Golden Pecan Dream

There’s something uniquely comforting and irresistibly delicious about a classic dessert that stands the test of time. Among these timeless treats, homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream shines as a true beacon of culinary joy. This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s an ultra-creamy, deeply flavorful indulgence, generously studded with an abundance of perfectly glazed pecans that deliver an exquisite crunch in every spoonful.

This delectable recipe is brought to you in collaboration with our wonderful friends at Diamond of California Nuts, a brand synonymous with quality and trusted by home bakers and chefs alike. As always, the enthusiasm and opinions expressed here are entirely my own, reflecting a genuine love for both fantastic ingredients and the art of homemade treats. We extend our sincere gratitude to Diamond of California Nuts for their support, which plays a vital role in making The Beach House Kitchen a hub for delicious inspiration.

As the seasons shift and the days grow longer, our thoughts often drift towards refreshing delights. While we eagerly anticipate warmer weather, there’s no need to wait for summer’s peak to enjoy a scoop (or two!) of pure happiness. Imagine a double scoop of this sensational Butter Pecan Ice Cream – a perfect antidote to any lingering chill and an ideal way to usher in the sunnier days ahead. Are you ready to dive in? I certainly hope so, because we’re officially dedicating this week at The Beach House Kitchen to the glorious world of ice cream!

Today’s post is brimming with excitement! Not only are we unveiling a truly exceptional recipe, crafted with the superior quality of Diamond of California Nuts, but we’re also celebrating the joy of homemade goodness. This recipe is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform a classic into an unforgettable experience.

Contents

The Irresistible Allure of Pecans: A Culinary Love Affair

My admiration for nuts knows no bounds. From the earthy richness of walnuts and the vibrant hue of pistachios to the creamy texture of almonds, the buttery notes of cashews, the distinct crunch of hazelnuts, and the exotic decadence of macadamias – each holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. However, if I had to choose a favorite, pecans would undoubtedly claim the top spot. Their unique flavor profile, a delightful balance of sweet and savory with a distinct buttery undertone, has always captivated me.

So, when my esteemed partners at Diamond of California Nuts approached me to craft a special recipe showcasing their premium pecans for their #MadeForHomemade campaign, my mind immediately raced to one glorious creation: ice cream! With summer’s embrace drawing near, the thought of a luscious, ultra-creamy Butter Pecan Ice Cream, exquisitely flavored with both perfectly toasted pecans and their utterly addictive Diamond of California Glazed Pecans, was simply too good to resist.

Discovering the Magic of Glazed Pecans

Have you had the pleasure of trying Diamond of California’s Glazed Pecans? If not, consider this your official invitation to experience a culinary revelation! Seriously, these are a game-changer. They are utterly perfect as a quick, satisfying snack straight from the bag – a testament to their delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. But their versatility extends far beyond simple snacking. Imagine them adding a gourmet touch to your fresh salads, elevating your morning yogurt or oatmeal, or infusing a rich, nutty sweetness into your baked goods. And, as we’re about to discover, they are absolutely phenomenal when folded into homemade ice cream.

I simply couldn’t get enough of these incredible glazed pecans, so for this recipe, I decided to feature them prominently. Not only are they swirled throughout the creamy base of this Butter Pecan Ice Cream, but I took the indulgence a step further. I meticulously chocolate-dipped my sugar cones, then generously coated them in some crushed glazed pecans. This creates a spectacular “double dose of goodness” – a delightful textural contrast and an explosion of flavor with every lick, making the entire experience truly unforgettable.

Embracing the Joy of Homemade Ice Cream

If the idea of making homemade ice cream has ever seemed daunting, let me assure you: it’s incredibly easy and immensely rewarding. There’s no need to be intimidated! In fact, the process is wonderfully fun and offers a level of customization and freshness that store-bought options simply cannot match. When you craft ice cream at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that every spoonful bursts with vibrant, authentic flavors. The resulting taste is always nothing short of fabulous, a true testament to the effort, however minimal, you put in.

For our signature Butter Pecan Ice Cream today, we’re leveraging the exceptional quality of Diamond of California’s pecans in two distinct ways to achieve a profound depth of flavor. First, we toast their raw pecan halves and then steep them in our rich cream mixture. This crucial step allows the pecans to release their natural oils and robust, nutty essence, infusing the ice cream base with a deep, complex flavor that is truly unparalleled. Then, during the final moments of churning, we incorporate their irresistible glazed pecans. This addition provides that extra layer of sweet, crunchy texture, ensuring that every bite is a delightful combination of smooth creaminess and delectable pecan crunch.

Crafting the Perfect Butter Pecan Ice Cream Base

The secret to an exceptionally rich and flavorful butter pecan ice cream lies in the base, specifically how we treat the pecans and the custard. Our journey begins by toasting the pecan halves. This simple step is transformative, as the heat amplifies their natural aroma and deepens their nutty flavor, preparing them to release their full potential into the cream. Once toasted, these pecans are steeped in a luxurious mixture of half-and-half, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and light brown sugar. This gentle simmering and steeping process allows the pecan essence to meld seamlessly with the dairy, creating a foundation that is both fragrant and robust. We then strain the mixture, discarding the softened pecans but retaining all their magnificent flavor within the custard base. This ensures a smooth ice cream texture while preserving the distinct pecan taste.

The next crucial step involves tempering egg yolks. This technique is vital for creating a creamy, stable ice cream without scrambling the eggs. By slowly whisking a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the beaten egg yolks, we gradually raise their temperature, preventing them from curdling when fully combined with the rest of the hot liquid. The custard is then gently cooked over low heat, requiring constant stirring, until it reaches a temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. At this precise point, the mixture will be subtly thickened and will beautifully coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s perfectly cooked. It’s imperative to avoid boiling, as this can negatively impact the texture and flavor. After cooking, the custard is poured through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure ultimate smoothness, allowed to cool, and then enriched with pure vanilla extract. An overnight chill in the refrigerator is essential; it not only allows the flavors to fully develop and meld but also ensures the mixture is perfectly cold for churning, resulting in the creamiest possible ice cream.

Churning Towards Perfection and the Grand Finale

With our beautifully flavored and thoroughly chilled custard base ready, it’s time for the magic of the ice cream maker. Simply pour the mixture into your machine and process according to the manufacturer’s directions, typically for about 20-30 minutes. This process gradually transforms the liquid custard into a soft, luxurious ice cream. The grand finale involves adding the star crunch: the roughly chopped Diamond of California Glazed Pecans. These are incorporated during the last 2-3 minutes of mixing. This timing is critical; adding them too early might over-process them, while adding them too late could result in uneven distribution. By adding them near the end, we ensure they retain their delightful crunch and are perfectly dispersed throughout the creamy ice cream.

Once churned, the ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency. To achieve a firmer, more scoopable texture, transfer the mixture into a shallow, airtight container and freeze it for an additional 3-4 hours, or until it reaches your desired firmness. The anticipation during this final freezing period is almost as sweet as the ice cream itself!

Serving Suggestions and Beyond

This Butter Pecan Ice Cream is a masterpiece on its own, perfect in a classic cone or a simple bowl. But don’t hesitate to elevate the experience further! As mentioned earlier, dipping sugar cones in melted chocolate and then rolling them in crushed glazed pecans creates an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal. This ice cream also pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple pie, peach cobbler, or even a rich chocolate brownie. For an adult indulgence, consider a small drizzle of caramel sauce or a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur. It’s truly a versatile dessert, equally at home at a casual backyard barbecue or as the crowning glory of a sophisticated dinner party. While it’s particularly delightful during the warmer months, its comforting richness makes it a welcome treat any time of year.

Beyond this incredible Butter Pecan recipe, the world of homemade ice cream is vast and exciting. We’ve explored other delightful creations such as Coffee Toffee Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Gingersnap Ice Cream, and my personal favorite, Peanut Butter Cup Oreo Cookies Ice Cream. Each recipe offers a unique flavor adventure, proving that with a little effort and quality ingredients, you can bring the magic of a gourmet ice cream parlor right into your own kitchen. I encourage you to experiment with different nuts, flavor combinations, and mix-ins to discover your next favorite frozen treat. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is truly unparalleled.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma.

Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

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This Butter Pecan Ice Cream is ultra-creamy and loaded with lots of scrumptious glazed pecans!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

1 cup pecan halves
3 cups half and half
1 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
8 large egg yolks
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup Diamond of CA Glazed Pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

Add the pecan halves to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Toast, stirring often until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the half and half, heavy cream, pinch of salt and brown sugar. Simmer, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.
Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until light in color and smooth. Add the cream mixture to the egg mixture in small amounts until you have included about half the mixture. Whisk in the remainder of the cream mixture and return to the saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring often until mixture reaches 175 degrees F. Do not allow the mixture to boil. At this stage the mixture will be slightly thickened and will coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Discard pecans. Let cool on counter for 30 minutes. Stir in the vanilla, cover and place in refrigerator overnight.
Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s directions (about 20-30 minutes depending on your machine). Add the glazed pecans during the last 2-3 minutes of mixing. Place mixture in a shallow airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours for a firmer consistency.

Nutrition

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

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