Name: Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

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The sweet aroma of freshly churned butter pecan ice cream wafts through the air like a warm hug on a sunny day. With its smooth texture and crunchy nutty bites, this delightful treat is what summer dreams are made of. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a kid again, running barefoot through the grass with sticky fingers and a big smile.

I still remember the first time I made this heavenly concoction. My family gathered around as I proudly unveiled my creation after an afternoon of mixing, blending, and—let’s be honest—taste-testing. The smiles on their faces were priceless, and that’s when I knew I had stumbled upon something magical. Picture it: a hot summer evening, laughter echoing around us as we indulged in bowls of creamy goodness—pure bliss!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This homemade butter pecan ice cream boasts irresistible flavor and is surprisingly easy to make from scratch
The visual appeal of toasted nuts adds charm to your dessert table
Enjoy it on its own or as a decadent sundae topping
Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!

I once surprised my friends with this ice cream at a BBQ, and let’s just say they might still be talking about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Heavy Cream: Use high-quality heavy cream for that rich and velvety texture everyone craves in ice cream.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; don’t skimp on it for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount sweetens the mixture without overpowering the nutty flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the richness; it’s essential for that buttery taste.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch; make sure they’re roasted to perfection for maximum flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth; skip imitation for true flavor.
Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pecans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; burnt nuts are not friends.

Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. You want that glorious aroma without turning it into ghee.

Create Your Base Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should look like a creamy dream waiting to become ice cream.

Combine Everything Together: Add your melted butter into the base mixture along with those delightful toasted pecans. Stir gently so you don’t turn your nuts into tiny bits.

Churn Away!: Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Churn until it reaches soft-serve consistency—around 20-25 minutes usually does the trick.

Freeze Until Firm: Transfer your freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight if you’re really patient (not likely!).

Now you’re ready to scoop out some delightfully creamy butter pecan ice cream! Serve it up in bowls or cones—just don’t forget to savor every spoonful!

You Must Know

Butter pecan ice cream is a delightful treat that balances creamy richness with crunchy pecans
To elevate your scoop game, focus on using high-quality ingredients, as they truly make a difference
The smell of toasting nuts can transport you to ice cream parlor nostalgia

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by toasting the pecans until golden brown for maximum flavor. Then, prepare the custard base while the nuts cool. By multitasking, you’ll have everything ready in no time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add a dash of maple syrup for extra flavor. You can even experiment with drizzling chocolate sauce on top when serving!

Storing & Reheating

Store butter pecan ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about five minutes before scooping to soften slightly.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Keep your ice cream maker bowl thoroughly chilled to ensure smooth texture and quick freezing
Always taste your custard before churning; adjust sweetness if needed
Remember to stir occasionally during freezing for optimal consistency!

I once made butter pecan ice cream for a summer barbecue, and my friends devoured it! They insisted I open an ice cream truck right then and there.

FAQ

What is butter pecan ice cream made of?

Butter pecan ice cream consists of cream, sugar, butter, and toasted pecans.

How long does homemade butter pecan ice cream last?

Homemade ice cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer if stored properly.

Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?

Yes, unsalted butter works just fine and allows you to control the saltiness better.