The sweet aroma of vanilla blends perfectly with the crunch of toasted pecans, creating an irresistible treat that dances on your taste buds. As you scoop into a bowl of rich and creamy butter pecan ice cream, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a sunny afternoon picnic.
This delightful dessert brings back memories of childhood summers spent chasing after the ice cream truck. Just the thought makes me smile as I prepare this simple yet indulgent recipe for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy butter pecan ice cream is a breeze to make with just a few ingredients.
- The flavor is rich and nutty, creating a delightful balance.
- Its visual appeal makes it a showstopper for any gathering or celebration.
- Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings any time of year!
One hot summer day, I decided to whip up this butter pecan ice cream. The delighted faces of my family made every minute worth it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Heavy Cream: Choose high-fat content for a rich and creamy texture that feels luxurious on your palate.
- Whole Milk: Full-fat milk enhances the smoothness and helps create that perfect scoopable consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best to sweeten without altering the flavor profile too much.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor boost that elevates your ice cream.
- Pecans: Toast them lightly before adding; this enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out your heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and salt. Having everything ready makes mixing easier!
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and sugar dissolves—about 2 minutes should do it.
Add Those Pecans!: Fold in your toasted pecans gently using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture without breaking apart too much.
Chill Out!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal results.
Churn Away!: After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker according to its instructions. Churn until thickened—this usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
Freeze Until Firm!: Transfer your churned ice cream to an airtight container and spread evenly. Freeze for at least 4 hours until firm before serving.
Enjoying a scoop (or two) will remind you why this creamy delight has become such a beloved classic!
You Must Know
- This butter pecan ice cream recipe captures the essence of summertime joy.
- With its rich buttery flavor and crunchy pecans, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will love.
- The combination of creamy texture and nutty goodness is sure to make you smile with every scoop.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the mixture. This enhances their flavor, making them wonderfully aromatic. While your mix cools, whip the cream separately for a lighter texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique twist. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or caramel swirls to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store your butter pecan ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To serve, let it sit out for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pecans for maximum crunch and flavor; stale nuts can ruin this delightful dessert.
- Ensure your mixture is fully chilled before churning; this guarantees a smoother texture.
- Lastly, avoid over-churning to prevent icy ice cream that lacks creamy delight.
When I first made this butter pecan ice cream, my friends devoured it within minutes, begging for seconds as they reminisced about childhood summers spent outdoors.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Almonds and walnuts make great alternatives for different flavors.
How long does homemade butter pecan ice cream last?
It can last up to two weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances their flavor significantly but is not strictly necessary if you prefer a milder taste.
Easy Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Butter Pecan Ice Cream is a creamy, nutty delight that promises joy with every scoop. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (approximately 20-25 minutes).
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
- Ensure all ingredients are chilled before churning for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
