Name: Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 eggs; 1.5 cups sugar; 1/2 can (about 7 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1.5 tablespoons good quality vanilla extract; 4 cups milk (whole, 2%, half and half, or heavy cream for creamier texture); 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; Caramel ice cream topping, as desired

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the rich, creamy delight of homemade butter pecan ice cream with this simple recipe. Loaded with toasted pecans and a buttery caramel touch, it’s a classic treat perfect for any occasion.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with creamy white ice cream mixed with small brown nut pieces spread evenly throughout. A dark metal ice cream scoop is lifting a rounded portion of the ice cream, showing the smooth and soft texture along with crunchy nuts inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 eggs
1.5 cups sugar
1/2 can (about 7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1.5 tablespoons good quality vanilla
4 cups milk (whole, 2%, half-and-half, or heavy cream for creaminess)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
Optional: caramel ice cream topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs for 1–2 minutes until well combined. Add 1.5 cups sugar and continue mixing for another minute until it forms a smooth mixture.
Step 2: Stir in the vanilla, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined. (If you prefer, cook the mixture gently to create a custard base, then cool before churning.)
Step 3: Pour the mixture into your ice cream machine and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: While the ice cream churns, melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and stir until dissolved.
Step 5: Add chopped pecans, reduce heat to medium, and stir gently for about 5 minutes until toasted. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Transfer pecans to a plate and allow to cool.
Step 7: A few minutes before the ice cream is done, add the cooled pecans to the machine so they incorporate evenly.
Step 8: Serve the ice cream immediately as soft serve, or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours to firm up.
Step 9 (Optional): For a caramel swirl, layer half the ice cream in a container, spread a generous amount of caramel topping, add the remaining ice cream, and top with more caramel. Gently swirl with a butter knife and freeze 2 to 4 hours.

Tips & Variations

Using higher-fat milk like heavy cream or half-and-half results in creamier ice cream.
For extra flavor, lightly toast pecans before adding butter and sugar.
Try adding a pinch of salt to the caramel topping to enhance the buttery flavor.
If you don’t have an ice cream machine, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until smooth and frozen.

Storage

Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to two weeks. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes or briefly microwave on low power in short bursts.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows creamy, off-white ice cream with small bits of dark brown pecans mixed throughout. A metal ice cream scoop is lifting a rounded portion from the container, revealing a smooth and slightly soft texture with visible nut pieces scattered on the surface. The background has a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream machine?

Yes, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until it firms up to avoid ice crystals.

How do I prevent the pecans from burning when toasting?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently, watching closely as pecans can burn quickly once toasted.