When winter hands you the fluffy white stuff, grab your little helpers and make the most of it with a batch of sweet and delicious Fresh Snow Ice Cream. Super easy and oh so fun!
Fresh Snow Ice Cream
We get pretty excited to see snow in Texas. We dream of snowball fights and snowmen and cocoa by the fire. But when the snow came down this time, the power went out and stayed out. We layered up and hunkered down in front of the fireplace, and while we waited it out, we created our own fun. I am so proud of my little campers, y’all. Together, we made the best of a tricky situation. Silly games, popcorn on the stove, and Fresh Snow Ice Cream. As recipes go, it could not be more simple. And as fun goes, well, the kids loved every minute. So when the electricity came back on and the snow was still pretty and plentiful outside, we had to make snow ice cream again.
Channeling Your Inner Pioneer
First and foremost, you’ll need to gather up about 9 cups of fresh, untouched snow. This is where I have to offer the disclaimer that snow is nature and I don’t know anything about the cleanliness of the snow where you live. The snow on our side yard was deep, fresh, and perfectly untouched so we took a gamble. Everyone seems okay 😜.
Next, you’ll need a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk (1 and 1/4 cups)* and one cup of milk. Don’t have any sweetened condensed milk handy? No worries! You can make your own.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
Leave your snow in the freezer or the great outdoors while you make a batch of sweetened condensed milk (it takes about an hour). First, add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup to a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisking continuously, bring it to a slow simmer. Continue to simmer, whisking often, for 35-40 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half, thickened and is starting to turn an off-white color. Then remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Let the condensed milk cool completely before using to make the snow ice cream.
Make Your Own Ice Cream (And Fun!)
While the kids gathered snow, I raided the baking cupboard for some sprinkles. But sprinkles or no sprinkles, this unbelievably simple treat brings out a ton of fun.
Fill a 5-quart bowl with 9 cups of fresh untouched snow. Stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk (1 and 1/4 cups) along with 1 cup regular milk.
Add additional regular milk, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. If your “ice cream” becomes too watery, add more snow. If it’s too thick, add more milk.
Sprinkle, serve immediately, and enjoy! The final texture will depend on the texture of the snow. If you’re working with a soft and fluffy snow, the ice cream will be creamier. If you’re working with an hard and icy snow, the ice cream will have more of a slushy texture.
Store any leftover ice cream in a sealed container the freezer for up to a week. Let rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to enjoy again.
That’s all there is to it, friends! I hope you’re inspired to make some Fresh Snow Ice Cream and that you stay warm and safe. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama when you make it so I can see. I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas and recipes I share!
xoxo,
Fresh Snow Ice Cream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8
Description
When winter hands you the fluffy white stuff, grab your little helpers and make the most of it with a batch of sweet and delicious Fresh Snow Ice Cream. Super easy and oh so fun!
Ingredients
- 9 cups of fresh snow
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (1 and 1/4 cups)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Fill a 5-quart bowl with 9 cups of fresh untouched snow.
- Stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup regular milk.
- Add additional regular milk until of desired consistency. If your “ice cream” becomes too watery, add more snow. If it’s too thick, add more milk.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Store in a sealed container the freezer for up to a week. Let rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to enjoy again.
The final texture will depend on the texture of the snow. If you’re working with a soft and fluffy snow, the ice cream will be creamier. If you’re working with an hard and icy snow, the ice cream will have more of a slushy texture.
How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 and 1/4 cups
Description
To make your own sweetened condensed milk, all you need is a little time and some simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar, honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Add the milk and sugar into a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisking continuously, bring to a slow simmer.
- Continue to simmer, whisking often, for 35-40 minutes, or until the sugar milk mixture has reduced by half, thickened and is starting to turn an off-white color.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Let the condensed milk cool completely before using to make the snow ice cream.
Notes
Store in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Just a bit of caution. As an older adult, (70’s) I grew up in a rural area. We enjoyed a fist full of snow occasionally. But I have since learned that one should know about possible pollutants and or bacteria in the snow. Even if snow is fresh (no chemicals for melting, or other stuff), it may be of concern. You may want to look it up online, reading from a reputable website one can make a more informed decision. This is especially true if one has an impaired immune system.