Dreamy Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for Sweet Joy

Crafting delectable homemade butter pecan ice cream brings pure culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Sweet cream and crunchy pecans dance together in a dessert that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Nutty aromas will drift through your space, promising something extraordinary.

Each scoop carries memories of summer afternoons and childhood treats.

Rich, creamy textures blend perfectly with caramelized pecan pieces that add delightful crunch.

Cold and smooth, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience.

You cannot resist the allure of this classic frozen delight that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Perfection

• Craft Sweet Memories: Create a delightful dessert that brings families together, sparking joy with every creamy, nutty spoonful.
• Master Gourmet Skills: Learn an impressive homemade ice cream technique that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality treat without professional training.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily adjust the recipe by roasting pecans to your preferred level of crunchiness or adding extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve a seemingly complex dessert with straightforward steps that require minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Ice Cream

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a deep, nutty flavor to the ice cream.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures a smooth and luxurious texture for the ice cream.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a balanced ice cream consistency.
• Pecans: Offers a crunchy, toasted nutty element that defines the butter pecan flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the butter and pecans.
• Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a smooth ice cream texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic background flavor that elevates the entire dessert.

How to Make Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Step 1: Caramelize Butter and Sugar

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, whisking until it dissolves completely and transforms into a rich, golden caramel.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 3: Blend Flavor Profiles

Pour the cooled butter-sugar mixture into the cream base. Gently stir to marry the caramel notes with the creamy foundation, creating a luxurious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold roasted pecans into the ice cream mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout for a delightful textural contrast.

Step 5: Churn to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker.

Churn according to the manufacturer’s guidelines until the consistency resembles soft serve.

Step 6: Deep Freeze

Scoop the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.

Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve a firm, scoopable texture.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop the butter pecan ice cream into bowls and indulge in the creamy, nutty, caramel-infused dessert.

Tips for Creamy Butter Pecan Ice Cream Success

• Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their rich, nutty flavor.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal scoopable consistency without being too hard.
• Brown the butter slightly before mixing with sugar to create a deeper, more caramelized taste that intensifies the overall butter pecan profile.
• Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching the surface before freezing to minimize ice crystal formation and maintain smooth texture.

Exciting Variations of Butter Pecan Ice Cream

• Maple Pecan Paradise: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile. Enhance the pecan taste by toasting them longer and adding a maple glaze.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Mix in dark chocolate chunks or swirl melted chocolate through the churned ice cream. Sprinkle extra roasted pecans on top for crunch.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Blast: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between ice cream layers during freezing. Incorporate caramelized pecans for extra depth and texture.
• Bourbon Pecan Celebration: Add a splash of bourbon during the mixing stage for a sophisticated adult version. Garnish with bourbon-soaked pecans for an extra kick.

Pairing Ideas for Butter Pecan Ice Cream

• Enhance Butter Pecan Ice Cream Flavor Pairings
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Rich, golden caramel complements the nutty pecan and buttery notes, creating a decadent dessert experience with contrasting sweetness.
• Sprinkle Bourbon-Soaked Pecans: Aged bourbon adds depth and warmth, intensifying the nutty flavor while providing a sophisticated adult twist to the classic ice cream.
• Serve with Maple Shortbread Cookies: Crisp, buttery maple cookies provide a delightful textural contrast and enhance the dessert's sweet, toasty undertones.
• Pair with Dark Roast Coffee: Strong, robust coffee cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the ice cream's sweetness and offering a complementary flavor profile.

Storing Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Properly

Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, then seal the container. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Wrap the container in an additional layer of aluminum foil to provide extra protection against freezer burn and maintain the creamy texture.

Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften it slightly. Use a hot, clean scoop to slice through the frozen dessert smoothly.

If the ice cream becomes too hard, place the container in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow gentle softening without compromising its rich, creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can use the no-churn method by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then folding in the sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients. Freeze in a container, stirring every hour to break up ice crystals.

• How do I roast pecans for this recipe?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Let them cool completely before adding to the ice cream mixture.

• Can I use a different type of sugar?

Brown sugar provides a rich caramel flavor, but you can substitute with white sugar. However, the depth of flavor will be slightly different, and the color may be lighter.

Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy homemade butter pecan ice cream delivers pure Southern comfort with rich, toasted pecans dancing through smooth, velvety cream. Rich vanilla notes and caramelized nut crunch make this classic dessert a sweet celebration of indulgent summer memories you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar

Flavor and Nuts:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) roasted pecans

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
2. Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until the sugar fully incorporates and the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Gently fold the cooled butter-brown sugar mixture into the cream base, ensuring thorough integration of flavors and creating a uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate the roasted pecans into the ice cream base, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture to guarantee a balanced nutty flavor in every bite.
5. Transfer the combined mixture into an ice cream machine and churn at 25°F for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the texture reaches a soft, creamy consistency.
6. Carefully pour the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate air pockets and create an even texture.
7. Freeze the ice cream for 4-6 hours or overnight until it becomes firm and scoopable, allowing the flavors to fully develop and intensify.
8. Remove from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, then scoop and garnish with additional roasted pecans if desired.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer, more authentic butter pecan experience.
• Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the caramel notes in the brown sugar.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and almond milk, keeping the same creamy texture and indulgent flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg