Creamy butter pecan ice cream loaded with toasted pecans and rich buttery flavor. A classic homemade dessert everyone loves.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
First, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Next, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Then, stir the cooled buttered pecans into the ice cream base.
After that, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 3–4 hours, or until firm.
Finally, scoop and serve chilled.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Extra buttery flavor: Brown the butter slightly before adding the pecans.
- No ice cream maker: Freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes for 3 hours.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of maple syrup or caramel extract.
- Vegan option: Use coconut cream, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
🌟 Benefits of Butter Pecan Ice Cream
First, this homemade butter pecan ice cream offers rich, creamy flavor using simple ingredients.
Additionally, pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart health.
Moreover, making it at home allows you to control sweetness and ingredient quality.
Furthermore, the combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy pecans creates a satisfying texture contrast.
In addition, this classic dessert is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or special treats.
Finally, it delivers timeless comfort and indulgence in every scoop.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
To make this ice cream more kid-friendly, chop the pecans very finely or reduce the amount for easier chewing. You can also mix in a little vanilla or caramel swirl for added sweetness. Serve in small scoops or cones to make it fun and manageable for kids.
