Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Butter pecan ice cream is a classic American flavor built on a custard base loaded with pecans that have been toasted in butter to bring out their nutty richness. The custard needs several hours to chill before churning, so plan for a full day start to finish. A pinch of salt in the base keeps the sweetness balanced.
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream ideally organic
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolks at room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
Butter Pecans
- 1.5 cups pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they are fragrant and slightly darkened. Let them cool and roughly chop.
- Prepare the Butter Pecans: In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped pecans and salt, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook until the pecans are well toasted and the butter is browned, approximately 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat over medium until bubbles form around the edges. Beat the sugar and egg yolks in a bowl until thickened and pale. Gradually whisk the hot cream mixture into the eggs, then return to the saucepan.
- Heat and Thicken: Stir constantly over low heat until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool the mixture by placing it in an ice bath or refrigerating until well chilled.
- Churn and Freeze: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the prepared buttered pecans into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. Serve in bowls with garnish, if desired.
Notes
- For a twist, consider adding a swirl of caramel sauce during the final minutes of churning.
- To enhance the flavor, choose fresh, high-quality pecans and pure vanilla extract.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 178mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 1144IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg
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