snow around 500 BC.

What state likes ice cream the most? ›

California is the largest ice cream consumer in the country with 4,263 ice cream parlors across the state.

Learn More ›

What ingredients are in fake snow? ›

Artificial snow is made of a polyacrylate polymer, such as sodium polyacrylate, which is shredded to produce flakes of a similar size and colour to real snow. Sodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent polymer, also known as a hydrogel, and can absorb up to 800 times its own weight in water.

Find Out More ›

Is snow just powdered ice? ›

Snow is an accumulation of packed ice crystals, and the condition of the snowpack determines a variety of qualities, such as color, temperature, and water equivalent. As weather conditions change, the snowpack can change as well, and this affects the characteristics of the snow.

Snow Ice Cream Recipe | The Prairie Homestead (2024)

Lately, my Facebook feed has been filled with people bemoaning the fact it’s winter…

Snow Ice Cream Recipe

Kitchen Notes:

Snow Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Learn to Cook Like a Farmer!

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FAQs

What is snow ice cream made of? ›

Can you use the first snow for snow cream? ›