Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this butter pecan ice cream recipe! It’s like a hug in a bowl, combining the rich, buttery flavors with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dive in! This classic dessert is perfect for warm summer nights or any time you need a little treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last scoop is gone. It’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this luscious butter pecan ice cream! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is unsalted, as it balances the sweetness perfectly. You can also toast the pecans yourself for that extra crunch and flavor, which I highly recommend! So, grab these ingredients, and let’s get ready to make some ice cream magic!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this butter pecan ice cream! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy treat that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Melting the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it because you want it to melt gently without browning too much. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s completely liquid and starts to smell nutty—oh, that aroma is divine!
Step 2: Toasting the Pecans
Next, it’s time to toast those pecans! Add them to the melted butter and stir them around for a few minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. You’ll notice their nutty scent filling the kitchen. This step is crucial because it really enhances their flavor!
Step 3: Mixing the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves. This creamy base is the canvas for all that buttery goodness we’re about to add!
Step 4: Combining the Mixtures
Now, stir in that buttery pecan mixture into your cream base. Make sure everything is well combined—this is where the magic happens! You want those toasted pecans evenly distributed throughout for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Churning the Ice Cream
Pour your mixture into the ice cream maker. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for churning—typically, it’ll take about 20-30 minutes. You’ll want it to reach a soft-serve consistency, which is just the right texture to freeze solid later.
Step 6: Freezing the Ice Cream
Once churned, transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and cover it tightly. Now, here comes the hardest part—freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it firm up. The wait is so worth it when you finally scoop into that smooth, creamy ice cream!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
- Rich, indulgent flavor: The combination of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Simple preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade ice cream in no time!
- Perfect texture: Churning the mixture gives you a creamy, smooth texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or caramel swirls to make it your own!
- Great for sharing: This recipe yields about 1.5 quarts, so there’s plenty to go around for family gatherings or summer parties.
- Impressive and homemade: Making your own ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser and gives you that pride of creating something delicious from scratch.
Tips for Success with Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Alright, my fellow ice cream enthusiasts! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure you whip up the best butter pecan ice cream ever!
- Chill your base: For a creamier texture, consider chilling your mixture before pouring it into the ice cream maker. This little trick can make a big difference in your final product!
- Don’t skip toasting: Toast those pecans! It really amps up their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Be patient and watch them closely; they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
- Use good quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies on a few key components, opt for high-quality butter and vanilla extract. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Every ice cream maker is a bit different, so be sure to follow the specific guidelines for churning time and settings. This is crucial for achieving that perfect soft-serve consistency!
- Mind the freezing: Once you’ve churned your ice cream, freeze it for at least 4 hours. I know it’s hard to wait, but letting it firm up properly will reward you with that scoopable delight!
- Store wisely: Keep your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. You don’t want your hard work ruined by icy crystals!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a luscious butter pecan ice cream that everyone will love! Happy churning!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in this creamy butter pecan ice cream, I always think about balance. It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just a guideline. For a typical serving size of 1/2 cup, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep these values in mind as you enjoy your homemade treat! Remember, it’s all about savoring each bite and enjoying the deliciousness that comes with making your own ice cream.
FAQ about Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
Absolutely! Roasted pecans will add a deeper flavor to your butter pecan ice cream. Just make sure they’re not overly salted, or it might throw off the balance of sweetness.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries! You can still make this recipe. After combining the mixtures, pour it into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it’s fully frozen. It takes a bit longer, but it’s totally doable!
How can I make this butter pecan ice cream dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy treat that everyone can enjoy!
Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate or caramel?
Definitely! This butter pecan ice cream recipe is super versatile. Just fold in your favorite mix-ins right before you transfer it to the container for freezing. Chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel would be divine!
How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your butter pecan ice cream should last about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. But trust me, it’ll be hard to resist before then!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up this heavenly butter pecan ice cream, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it as fresh and delicious as possible! Start by transferring any leftover ice cream into an airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn, which can ruin that creamy texture you’ve worked so hard to create. Make sure to smooth the top before sealing it up tight.
For the best results, I recommend enjoying your butter pecan ice cream within 2-3 weeks. But let’s be real, it’s going to be hard to resist digging in long before that! When you’re ready to serve, just scoop it out with a warm spoon—this little trick helps get those perfect scoops without too much fuss.
If you find that your ice cream has become a bit hard after a long freeze, don’t worry! Just let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This allows it to soften up just enough for that perfect creamy scoop. Enjoy every last bite, because you totally deserve this sweet treat!
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Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 quarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This butter pecan ice cream recipe combines rich flavors of butter and toasted pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the pecans and toast them until golden.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Stir in the butter and pecans mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
- Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, chill the mixture before churning.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: butter pecan ice cream recipe
