Even on a carnivore diet, dessert lovers need not despair—creamy, rich, and indulgent carnivore ice cream is here to satisfy that sweet craving. Unlike typical ice cream that’s loaded with sugar and sometimes plant-based additives, this carnivore ice cream is made from simple, dairy-based ingredients that align perfectly with a strict carnivore lifestyle.
It’s incredibly smooth, uses only a handful of ingredients, and takes just a few steps to prepare. This ice cream is perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day or when you want something sweet but need to stay in line with your low-carb, high-fat goals. Let’s dive into this creamy carnivore ice cream recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Carnivore Ice Cream
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients—heavy cream, egg yolks, and some optional flavorings—you can whip up a decadent, guilt-free treat.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: This ice cream is super rich and creamy due to the high-fat content, giving you that luxurious mouthfeel that’s even better than store-bought ice cream.
- Quick to Prepare: The preparation is simple and takes minimal effort, although you’ll need to allow time for chilling and churning.
Ingredients for Carnivore Ice Cream Recipe
- 2 cups heavy cream (preferably grass-fed for better flavor)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor, if allowed)
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered erythritol or stevia (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Carnivore Ice Cream
Step 1: Heat the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Warm the cream until it just begins to simmer—do not let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching at the bottom of the saucepan.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly thickened. If you prefer some sweetness, you can add erythritol or stevia to the yolks and whisk until combined.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
To prevent the egg yolks from scrambling, temper them by slowly adding about 1/2 cup of the warmed cream to the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This will gradually raise the temperature of the yolks without cooking them.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the yolks to curdle.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. You can also leave it overnight for best results.
Step 6: Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 7: Freeze and Serve
After churning, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours to let it firm up. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Serving Suggestions for Carnivore Ice Cream
Carnivore ice cream is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these ideas:
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of homemade carnivore-friendly whipped cream for an extra creamy indulgence.
- Butter Drizzle: Melt some salted butter and drizzle it over your ice cream for a unique and rich flavor combination.
- Carnivore Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a salty-sweet contrast that takes this dessert to the next level.
Tips for Making the Perfect Carnivore Ice Cream
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your egg yolks are at room temperature before starting. This helps them mix more evenly with the warm cream, reducing the risk of curdling.
- Slow and Steady Cooking: Cook the custard mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Patience is key to achieving a smooth and creamy custard base.
- Chill Thoroughly: Be sure to chill the custard base thoroughly before churning. A cold base will help the ice cream churn more smoothly and reach a better consistency.
Variations for Carnivore Ice Cream
- Salted Caramel Carnivore Ice Cream: Add salted butter to the cream as it heats, along with a bit of extra salt for a rich, caramel-like flavor without any sugar.
- Chocolate Carnivore Ice Cream: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder while heating the cream for a chocolate version. Make sure to whisk well to dissolve the cocoa fully.
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Stir in toasted pecan pieces and a small amount of melted butter during the last few minutes of churning for a classic butter pecan twist. (This is more suitable for a keto approach than a strict carnivore one.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker? Yes, you can! Simply pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to break up ice crystals, which will help mimic the churning process.
How do I store leftover ice cream? Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing it with the lid.
What if I don’t want to use sweetener? You can leave out the sweetener entirely. The ice cream will still be rich and creamy, though it will taste less like traditional ice cream and more like a frozen custard.
Can I use a different kind of dairy? Heavy cream works best because of its high-fat content, which gives the ice cream a creamy texture. You could also use a mix of heavy cream and full-fat cream cheese for a thicker texture, but lighter dairy like milk will not yield the same results.
Is this ice cream suitable for keto? Absolutely! This ice cream is low in carbs and high in fats, making it perfect for a keto diet. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, using erythritol or stevia for a sugar-free version.
Conclusion
This carnivore ice cream is the perfect way to satisfy a craving for something sweet, rich, and indulgent while sticking to a meat-based diet. With its luxurious texture and simple preparation, this ice cream will quickly become a favorite, whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day or as a comforting treat after dinner.
The combination of heavy cream, egg yolks, and optional flavorings makes for a versatile dessert that’s both low in carbs and high in taste. So, whether you’re craving a classic vanilla flavor, something with a bit of salty caramel, or even a chocolate twist, this recipe can be adapted to suit your needs—all while staying carnivore-friendly. Enjoy every creamy bite!
