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butter pecan ice cream

Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream That's Creamy and Dreamy

This homemade butter pecan ice cream is a dreamy dessert that captures creamy vanilla custard with buttery notes and crunchy pecans.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 scoops
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Custard Base
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 4 Egg Yolks Use large eggs for best consistency
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar Can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with maple syrup
  • teaspoons Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt Use fine grain for even mixing
For the Pecans
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter For toasting pecans
  • ¾ cup Chopped Pecans Toast until golden for extra flavor
Optional Flavor Enhancers
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Use sparingly for just a hint
  • 1 tablespoon Bourbon Add during mixing if desired

Equipment

  • Ice Cream Maker
  • saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, gently heat 2 cups of heavy cream along with 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes until ready for the egg mixture.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of brown sugar until pale and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Slowly pour half of the heated cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
  4. Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, stir in 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  6. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet, add ¾ cup of chopped pecans, and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  7. Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions for 20-25 minutes; add the toasted pecans during the last minutes of churning.
  8. Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1scoopCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure to allow adequate chilling time for a creamy texture. For easier serving, dip scoop in warm water before serving.

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