No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream: 6 Steps to Bliss

Name: No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream: 6 Steps to Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 16, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something magical about homemade ice cream, isn’t there? The way it transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy treat just makes my heart sing! Today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite recipe: No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be hooked! The buttery flavor combined with those toasted pecans creates a rich experience that’s hard to beat.

No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream - detail 1

I’ll never forget the first time I made ice cream at home. It was a hot summer day, and I had a craving for something sweet and cold. I rummaged through the pantry and found some heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a bag of pecans. With a bit of improvisation and a whole lot of excitement, I whipped up this no-churn wonder. The best part? No ice cream maker required! Just a few simple steps, and you’ve got a delicious dessert ready to impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe for No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups heavy cream: The star of the show! This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy texture.
1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess, making your ice cream super smooth.
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: The buttery goodness is what makes this ice cream irresistible!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.

Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before you start mixing. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more fun!

How to Prepare No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part: making your No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll love the process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy dessert in no time!

Step 1: Toasting the Pecans

Toasting the pecans is an essential first step! It really brings out their flavor. Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped pecans. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent burning. In about 3-4 minutes, you should see them turn golden brown and smell that wonderful nutty aroma. Wow! That’s when you know they’re ready. Remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Mixing the Butter and Pecans

Next, let’s get that buttery goodness going! In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s all melted, add your toasted pecans. Stir them around for a minute or so, ensuring each piece is coated in that luscious butter. This step adds such a rich flavor to the ice cream. After mixing, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Whipping the Cream

Now, it’s time to whip the heavy cream! Grab a mixing bowl and pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until you see stiff peaks forming. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be fluffy, so pay attention! It should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer; just keep mixing until it’s perfect!

Step 4: Combining the Ice Cream Base

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Now, gently fold in the whipped cream into this mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate that wonderful airiness you just created! Fold until you see just a few streaks of cream remaining; this ensures a nice mix without losing the fluffiness.

Step 5: Finalizing the Mixture

Alright, let’s add that pecan magic! Take your cooled butter-pecan mixture and fold it into the ice cream base. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Oh, it smells heavenly! Once everything is well combined, you’re almost there!

Step 6: Freezing the Ice Cream

Pour your ice cream mixture into an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover it tightly and pop it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until it’s firm. I usually let it sit overnight to get that perfect scoopable texture! When you’re ready to indulge, just scoop it out and serve with some extra toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch. Yum!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

This creamy treat is definitely a splurge, but oh-so-worth it! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation. Happy indulging!

Tips for Success

Getting your No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream just right is all about a few key tricks! I’ve learned some tips along the way that can help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your ice cream game. Trust me, these little details make a huge difference!

Use Cold Equipment

One of the best tips I can give you is to chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. It helps the cream whip up faster and increases the volume, giving you that fluffy texture we all love. Just pop them in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before you start. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

Don’t Overmix

When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle! It’s tempting to just mix everything together quickly, but overmixing can deflate the air you worked so hard to incorporate. Use a spatula and fold just until combined—some streaks of cream are okay. You want that light and airy texture, so go slow and steady!

Let It Freeze Long Enough

Patience is key here! Make sure you freeze the ice cream for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a scoopable texture. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it when you finally dig in!

Customize Your Pecans

If you want to jazz things up a bit, try adding different nuts or even a swirl of chocolate or caramel! Just remember to keep the proportions similar to maintain the balance of flavors. The toasted pecans are fantastic, but a little creativity never hurts!

Store Properly

Once your ice cream is ready, make sure to store it in an airtight container. This prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps your ice cream nice and creamy. I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container for extra protection. No one wants icy ice cream!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most scrumptious No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream! Happy ice cream making!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up your delicious No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream, it’s time to think about how to serve it up! Trust me, these simple ideas will take your presentation to the next level and impress everyone at the table.

Classic Sundae Style

Who doesn’t love a good sundae? Serve your butter pecan ice cream in a tall glass or a vintage sundae dish. Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce or caramel over the top and add a dollop of whipped cream. Finish it off with a cherry for that classic touch. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

With Warm Desserts

Pairing your ice cream with warm desserts is a match made in heaven! Try serving a scoop alongside a slice of warm apple pie or chocolate lava cake. The contrast of hot and cold creates an amazing experience that’s simply irresistible.

On a Waffle or Pancake

For a fun breakfast twist, why not add a scoop on top of warm waffles or pancakes? Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle some extra toasted pecans for a deliciously indulgent start to your day! It’s a treat that feels special any time of the day.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Feeling a little adventurous? Use your butter pecan ice cream to create scrumptious ice cream sandwiches! Grab some soft chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers, scoop the ice cream in between, and freeze them for a bit until they firm up. It’s a fun way to enjoy your ice cream on the go!

Garnish with Extras

To elevate your ice cream even further, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of sea salt or a handful of crushed toffee bits. This little touch adds an extra layer of flavor that will make every bite unforgettable. You can also serve it with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries to bring in a refreshing contrast.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone raving about your No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream! Each presentation method adds its own unique flair, so feel free to mix and match. Enjoy your delightful creation!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different nuts in this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While toasted pecans are the star of this recipe, you can definitely swap them out for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to toast them first to bring out their flavor. Each nut gives a unique twist to the ice cream, so feel free to get creative!

Q2: How long will this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream last in the freezer?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your ice cream can last up to two weeks in the freezer. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first week for the freshest taste and texture. Trust me, it won’t last long once everyone gets a taste!

Q3: Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Yes, you can! To make a dairy-free version of this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream, substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q4: What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
If you find yourself without sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own by simmering regular milk and sugar together until it thickens. Just use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to milk and cook it down until it’s creamy. It’s a bit more effort, but it works beautifully in this recipe!

Q5: How can I make this No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream even more decadent?
Oh, I love this question! You can easily make it more indulgent by swirling in some caramel or chocolate sauce before freezing. You could also add chunks of your favorite chocolate or a sprinkle of toffee bits for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless for creating a truly decadent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for any home cook, regardless of skill level!
Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and toasted pecans creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. You’ll feel like you’re indulging in a gourmet dessert!
No Machine Required: Forget the ice cream maker! This recipe lets you enjoy homemade ice cream without any special equipment, so anyone can whip up this delightful treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a hot summer day, a special celebration, or just a sweet craving, this ice cream is a fantastic addition to any gathering or meal.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can easily switch up the nuts or add delicious swirls of caramel or chocolate to make it uniquely yours.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it in fun ways—like sundaes or ice cream sandwiches—and watch as your friends and family rave about your culinary skills!