Name: No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped pecans; ¼ cup organic brown sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups organic heavy cream; 1 (14 oz.) can low-fat sweetened condensed milk; ¼ cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk); 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; Pinch of ground cinnamon; Toasted chopped pecans, cooled

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 35 reviews

If you’re craving a luscious homemade treat that’s rich, creamy, and packed with buttery, nutty flavor, look no further than this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. Imagine velvety ice cream swirled with toasted buttered pecans that add a delightful crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness. Best of all, it requires no fancy ice cream machine — just simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Whether you’re serving it up for a summer party or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white cast iron pan filled with a single layer of roasted pecans that are shiny and dark brown with slightly cracked shells, resting on a wooden surface. A black spatula with a wooden handle is inside the pan, holding some pecans near the right edge. Above the pan on the left side, there is a small orange bowl filled with whole pecans, and a few loose pecans are scattered on the wooden surface near the top right corner. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the pecans and the matte surface of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the rich texture of heavy cream to the mellow sweetness of maple syrup, and of course, those golden buttery pecans that steal the show.

2 cups chopped pecans: These add signature crunch and nutty depth, especially when buttered and caramelized.
¼ cup organic brown sugar: Gives the pecans a beautiful caramelized sweetness that complements the ice cream base.
¼ cup unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, golden coating on the pecans that elevates their flavor.
2 cups organic heavy cream: This forms the creamy, dreamy foundation of the ice cream’s texture.
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk, low-fat: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess without needing extra sugar.
¼ cup almond milk: Helps lighten the texture and add a subtle nutty undercurrent; you can substitute with whole milk or your preferred plant milk.
2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness with a touch of autumnal warmth that blends beautifully here.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with fragrant, familiar notes that tie everything together.
Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
Pinch of ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that complements the buttered pecans perfectly.
Toasted chopped pecans, cooled (for topping): A crunchy, nutty garnish to finish the ice cream with pizzazz.

How to Make No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttered Pecans

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped pecans and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over them. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and the pecans become glossy and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the pecans onto parchment paper to cool completely, which will help them harden into that irresistible caramelized coating.

Step 2: Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks

Pour the organic heavy cream into a cold mixing bowl and whip it using a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape gently but still has a slightly droopy peak. This fluffy texture is key to achieving creamy, airy ice cream without churning.

Step 3: Mix the Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This mixture is where the rich and flavorful base comes together, blending sweetness, warmth, and a hint of spice in every spoonful.

Step 4: Fold and Combine

Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture using a spatula. Take your time here — you want to preserve the airiness of the whipped cream for that perfect creamy texture. Once combined, fold in the cooled buttered pecans evenly throughout the mixture, ensuring every bite will have those delightful crunchy pockets.

Step 5: Freeze and Set

Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with your spatula. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight. This slow freeze develops that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves in ice cream, with no churning required!

How to Serve No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

Three brown bowls filled with two scoops each of creamy, pale beige ice cream mixed with whole and chopped pecans, showing a thick texture with visible nut pieces throughout. The bowls are placed on a wooden textured surface scattered with whole pecans and small green herb sprigs. To the right, there is a white, fluted bowl full of whole pecans, and a silver spoon resting on a soft brown cloth is in the bottom right corner. The overall setup has a warm, rustic feel with a mix of smooth and crunchy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle extra toasted chopped pecans on top just before serving. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a light dusting of cinnamon can add extra layers of aroma and sweetness that make the experience even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple crisp or a decadent chocolate brownie. The contrast between hot and cold, soft and crunchy, creates a delightful balance your guests won’t forget.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving scoops of this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe inside waffle cones or alongside a crisp, buttery cookie for an impromptu sundae. Layer it with caramel sauce and additional nuts in a parfait glass for an elegant twist at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to protect the ice cream from absorbing freezer odors. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals and maintain that smooth texture.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes excellently thanks to its no-churn base. It’s best enjoyed within two weeks for optimal freshness, though it can keep longer without losing much quality if stored properly.

Reheating

Ice cream isn’t something you reheat, but to serve it perfectly, remove it from the freezer about 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This brief wait softens it just enough for smooth scoops without melting.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can work nicely, but pecans have that unique buttery flavor that makes this recipe special. If you swap nuts, consider adjusting the butter and sugar slightly to suit their natural taste and texture.

Is the almond milk essential?

You can substitute with whole milk or your preferred plant-based milk. Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the pecans, but feel free to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Do I have to use maple syrup?

Maple syrup adds a depth of natural sweetness and a touch of warmth, but honey or agave syrup can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand.

How crunchy will the buttered pecans stay after freezing?

They soften slightly but retain a pleasant crunch and caramelized flavor. For extra crunch, reserve some pecans to sprinkle fresh on top when serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With some modifications like using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative, you can create a vegan version. Keep in mind the texture might change a little, but the flavor will still shine.

Final Thoughts

You’ve just unlocked a treasure trove of creamy, nutty goodness with this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. Perfect for both novice and seasoned home cooks, this easy recipe promises big rewards with a minimal effort. So grab your ingredients, give it a go, and prepare to wow everyone with your homemade ice cream magic!