Kit Keenan Admits She Made Viral Sardines Ice Cream as ‘a Bit of Rage Bait’ but Was ‘Surprised’ by ‘How Delicious It Was’ (Exclusive)

In a world where culinary experimentation often takes centre stage, Kit Keenan, a New York-based lifestyle influencer and the daughter of renowned fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, has stirred up quite a conversation by pairing two unusual ingredients in a dessert—vanilla ice cream and sardines. This unexpected combination recently went viral on TikTok, prompting a deluge of reactions from viewers fascinated and baffled by the creation.

Keenan, who previously gained recognition as a contestant on The Bachelor, shared the dessert in a TikTok video, describing it as the treat she enjoys after dinner. “This is what I eat for dessert every night,” she announced to her audience, presenting a spoonful of vanilla ice cream topped with sardines preserved in lemon. Following her bold proclamation of the dessert being “so salty and delicious,” she detailed the preparation process, which involved air-frying the sardines to crunchy perfection.

In the video, Keenan describes the steps for making her unconventional treat. After scooping Van Leeuwen vanilla ice cream into a bowl, she opened a can of Fishwife Sardines with Hot Pepper, mashed them with a fork, and air-fried them until crispy. The sardines, now transformed, were then plopped onto the ice cream, resulting in an unusual yet intriguing dessert.

The reaction to Keenan’s bold creation was mixed, with a variety of comments both from her friends and the wider TikTok community. While some viewers expressed disbelief— with influencers like Danielle Pheloung and Brigette expressing confusion—others revealed curiosity about the combination. One user mused about wanting to try the dish, while another remarked how it could be a new way to enjoy sardines.

Keenan later explained to PEOPLE that the flavour of the sardines was not as overpowering as some might expect. She noted that the specific brand she used, preserved in lemon, lent a pleasant citrusy hint that complemented the sweetness of the ice cream. Her insights reveal a nuanced understanding of flavours, as she pointed out a common misconception about sardines being overly salty when they are often more akin to tuna in taste.

The influencer candidly admitted that while the idea for the dessert was initially intended as a playful experiment, the resulting flavour profile was surprisingly enjoyable. “It’s not something that I necessarily think that everyone should try,” she said, advocating instead for the exploration of unusual food pairings. Her penchant for blending sweet and salty flavours stems from a love of culinary creativity, which has inspired several of her recipes.

Keenan also referenced some of her previous unusual culinary experiments, such as her rendition of the Italian dish saltimbocca, where she incorporates jelly for a sweet kick that enhances the savoury components of the meal. She expressed a similar enthusiasm for her unique twist on Caesar chicken wings, which are marinated in Caesar dressing to keep the meat exceptionally tender while introducing a distinctive flavour.

While it remains uncertain whether the sardines and ice cream dessert will become a regular feature of her diet, Keenan embraced the spirit of experimentation that characterises much of modern cooking. “I’m always happy to experiment in the kitchen,” she stated, suggesting that the viral moment was more about playful culinary exploration than a new dietary staple.

In a culinary landscape rich with diverse and sometimes peculiar combinations, Keenan’s adventurous approach to food has resonated with many. Her willingness to challenge traditional flavour pairings not only invites others to explore their taste buds but also fosters a dialogue around the evolving nature of modern cuisine, where the unusual can become a source of inspiration. As her TikTok followers engage with her culinary escapades, Keenan continues to spark conversations that highlight the joy of creativity in the kitchen.