Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe – Sweet Summer Joy

Cool summer days call for a delightful butter pecan ice cream that melts right into your sweetest memories.

The rich, creamy texture of this classic dessert swirls with buttery, caramelized pecans in every dreamy scoop.

Nutty and indulgent, this homemade treat brings traditional flavors to life with minimal effort.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smooth vanilla and toasted pecan crunch that dances across your palate.

We fold roasted pecans into a silky custard base, creating a decadent dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

The secret lies in carefully browning the pecans in butter, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary frozen delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Butter Pecan Ice Cream Must-Haves

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and smooth texture to the ice cream base.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety consistency and helps create a dreamy frozen dessert.

• Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel-like warmth and extra depth to the ice cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers classic aromatic sweetness that complements the nutty pecan flavor.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the overall taste, making other flavors pop.

• Pecans: Delivers delightful toasty crunch and rich, buttery flavor throughout the ice cream.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps toast pecans and adds a golden, rich undertone to the nutty elements.

Ice Cream Equipment for That Nutty Flavor

• Electric mixer: Perfect for whipping cream to soft, billowy peaks quickly and effortlessly.
• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and creating the creamy base.
• Whisk: Great for blending condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt into a silky mixture.
• 9: Ideal freezer-safe container for setting and storing the ice cream.
• Baking sheet: Used for toasting pecans to bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Parchment paper or silicone liner: Prevents pecans from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and evenly without deflating the whipped cream.

How to Scoop Up Butter Pecan Goodness

• Freezer Prep

Chill a metal loaf pan in the freezer to speed up the ice cream setting process.

• Creamy Base

Blend condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a smooth mixture.

• Whipped Cloud

Transform heavy cream into soft, billowy peaks using an electric mixer.

• Gentle Fusion

Carefully marry the whipped cream and milk mixture, creating a luxurious texture.

• Initial Chill

Spread the silky blend into the cold pan and let it rest in the freezer for a couple of hours.

• Pecan Transformation

Toast chopped pecans in the oven until they release a warm, nutty aroma. Coat them with melted butter for extra richness.

• Final Assembly

Fold the golden-brown pecans into the partially frozen cream. Sprinkle extra nuts on top for a delightful crunch. Return to the freezer until perfectly firm.

Tricks for More Buttery, Nutty Bites

• Toasting Technique: Roast pecans carefully to enhance their rich, nutty flavor. Use a light touch when stirring to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pecan ice cream up to a week in advance. Store in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn.
• Texture Tricks: For extra smoothness, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This softens the mixture, making it easier to scoop and more enjoyable.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the classic butter pecan profile. Each addition creates a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative for a delicious vegan version of this beloved ice cream.

Serve Butter Pecan the Creamy Way

• Sweet Breakfast Pairing: Start your morning with a delightful scoop nestled beside warm, fluffy pancakes or waffles. The creamy butter pecan ice cream adds a decadent touch to your breakfast routine.
• Dessert Plating Elegance: Create a stunning dessert presentation by serving the ice cream in elegant glass bowls. Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top and drizzle with caramel sauce for a restaurant-worthy finale.
• Afternoon Sundae Delight: Transform the ice cream into a classic sundae by adding a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and a maraschino cherry. This treat turns an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration.
• Flavor Companion: Pair the butter pecan ice cream with a warm slice of apple pie or a rich chocolate brownie. The nutty, creamy flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a mouthwatering dessert experience.

Keep That Ice Cream Fresh and Frost-Free

• Chill Before Serving: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-7 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect creamy texture. This gentle thawing helps create smooth, easy-to-serve portions.
• Freezer-Friendly Storage: Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize ice crystal formation and maintain freshness.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Use a muffin tin or silicone cupcake molds to create individual frozen servings. These pre-portioned scoops make dessert time quick and convenient for busy families or spontaneous gatherings.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Keep extra toasted pecans in a sealed container nearby. Sprinkle these crunchy bits on top just before serving to restore the delightful nutty crunch and enhance the overall taste experience.

Creamy Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy butter pecan ice cream blends rich, toasted nuts with velvety vanilla base. Homemade dessert offers indulgent southern charm that delights you with each cool, nutty spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (165 g) chopped pecans
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps light or dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Chill a metal loaf pan or freezer-safe container to optimize freezing efficiency.
2. Base Mixture: Whisk condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Cream Whipping: Deploy an electric mixer to transform heavy cream into firm, voluminous peaks within 3-5 minutes at medium-high speed.
4. Integration: Delicately fold whipped cream into condensed milk mixture, ensuring light and airy texture without deflating the volume.
5. Initial Freezing: Transfer blended cream to pre-chilled pan, cover tightly, and freeze for two hours to initiate setting.
6. Pecan Roasting: Preheat oven to 350°F and spread buttered pecans on parchment-lined baking sheet, roasting for 12-15 minutes with occasional stirring to achieve golden, fragrant nuts.
7. Final Assembly: Remove partially frozen cream, fold in roasted pecans, reserving some for optional garnish, then return to freezer for additional three hours until achieving desired firmness.

Notes

• Chill Container First: Pre-cooling the metal loaf pan helps accelerate freezing and creates a smoother ice cream texture.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Beat heavy cream to firm peaks precisely within 3-5 minutes to maintain optimal volume and stability.
• Toast Pecans Strategically: Roast nuts evenly, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance their rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Fold Gently: Incorporate whipped cream and pecans with delicate folding motions to preserve air bubbles and maintain a light, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg