Maple Bacon Ice Cream
Creamy maple ice cream meets crispy bacon bits in this sweet and savory dessert. Quick to prepare and packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Equipment
- Frying pan – 1 medium
- Knife – 1 sharp
- Cutting board (1)
- Strainer – 1
- Serving bowls or glasses – 4
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon partially frozen
- 4 scoops maple ice cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon for Cutting: Start by partially freezing your bacon slices. If your bacon is at room temperature, place the slices in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. You want them firm enough to cut easily but not completely frozen solid. This makes slicing safer and ensures uniform bacon bits. Partially frozen bacon also prevents the slices from sticking together, giving you neat, even chunks.
- Slice the Bacon Thinly: Once slightly firm, lay the bacon slices on a clean cutting board in small, manageable stacks. Using a sharp knife, slice the bacon lengthwise into thin strips. Then, rotate and cut horizontally into tiny, bite-sized pieces. Aim for small, crispy bits that will fry evenly. The thinner and smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll become in the pan.
- Heat the Frying Pan: Place a medium-sized frying pan on your stove over medium heat. Allow the pan to warm for 2–3 minutes until it’s evenly heated. A properly heated pan ensures that the bacon cooks quickly and crisply rather than steaming or sticking. Avoid adding oil since the bacon will release enough fat during cooking.
- Cook the Bacon Until Crispy: Add the chopped bacon pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Spread them out so they are not overcrowded, which helps them cook evenly. Stir frequently with a spatula to prevent burning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until the bacon turns a deep golden brown and develops a crunchy texture. Adjust heat slightly if the bacon is browning too quickly to avoid burning.
- Drain the Excess Oil: Once your bacon pieces are perfectly crisp, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon or spatula and transfer them to a strainer or paper towel-lined plate. Let them drain for a few minutes to remove excess grease. This step ensures your ice cream remains creamy without becoming oily and keeps the bacon crunchy.
- Cool the Bacon Bits: Allow the bacon bits to cool completely before using them as a topping. Hot bacon will melt the ice cream too quickly and reduce the crunchy texture. Cooling also helps the flavors settle, giving each bite a satisfying crisp-sweet contrast.
- Scoop the Maple Ice Cream: Take your favorite maple ice cream and scoop it into serving bowls or glasses. Aim for generous scoops to create a creamy base that can hold the bacon bits and maple syrup without overflowing. The smooth, cold ice cream forms the perfect balance to the salty, warm bacon.
- Add the Crispy Bacon Topping: Sprinkle the cooled bacon bits evenly over the maple ice cream. Make sure each scoop gets a good amount of bacon to maintain the sweet-and-savory harmony. You can lightly press some bits into the ice cream so they stick better.
- Optional Maple Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness and aroma, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the top. This step is optional but adds a glossy finish and deepens the maple flavor, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Maple Bacon Ice Cream immediately after assembling. The combination of creamy ice cream, crunchy bacon, and sweet maple syrup delivers a luxurious dessert that is quick, easy, and perfect for everyday indulgence. Enjoy each bite as a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Partially freezing the bacon before cutting makes slicing easier and safer.
- Small, uniform bacon pieces fry more evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Drain bacon thoroughly to avoid excess grease on the ice cream.
- Let the bacon cool completely to maintain its crunch on the cold ice cream.
- Maple syrup drizzle is optional but adds extra sweetness and depth.
- You can adjust the amount of bacon based on your preferred sweetness-to-salt ratio.
- Use a high-quality maple ice cream for the best flavor combination.
