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How to Make Snow Cream

A snow day will never be the same once you know how to make snow cream! This old fashioned snow cream dessert (made especially in the south) is the perfect way to celebrate a deep white blanket of snow. Nothing is more Southern Comfort Food than Snow Cream.

side view of snow cream

How to Make Snow Cream

If you didn’t grow up making and eating this then you are probably wondering “how to make snow cream”. There are a couple of ways, none is more accurate or better than the other. They are just different ways of doing it.

There are basically two schools of thought and practice..

Can You Imagine with Thick Hot Fudge Sauce?

Snow Cream With Condensed Milk

The first option (and not the way I grew up making it) is made with sweetened condensed milk. Granted, sweetened condensed milk makes most anything taste good.

The second method is

Snow Cream with Milk and Sugar

Then, there’s the version that I grew up making. Snow cream made with milk, sugar and vanilla. I’ll show you how to make each one here today.

how to make snow cream in bowl

Is Snow Cream A Southern Thing?

Because of growing up with southern parents in the northern cornfields of Ohio, I can attest, none of my friends in Ohio had heard of or ever tried snow cream when I was a kid.

Now, 50 years later, that may have changed. Traditionally though, this is a deeply southern tradition.

It is a celebration of the white stuff that we see so seldom.

Is It Safe to Eat Snow Cream?

That depends I guess. You have to make your own decisions about these things. This is what my dad always told me…

  1. Only make this when it has snowed deeply for at least 2 times this winter.
  2. Make with a topping that is at least 6″ deep.
  3. Use only the cleanest snow. If you see bits of debris or heaven forbid, yellow snow, avoid that.
  4. Use snow from WAY out in the yard where no one has walked yet.
  5. Only use snow from the top layers of snow, don’t get down near the ground.

The best thing to do, if you are expecting a deep snow is to set a large bowl out to catch the snow for you and then just collect the bowl when it is full.

bowl of snow cream with chocolate sauce

What Does Snow Cream Taste Like?

The taste always has a fresh made hand churned ice cream taste.

The texture fluctuates with the type of snow you get (powdery vs icy) and will vary between hand cranked ice cream to an ice cream flavored slushy consistency.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Make Snow Cream

Recipe #1

  • 8-12 cups of fresh snow (see snow rules above) – more depending on consistency
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla
  • Granulated Sugar

Recipe #2

  • 8-12 cups of fresh snow (see snow rules above)- more depending on consistency
  • whole milk
  • vanilla

*** For this recipe, mix the milk and vanilla together and then gradually add snow until it is the consistency you prefer.

Here’s How You Make Snow Cream

  1. Collect the snow in the largest container you own.
  2. Bring the snow in the house and working quickly, in your second largest container, mix snow and the ingredients together.
  3. Add more for a thicker, more ice cream like consistency. Use less snow for a more watery consistency.

Can I Add Flavors to Snow Cream?

yes, of course you can. You can get very fancy with it if you prefer. Here’s some ideas:

  1. Use your blender to chop up frozen strawberries and then add some strawberry flavoring and the strawberries .
  2. Pour some chocolate syrup over the top and mix well for chocolate flavor.
  3. Chop up some candy bars and mix it in!
  4. Sprinkle the top with some shaved chocolate.

How To Measure Snow

Here, my friend is demonstrating how to measure if you have deep enough white stuff to make this recipe. Haha

man in snow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How Deep Does the Snow Have to Be?

Before you harvest snow for snow cream, the snow should be at least 6″ deep.

Is it Safe to Use Snow from the First Snow?

My dad always said that it isn’t. I trust my dad even though he has been gone a long time.

Do You HAVE to use Real Vanilla?

If all you have is imitation vanilla, don’t drive out in a snow storm to get real vanilla, use what you have.

How Long Does Snow Cream Keep?

It starts to dissolve quickly, so eat it right now. That’s the joy of snow cream

Can I Freeze Snow Cream?

You can freeze snow cream, but the consistency changes once it freezes in the freezer. It’s best to just make it to eat right now.

What Goes with Snow Cream?

You’ll love some fresh pie with snow cream!

How about Apple Pie or Cherry Pie?

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Snow Cream

  • Use fresh snow that is at least 6″ deep.
  • Only make this when it is deep for at least 2 times this winter.
  • Use only the cleanest snow. If you see bits of debris or heaven forbid, yellow snow, avoid that.
  • Use snow from WAY out in the yard where no one has walked yet.
  • Only use snow from the top layers of snow, don’t get down near the ground.
  • Use your largest bowl to collect the fresh snow and then use your next biggest bowl to mix ingredients.
  • Make up your “batter” and then mix in snow until it is the consistency you prefer
  • If you know that you are preparing for a big snow, make up the “batter” by heating the sugar to help it dissolve and then put that in the fridge so it cools before adding the snow.
  • Here’s some info on eating snow.

PRO TIP: For a bang of flavor add some coconut flavoring OR for adults, add some bourbon. You can thank me later.

Watch Me Make Snow Cream

Can You Help Me Out?

Please leave a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below, this helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes.

side view of snow cream

How to Make Snow Cream

A snow day will never be the same once you know how to make snow cream! This old fashioned snow cream dessert (made especially in the south) is the perfect way to celebrate a deep white blanket of snow. Nothing is more Southern Comfort Food than Snow Cream.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to make snow cream
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 509kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 Cups Snow fresh snow, see tips/notes
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 regular sized can
  • 2 Tbs vanilla
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Gather the snow per the notes section below. Set aside in the kitchen.
  • In another large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and granulated sugar. Whisk well.
  • Add snow to the liquid mixture and mix well, add more snow until it is the consistency you prefer. More snow makes thicker, less snow makes a more soupy consistency.

Notes

  • Use fresh snow that is at least 6″ deep.
  • Only make snow cream when it has snowed deeply for at least 2 times this winter.
  • Use only the cleanest snow. If you see bits of debris or heaven forbid, yellow snow, avoid that.
  • Use snow from WAY out in the yard where no one has walked yet.
  • Only use snow from the top layers of snow, don’t get down near the ground.
  • Use your largest bowl to collect the fresh snow and then use your next biggest bowl to mix ingredients.
  • Make up your “batter” and then mix in snow until it is the consistency you prefer
  • If you know that you are preparing for a big snow, make up the “batter” by heating the sugar to help it dissolve and then put that in the fridge so it cools before adding the snow.
PRO TIP: For an added bit of flavor, mix in some coconut flavoring OR for adults add a bit of bourbon.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Make Snow Cream
Amount Per Serving
Calories 509 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 34mg11%
Sodium 138mg6%
Potassium 966mg28%
Carbohydrates 89g30%
Fiber 8g32%
Sugar 79g88%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 3461IU69%
Vitamin C 179mg217%
Calcium 409mg41%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Linda Holland

Friday 20th of May 2022

Have you ever had snow cream in the summer? Just put whole milk, sugar and vanilla in a bowl big enough so it doesn't spill when you stir it. Place it in the freezer and stir it every half hour until it becomes snow cream.

Wendi Spraker

Friday 27th of May 2022

I haven't tried this but thanks!

Wendi J Spraker

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

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