Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe That Feels Homemade

Rich, velvety butter pecan ice cream represents a decadent Southern delicacy that melts hearts with its luxurious texture and nutty undertones.

Creamy sweetness intertwines with toasted pecans, creating a symphony of indulgent flavors that dance across your palate.

Crafting this delightful dessert converts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that resonates with comfort and nostalgia.

Smooth, caramel-like notes emerge from carefully caramelized pecans, lending depth and complexity to each spoonful.

The delicate balance between sweet cream and roasted nuts forms a harmonious blend that captivates dessert enthusiasts.

Homemade versions surpass store-bought alternatives, offering a personalized touch that elevates this classic treat beyond conventional expectations.

Summer afternoons or cozy winter evenings become magical moments when you savor this irresistible frozen delight.

What Keeps Butter Pecan Ice Cream So Timeless

• Savor Rich Nutty Flavor: Toasted pecans bring a deep, warm, caramelized taste that transforms ordinary ice cream into a gourmet dessert with incredible depth and complexity.
• Enjoy Luxurious Creamy Texture: Whipped heavy cream creates an incredibly smooth, silky base that melts perfectly on your tongue, delivering a velvety indulgence in every spoonful.
• Master Simple Homemade Magic: This recipe requires minimal kitchen skills but produces professional-quality ice cream, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dessert with basic techniques and everyday ingredients.
• Experience Quick No-Churn Convenience: Without needing an ice cream machine, you can craft a delectable frozen treat in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients You Need for Butter Pecan Perfection

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy sweet foundation that provides rich texture and smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create smooth, velvety ice cream texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides deep, nutty flavor and helps enhance pecan caramelization.

• Brown Sugar: Adds warm, caramel-like sweetness with deep molasses undertones.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings classic, smooth aromatic flavor that complements pecans and dairy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Signature ingredient offering crunchy texture, rich buttery taste, and signature crackle throughout ice cream.

How to Make Butter Pecan Ice Cream at Home

Step 1: Chill Your Container

Grab a 9″ x 5″ x 3″ metal loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Pop it in the freezer to get super cold and help your ice cream set faster.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Condensed milk
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix until everything blends into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up Some Clouds

Grab your electric mixer and whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed. Keep whipping until you see firm, fluffy peaks form- about 3-5 minutes of magical mixing.

Step 4: Blend the Goodness

Gently fold about a cup of whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture. This lightens things up! Then carefully fold this into the remaining whipped cream until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 5: First Freeze

Spread the creamy mixture evenly in your chilled pan. Cover tightly and let it chill in the freezer for 2 hours.

Step 6: Toast Those Pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Chopped pecans
• Melted butter

Spread the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Let them cool completely.

Step 7: Pecan Party

Pull the partially frozen ice cream from the freezer. Stir in the cooled pecan pieces. Save a few for topping if you want.

Cover and return to the freezer for at least 3 more hours until firm.

Step 8: Scoop and Enjoy

When ready, pull out your homemade butter pecan ice cream and serve up pure deliciousness! Sprinkle extra pecans on top for extra crunch.

Smart Tips for Richer, Creamier Butter Pecan

• Chill Like a Pro: Freeze your loaf pan beforehand to speed up the freezing process and create a smoother ice cream texture.
• Whip with Precision: Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy base that prevents ice crystals from developing.
• Toast Pecans Carefully: Watch pecans closely while baking to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, which brings out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Fold Gently: Use a delicate folding technique when combining mixtures to maintain the cream's airiness and prevent deflation.
• Storage Secrets: Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy consistency.

Keeping Butter Pecan Fresh and Scoopable

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer remaining ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze: Store in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back, where temperature remains most consistent. Keep for up to 2 weeks for best quality.
• Soften: Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to allow ice cream to soften slightly, making scooping easier and restoring its smooth, creamy consistency.

Best Pairings for This Nutty Ice Cream

• Pair with Buttery Bourbon: Combine the rich, nutty butter pecan ice cream with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark. The caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon complement the sweet, toasty pecan flavors perfectly.
• Crunch with Praline Cookie Sidekick: Serve alongside crisp praline cookies or pecan shortbread. The extra crunch and caramelized sugar notes enhance the creamy texture of the ice cream.
• Drizzle with Caramel Warmth: Top the ice cream with a warm salted caramel sauce. The slightly salty, rich sauce will intensify the butter and pecan elements, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Coffee Companion Contrast: Enjoy with a strong, dark roast coffee or an espresso. The bitter coffee notes will beautifully balance the sweet, creamy ice cream, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Tasty Butter Pecan Variations to Try Soon

• Maple Pecan Paradise: Swap brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that complements the toasted pecans perfectly.
• Bourbon Butter Crunch: Add a splash of bourbon during the mixing stage and sprinkle candied pecans on top for an adult-friendly version with extra depth.
• Cinnamon Spice Swirl: Incorporate ground cinnamon into the base mixture and create a ribbon of cinnamon-infused caramel throughout the ice cream for a warm, comforting twist.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate between layers for a decadent chocolate-pecan combination that elevates the classic recipe.

Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Butter pecan ice cream whispers Southern comfort with its rich, caramel-kissed pecans nestled in creamy vanilla perfection. Homemade indulgence brings pure delight to your dessert table, promising a sweet escape with each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 & ½ cups (165 g) chopped pecans
• 14 ounces (397 g) sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
• 1 & ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Chill a metal loaf pan or freezer-safe container to accelerate the freezing process.
2. Whisk condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to whip heavy cream on medium-high speed, creating firm, voluminous peaks within 3-5 minutes.
4. Gently incorporate a portion of whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture, then delicately fold the lightened mixture back into remaining whipped cream.
5. Distribute the blended cream evenly into the pre-chilled pan, securing with a tight cover before transferring to the freezer for initial two-hour setting.
6. Warm the oven to 350°F. Arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet and toss chopped pecans with melted butter, ensuring complete coating.
7. Spread pecans in a uniform layer, roasting for 12-15 minutes while intermittently stirring to prevent scorching. Allow nuts to cool completely after toasting.
8. Extract the partially frozen cream and fold in the roasted pecan pieces, optionally reserving some for garnishing.
9. Reestablish the cover and return to freezer, allowing the ice cream to solidify for an additional three hours or until reaching desired consistency.

Notes

• Freeze your loaf pan beforehand to speed up the ice cream setting process.
• Whisking ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, creamy base with no lumpy surprises.
• Toasting pecans releases their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your homemade dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 100mg