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Butter pecan ice cream.

Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

This homemade butter pecan ice cream recipe is smooth, creamy and sweet! It has the perfect texture and nutty caramel flavor. The butter pecans add the best flavor and crunch. This ice cream is way better than store bought.
5 from 8 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup pecan pieces
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 1 ⅔ cups half and half
  • 2 whisked eggs
  • cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch sea salt, optional

Instructions 

  • Depending on your ice cream machine, you may need to first place your ice cream bowl in the freezer overnight.
  • First, add butter and pecan pieces to a skillet over low heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until light roasted. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Place on paper towel to soak up the excess butter and fully cool down.
  • In a large skillet, add half and half. Heat until warm, but not yet boiling. Then, add in brown sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
  • Add whisked eggs to a bowl. Very slowly pour ½ cup of the heated half and half mixture into the whisked eggs. Quickly whisk to prevent curdling.
  • Then, pour this egg mixture into the skillet. Continue whisking over low heat until warm, but not yet boiling. Cook until mixture coats the back of a spoon. See photos above for reference. Turn off heat.
  • Add ice cubes to a large mixing bowl. Place a smaller mixing bowl on top of the ice cubes.
  • Pour the skillet mixture into the smaller mixing bowl. Stir for 1 minute.
  • Add in heavy whipping cream and vanilla. Stir to combine.
  • Place plastic wrap onto the surface of the ice cream custard. Place bowl in fridge for at least 4 hours, up to overnight.
  • Once chilled, remove plastic wrap. Pour custard mixture into the frozen ice cream maker bowl. Make according to ice cream maker instructions.
  • Once ice cream texture is achieved, turn off machine. Stir in toasted pecans.
  • Transfer to a freezer safe bowl or pan. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Serve!

Notes

  • Each serving is about 2 scoops.
  • I love this ice cream maker.  Place ice cream bowl in freezer the day before making this recipe.
  • Follow this recipe exactly.  It produces perfect ice cream.  I cannot guarantee results with other ingredients.
  • Be sure to slowly pour hot mixture into the whisked eggs and whisk constantly.  Do not allow the eggs to curdle.
  • Do not place the hot mixture into an ice cream machine.  It must cool in the fridge for 2+ hours before.  I recommend chilling overnight before adding to the ice cream machine.
  • My ice cream maker only took about 20 minutes to make this into ice cream.  I do not recommend making without an ice cream machine.
  • Store in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.
Calories: 510kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 132mg, Potassium: 295mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 46g, Vitamin A: 862IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 178mg, Iron: 1mg