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Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Creamy Butter Pecan Ice Cream You'll Love Making at Home

This Butter Pecan Ice Cream features creamy vanilla custard and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for cooling off in summer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Provides a rich and luxurious texture.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Full-fat delivers the best results.
  • 5 large Egg Yolks Key for creating a smooth custard base.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the mixture.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Infuses a hint of caramel flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract Using pure vanilla ensures deliciousness.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness.
For the Pecans
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter For toasting pecans.
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans Toasting enhances their taste.
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional for added warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon Bourbon For an extra layer of flavor.

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Ice cream maker
  • Fine Mesh Strainer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Heat over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tiny bubbles start to form around the edges.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 egg yolks with ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of brown sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually mix in half of the warm cream mixture.
  3. Return the egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining cream and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet and toast 1 cup of chopped pecans for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  6. Pour the chilled custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions for 20 to 25 minutes, adding the cooled toasted pecans in the last few minutes.
  7. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Toast your pecans until golden and fragrant for the best flavor. Allow the custard base to chill fully for optimal texture.

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