Southern Charm Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Recipe Introduction
Got a Sweet Tooth?
Craving something truly special? Let's talk homemade butter pecan ice cream . Honestly, is there anything more comforting? It is a classic flavor for all the right reasons.
Think creamy vanilla, rich brown butter, and perfectly toasted pecans.
A Southern Classic Reimagined
This Southern ice cream recipes is rooted in tradition. It has origins in the American South, where pecans reign supreme.
It's a medium difficulty recipe. All the time to make it is under 3 hours + freezing. It makes about 6-8 servings.
Why This Recipe Rocks
One of the best things is that you can make this recipe using an ice cream maker recipe . This custard based ice cream is utterly divine.
Plus, it's a fantastic source of nutty goodness, with those pecans adding a boost of healthy fats and antioxidants. Whip this out at your next summer BBQ.
The homemade ice cream really brings it home, you know?. This brown butter pecan ice cream is simply irresistible.
Okay, let's whip up a batch of that'll make this "homemade butter pecan ice cream" recipe a star! Taking my cues from the recipe description (and channeling my inner SEO chef), here's what I've got.
Think of it like curating the perfect playlist you want a mix of classics and some deep cuts.
Here's the final list of 10 :
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Let's Talk Ingredients for the Best Butter Pecan Ice Cream You've Ever Had
Ready to dive in? First, we need to gather our ingredients. You'll need butter, pecans, brown sugar, salt, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks.
That's it! Simple, right? Next, we're ready to proceed.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, ready to make some seriously delicious homemade butter pecan ice cream ? First things first, let's gather our supplies.
You know, the stuff that'll transform you into an ice cream wizard. This ain't no packet mix job, we're going all-in!
Main Ingredients Sorted
These are the players that'll make this ice cream a star. Let's talk measurements. Precise is key here, folks!
- Brown Butter Pecan Goodness:
- Unsalted butter: 4 ounces (113g) - go for a decent brand, the flavour shines through!
- Pecan halves: 1 cup (100g) - get fresh ones, they should smell nutty and delicious!
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) , packed - this gives that lovely caramel-y note.
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon - balances the sweetness.
- Ice Cream Base Magic:
- Heavy cream: 2 cups (473ml) - important: at least 36% milkfat, this is where the richness comes from.
- Whole milk: 1 cup (237ml) - don't skimp on the whole!
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) - plain and simple.
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon - just a touch!
- Vanilla bean: 1 , split and scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract) - seriously, splurge on a good vanilla! It makes all the difference.
- Large egg yolks: 6 - these make it a proper custard based ice cream!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boost
Okay, let's whip up a batch of flavour! Salt is your friend! Trust me on this one. A pinch really brings out the sweetness.
I find that a tiny bit more vanilla extract than stated on the bottle makes this pop . A little extra bit of magic for the best homemade butter pecan ice cream .
If you're feeling fancy, a drop of maple extract is the deep cut on this ice cream playlist, so delicious!
Essential Equipment: No Fuss!
You don't need a Michelin star kitchen. Easy butter pecan ice cream is only a few steps away! Simple works.
- Ice cream maker: Absolutely essential!
- Medium saucepan: For the custard magic.
- Whisk: Get those arms working!
- Rubber spatula: Don't leave any goodness behind.
- Baking sheet: For those lovely toasted pecans.
- Heat resistant container: For storing the finished product.
If you don't have a fancy saucepan, any will do. Just keep an eye on the heat, OK? Vanilla bean ice cream recipe like this one are awesome.
This Southern ice cream recipes is what my Grandma used to make all the time.
Southern Charm Butter Pecan Ice Cream: A Taste of Home
Okay, let's whip up a batch of homemade butter pecan ice cream ! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like it. It's a taste of sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those hot summer days.
This recipe brings that sweet, nutty goodness straight to your kitchen. We're talkin' comfort food royalty, folks!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get your stuff together. It's all about being organised. Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the hob.
Chop those toasted pecans. Got your ice cream maker ready to roll? Great! This'll save you a load of time, trust me.
step-by-step to Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Bliss
- Toast your pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet. Pop them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven until they smell amazing.
- Brown that butter! Melt butter in a saucepan. Cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Seriously, don't burn it! It goes from good to bad in seconds.
- Mix it up! Stir those toasted pecans, brown sugar, and salt into the browned butter. Spread it out to cool. Then break it into bits.
- Custard time! Heat cream, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Add the vanilla bean. Don't let it boil.
- Temper those yolks! Whisk your egg yolks lightly. Slowly whisk in some of the warm cream mix. Don't want scrambled eggs here!
- Cook that custard! Pour the yolk mix back into the saucepan. Cook until it coats the back of a spoon. Use a thermometer! Don't exceed 180° F ( 82° C) .
- Chill out! Strain the custard into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Press it down to stop a skin forming. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours . Overnight is better.
- Churn baby churn! Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker. Churn as per the instructions.
- Fold it in! In the last few minutes, gently fold in those brown butter pecan pieces.
- Harden up! Transfer to a freezer safe container. Press plastic wrap on top. Freeze for at least 2 hours . Patience is a virtue!
Pro Tips for Ice Cream Nirvana
Here's the tea. Don't rush the chilling. It makes all the difference. Watch that butter like a hawk. Salt is your best mate.
And use the best ingredients you can find! You'll be glad you did. One mistake I used to make, was not waiting for the ice cream to harden enough in the freezer before serving.
This always resulted in a grainy texture.
And honestly, this butter pecan ice cream recipe is so good, it rivals anything you'd find in the shops. Plus, you can proudly say you made it homemade !
Recipe Notes for Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Okay, let's dive into some crucial notes for your homemade butter pecan ice cream ! Think of this as your secret cheat sheet to ice cream success.
These extra tips will make your dessert extra special.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy, Shall We?
Time to ditch the boring bowl! For plating, scoop your homemade butter pecan ice cream into chilled bowls or fancy sundae glasses.
A sprig of mint never hurts. Honestly, presentation makes everything taste better, you know? For a really decadent treat, serve it alongside a warm brownie or a slice of pecan pie.
And for the adults? A cheeky splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur pairs wonderfully. Or keep it simple with a glass of iced tea. It's your party!
Storage Tips: Keeping It Cool
Homemade ice cream can get a bit icy if not stored properly. Scrape all of that yummy butter pecan ice cream recipe into an airtight container.
Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid. This prevents ice crystals from forming.
Your Southern ice cream recipes will be okay in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks. After that, the texture might start to change.
When you want to enjoy it, let it sit out for 5- 10 minutes to soften slightly. Microwave? No way, that is a massive no-no!!
Variations: Get Creative!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of bourbon to the custard base for a bourbon butter pecan flavor. It's a game changer! Or, if you're feeling festive, swap out the pecans for toasted walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor.
For the lactose intolerant folks out there, use coconut cream and almond milk instead of dairy for a pretty decent dairy-free version.
You can make an easy butter pecan ice cream .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (Sort Of)
Let's be real, this frozen dessert recipe is a treat. But it still has some goodness. Pecans are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants.
We are not counting the calories today, folks. But it's rich, creamy, and makes you happy. And that counts for something, right?
Homemade butter pecan ice cream is a labour of love, a way to take an vanilla bean ice cream recipe and turn it up a notch.
So, go forth, get churning, and enjoy every delicious spoonful! Don't be scared to experiment, and I'm sure you'll make this custard based ice cream a star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making homemade butter pecan ice cream really worth the effort, or should I just buy it from the shop?
Absolutely worth it! While store-bought is convenient, homemade butter pecan ice cream allows you to control the ingredients and achieve a fresher, more intense flavor. Plus, browning your own butter and toasting those pecans? Chef's kiss! You'll be saying "sod it" to store-bought after one bite of your DIY dessert.
My homemade butter pecan ice cream turned out icy. What went wrong?
Icy ice cream is a common woe! This often happens because the ice cream base wasn't chilled long enough before churning or wasn't rich enough (fat is your friend here!). Ensure your base is thoroughly chilled (preferably overnight) and use heavy cream with a high fat content (at least 36%).
A splash of vodka, like James Bond would have in his martini, can also help prevent ice crystal formation.
Can I make this homemade butter pecan ice cream without an ice cream maker?
It's tricky, but not impossible! While an ice cream maker yields the best, creamiest results, you can try the "no-churn" method. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and your butter pecan mixture.
Freeze for at least 6 hours, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours to break up ice crystals.
How long does homemade butter pecan ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, within 1-2 weeks. After that, it can start to develop ice crystals and lose some of its creamy texture. Store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to minimize freezer burn. Treat it like a fine bottle of wine savor it!
Are there any healthy ish variations I can make to this homemade butter pecan ice cream recipe?
You can certainly lighten it up a bit! Substitute some of the heavy cream with whole milk or a plant based milk alternative like almond milk. You can also use a sugar substitute like Splenda and use less sugar overall. These options allow for a more "trim" recipe.
Just remember, it's still a treat, so moderation is key!
What are some fun mix-in ideas besides just pecans for this homemade butter pecan ice cream?
Get creative, chef! A drizzle of salted caramel is always a winner. You could also add chopped toffee bits, a swirl of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. For something boozy, consider a splash of bourbon or rum in the ice cream base or the pecan mixture.
Get ready to be saying "Oh my days" to how delicious it all is!
Southern Charm Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 33g |
| Fiber | 1g |