Carnivore Coffee Bacon Ice Cream
This Carnivore Coffee Bacon Ice Cream is rich, creamy, smoky, and surprisingly addictive. The deep flavour of coffee pairs beautifully with salty crispy bacon, while a custard base made with egg yolks and heavy cream gives the ice cream an incredibly smooth texture.
I made this one on a weekend when I was in the mood to experiment with something completely different. Coffee and bacon are two flavours I already loved, so I kept wondering whether they could actually work together in ice cream.
Turns out, they absolutely can.
The coffee gives it a rich, slightly bitter flavour, while the crispy bacon adds little salty, smoky bites throughout. My family was definitely curious when they saw bacon going into an ice cream recipe, but after the first taste, everyone wanted another spoonful.
It’s one of those recipes that sounds strange until you try it.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Churn Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream
- Rich and creamy
- Bold coffee flavour
- Crispy salty bacon throughout
- Sweet-and-savory combination
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for adventurous carnivore-style eaters
- Great make-ahead dessert
Ingredients
For the Coffee Custard
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Bacon
- 5–6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat, optional
For a stricter carnivore approach, use only ingredients that fit your personal version of the diet. This recipe is intentionally unsweetened.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until deeply golden and crispy.
Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
Allow it to cool completely, then chop it into very small pieces.
Reserve a little bacon fat if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan.
Warm it over medium-low heat until steaming, but don’t let it boil.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks
Place the egg yolks in a bowl.
Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour a little of the warm cream into the egg yolks while whisking continuously.
Gradually add more cream while continuing to whisk.
This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Step 5: Cook the Custard
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Do not allow it to boil.
Step 6: Add Coffee and Butter
Remove the custard from the heat.
Stir in the cooled brewed coffee, butter, and pinch of salt.
Mix until completely smooth.
Step 7: Strain and Chill
Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
The base should be completely cold before churning.
Step 8: Churn
Pour the chilled coffee custard into your ice cream maker.
Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally around 20–30 minutes.
Step 9: Add the Bacon
During the final few minutes of churning, add most of the crispy bacon pieces.
Reserve a little for topping.
Step 10: Freeze
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Allow it to sit at room temperature for several minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
Make the Bacon Extra Crispy
Soft bacon can become chewy after freezing. Cook it until nicely crisp and drain it well.
Don’t Add Too Much Coffee
Coffee can easily overpower the cream. Start with a small amount and increase it if you want a stronger flavour.
Cool the Bacon Completely
Adding hot bacon to the ice cream mixture can cause melting and negatively affect the texture.
Don’t Overcook the Custard
Low, gentle heat is the key to smooth ice cream. Boiling can cause the eggs to curdle.
Add Bacon at the End
Mixing it in during the final minutes helps keep little pieces distributed throughout the ice cream.
Delicious Variations
Extra Smoky Bacon Ice Cream
Add a little extra crispy bacon and a tiny pinch of salt for a stronger sweet-and-savory flavour.
Butter Coffee Bacon Ice Cream
Add an additional tablespoon of butter to the custard for an even richer texture.
Espresso Bacon Ice Cream
Replace the brewed coffee with a small amount of strong espresso.
Salted Coffee Bacon Ice Cream
Finish each serving with a tiny pinch of flaky salt.
No-Churn Method
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, prepare and chill the custard as directed.
Pour it into a shallow freezer-safe container.
Freeze for about 30–45 minutes, then stir thoroughly.
Repeat every 30–45 minutes for the first few hours to help break up ice crystals.
Fold in the crispy bacon once the mixture begins thickening.
Continue freezing until firm.
Storage Instructions
Store the ice cream in an airtight freezer-safe container.
For the best texture and flavour, enjoy within 1–2 weeks.
Keep the container tightly sealed to help prevent freezer burn.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 39g
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the bacon, cream, and other ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ice cream taste like bacon?
Yes, but the flavour is balanced. The creamy coffee custard comes first, followed by salty, smoky little pieces of bacon.
Is this ice cream sweet?
This version contains no traditional sugar or sweetener, so it is more of a rich, creamy, coffee-and-bacon dessert than a conventional sweet ice cream.
Can I use leftover bacon?
Absolutely. Just make sure it is very crisp and completely cooled before adding it.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes. Dissolve a small amount in a tablespoon or two of hot water, then cool it completely before adding it to the custard.
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes. Simply omit the coffee for a rich bacon-and-cream ice cream.
Is this strictly carnivore?
That depends on your definition of carnivore. Some approaches include dairy and coffee, while stricter versions may exclude one or both. Adjust the recipe according to your personal approach.
Final Thoughts
This Carnivore Coffee Bacon Ice Cream may sound unusual, but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. The creamy coffee custard, buttery richness, and salty crispy bacon create a combination that’s smoky, bold, and surprisingly satisfying.
I love making it when I’m in the mood to try something outside the ordinary. It’s definitely a conversation starter—and once everyone gets past the idea of bacon in ice cream, they usually go back for another scoop. 🥓☕🍨