| Category:Â Dessert | Cuisine:Â Carnivore | Prep Time:Â 10 minutes | Chill Time:Â 4 hours | Yield:Â 4 servings |
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| Cook Time:Â 5 minutes | Total Time:Â 4 hours 15 minutes | Course:Â Dessert, Snack | Calories:Â 215 | Author:Â The Carnivore Kitchen |
Introduction & Recipe Overview
Embarking on a carnivore diet doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the simple pleasure of a chilled, satisfying dessert. While traditional sweets are off the table, the beauty of this way of eating lies in its simplicity and creativity with animal-based ingredients. This Homemade Carnivore Chilled Dessert is our answer to that occasional craving for something cool, creamy, and a little bit special.
This recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse. The star of the show is gelatin, a fantastic source of collagen that supports joint, skin, gut, and hair health. Combined with the rich fats from heavy cream and the subtle sweetness inherent in egg yolks, this dessert is both deeply nourishing and incredibly satisfying. It’s a guilt-free way to end a meal, proving that you can enjoy a “dessert” while staying strictly within the carnivore framework.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Strictly Carnivore:Â Uses only animal-based ingredients: gelatin, eggs, and cream.
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Incredibly Easy:Â With a total hands-on time of just 15 minutes, it’s almost impossible to mess up.
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No Baking Required:Â A simple stovetop process followed by chilling makes this a fuss-free recipe.
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Gut Health Boost:Â The gelatin is excellent for digestive health and sealing the gut lining.
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Customizable:Â Feel free to experiment with different extracts or a pinch of salt for variation.
Recipe Information
| Difficulty: | Easy |
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| Intensity: | Low – This is a very simple recipe requiring minimal culinary skill. The primary effort is in gentle heating and whisking to avoid curdling the eggs. |
| Dietary Info: | Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Sugar-Free, Low-Carb, Carnivore |
| Equipment: | Small saucepan, whisk, mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, 4 ramekins or a small loaf pan. |
| Shelf Life: | 3-4 days in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap. The texture may become slightly denser over time. |
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream (or bone broth for a savory version)
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4 large egg yolks
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2 tablespoons (approx. 15g) unflavored grass-fed beef gelatin powder
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Optional: A few drops of vanilla extract (if you include non-sweet flavorings)
Ingredient Notes:
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Gelatin:Â Using high-quality, grass-fed gelatin is recommended for the best nutritional profile and a clean taste.
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Heavy Cream:Â Ensure it is pure heavy whipping cream with no added thickeners or carrageenan for the best texture.
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Egg Yolks:Â Use the highest quality eggs you can find, as their rich flavor is a key component of the dessert.
Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small saucepan, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder over 1/2 cup of the heavy cream. Do not turn on the heat yet. Whisk gently to combine. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This process, called “blooming,” allows the gelatin granules to absorb the liquid and swell up, which ensures it will dissolve smoothly later without forming clumps. The mixture will become thick and paste-like.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
While the gelatin is blooming, place the 4 egg yolks in a separate mixing bowl. Whisk them lightly until they are smooth and slightly paler in color. This is a crucial step to prevent the eggs from scrambling when you add the hot cream.
Now, slowly and gradually, drizzle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This gradual introduction of the cool cream to the yolks gently raises their temperature, a process known as tempering.
Step 3: Gently Heat the Gelatin Mixture
Place the saucepan with the bloomed gelatin and cream over low heat. Warm the mixture gently, stirring continuously with a whisk, for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to dissolve the gelatin completely—you should not see any granules when you rub a bit of the mixture between your fingers. Do not let it boil, as high heat can damage gelatin’s setting properties.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, it’s time to combine everything. While whisking the egg and cream mixture continuously, slowly pour the warm, liquid gelatin mixture into the bowl. Keep whisking until the two are perfectly combined into a smooth, homogenous liquid.
Pour the entire combined mixture back into the saucepan. Return it to the stovetop over low heat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is a custard stage without the sugar. Again, vigilance is key—do not let it simmer or boil, or the eggs will curdle.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you are using any optional ingredients like vanilla, stir them in now.
Carefully pour the warm custard into your chosen serving dishes—four individual ramekins work beautifully for portion control. Let them cool to room temperature on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before covering them with plastic wrap and transferring them to the refrigerator.
Chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the dessert is completely firm and set.
Step 6: Serve
To serve, you can enjoy it directly from the ramekin. The texture should be smooth, firm, and creamy, similar to a panna cotta or a dense mousse. Run a knife around the edge of the ramekin and invert it onto a plate for a more elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal | – |
| Total Fat | 22 g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 250 mg | 83% |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2 g | 1% |
| Protein | 4 g | 8% |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. These are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
This Homemade Carnivore Chilled Dessert is a testament to the fact that the carnivore diet can be both simple and deeply enjoyable. It’s a dessert that truly nourishes your body from the inside out, providing high-quality fats for energy, choline from the egg yolks for brain health, and collagen from the gelatin for structural support.
It’s the perfect way to satisfy a craving without compromising your dietary principles. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, a cool and creamy reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying things in life are also the simplest.

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