A creamy, homemade butter pecan ice cream recipe with toasted pecans.
Author:Avery
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:4 hr 35 min
Yield:1.5 quarts1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Churning
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
5 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan halves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the custard base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt.
Cook the custard: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Do not boil.
Strain and chill: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare the buttered pecans: In the same skillet used for toasting, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the toasted pecans and brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the pecans are coated and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, roughly chop them.
Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add the pecans: During the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped buttered pecans to the ice cream maker.
Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Ensure your custard base is thoroughly chilled before churning for the best results.
Store homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.