Snow cream is 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.
Preparation
The technique of using snow as a main ingredient in a dessert is very old. Common ingredients for this variety are a dairy-based ingredient, sugar and a flavoring agent. In adding a small amount of dairy-based liquid and a flavoring agent (similar to ice cream ingredients) into clean snow, the snow melts and congeals into a simple ice cream substitute.
Discussing a 2024 TikTok food trend for making snow cream, a physician from the Mayo Clinic Health System advised against using snow that had been on the ground for some days, as it may contain dirt, pollution, animal debris or chemicals from snow removal.
This fun snow ice cream recipe is super fun and easy to make in just 5 minutes! Yield: About 2-4 servings
Snow Ice Cream Recipe
Here are the 5 simple ingredients that you will need to make this snow ice cream recipe:
- Milk: You can use just about any kind of milk that you prefer for this recipe – dairy or plant-based, plain or vanilla or chocolate, sweetened or unsweetened, up to you!
- Sugar: We typically make snow cream with basic white granulated sugar, but feel free to use whatever type and amount of sweetener you prefer.
- Vanilla extract: We’ll add a little splash of vanilla extract as our main flavor.
- Fine sea salt: I also highly recommend adding a pinch of fine sea salt to bring out the vanilla flavor.
- Fresh snow (or shaved ice): Finally, you’ll need about 8 cups of fresh clean snow. Or if you prefer not to use snow, you’re welcome to use shaved ice instead. I recommend placing the snow in a metal mixing bowl or a chilled glass bowl to prevent it from melting if you bring the snow inside.
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined. Go scoop up some fresh (clean!) snow, and immediately stir it into the milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency. (The ice cream should be fluffy, not runny. But it melts quickly, so dive in quickly.)
