Late winter has a charm all its own. The holidays are
behind us, spring isn’t quite ready to show her face, and the world outside is
still wrapped in white. It’s the perfect time to lean into the season and try
something fun, simple, and a little bit magical making ice cream outdoors using nothing but
snow, a metal mixing bowl, and a few pantry staples.
If you’ve never made ice cream this way, you’re in for
a treat. It’s part science experiment, part old‑fashioned memory maker, and it
works beautifully on those crisp days when the snow is clean and the air has
that unmistakable winter bite.
Gathering Your
Ingredients
You don’t need much for this recipe that’s part of the charm.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (or sugar if you prefer)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a tiny pinch of salt to deepen the flavor
Honey gives the ice cream a smooth texture and a gentle
sweetness, but sugar works just fine too.
Setting Up Outdoors
Pick a spot in the yard where the snow is clean and
undisturbed. Scoop it into a little mound about the size of a small hill and sprinkle salt over the top. The salt helps
lower the temperature of the snow, which is what freezes the cream quickly.
Nestle your metal mixing bowl right into the
salted snow. Metal is important because it gets cold fast and helps the ice
cream set.
Making the Ice Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Add your
honey and vanilla. Then start stirring.
At first, it will feel like nothing is happening. But
as the cold from the snow works its way through the metal bowl, the cream
begins to thicken around the edges. Keep scraping the sides and stirring it
back into the center. This is where kids get excited they can actually see the
transformation happening.
Within a few minutes, the cream turns into a soft‑serve
consistency. If you want it firmer, just let the bowl sit in the snow a little
longer, giving it a stir now and then.
Serving Your Winter
Treat
This ice cream is meant to be enjoyed right away. It’s
soft, fresh, and has that homemade taste you just can’t buy in a store.
Try topping it with:
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Or enjoy it just as it is simple and sweet.
Why This Activity
Works So Well
There’s something special about taking advantage of the
season you’re in. Winter can feel long, but moments like this remind us that
there’s still joy tucked into the cold days. Kids love the hands‑on part,
adults love the nostalgia, and everyone loves the ice cream.
It’s a small thing, but small things are often the ones
we remember.
