Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream, With Warm, Nutty Flavours

Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Cherie

Learn how to make Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream, a rich and nutty treat with warm, toasty flavours. An autumn-inspired recipe that brings the indulgent combination of brown butter and pecans together.

The Warming Combination of Brown Butter and Pecans

As the crisp air of autumn sets in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of brown butter and pecans to bring warmth to your dessert table.

The rich, toasty notes of browned butter paired with the natural sweetness and slight crunch of pecans create a delicious blend of flavours that elevates both ingredients and delivers a warming decadent treat.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with your favourite autumn pie, Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream is the perfect way to indulge in the season’s cosiest flavours.

In this article we’ll explain the reason for this flavour pairing, we’ll share a little information on the process of browning butter, and also a little information on the health benefits of pecans. Of course, we’ll also share our Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

If you’d prefer to go straight to our recipe, please click on the following link, or read along to find out more.

Jump to Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

The Process and Benefits of Brown Butter

The secret to the exceptional flavour of this ice cream lies in the transformation of butter into brown butter. By gently heating butter until its milk solids caramelise, you release a deep, nutty aroma and flavour that adds layers of complexity to any dish.

This toasted richness gives a subtle, warm sweetness with hints of caramel and butterscotch.

Brown butter is the perfect complement to the buttery pecans, enhancing the overall depth of the ice cream.

Brown butter not only intensifies the flavour of the ice cream, but it also creates a luxurious mouthfeel, thanks to the balance of fat and caramelisation.

It’s an easy step that takes your homemade ice cream from good to outstanding!

Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits that make them a great addition to your homemade ice cream:

• Rich in Nutrients: Pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
• Antioxidant Properties: Pecans are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. This can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• High in Fibre: With a good amount of dietary fibre, pecans can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, making them a satisfying addition to your dessert.
• Supports Heart Health: The combination of healthy fats, antioxidants, and fibre in pecans contributes to overall cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
• Energy Boosting: The healthy fats and protein content in pecans provide a quick source of energy, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon snack or dessert.

Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Now we have an understanding of the key components involved, below is our recipe and a detailed step-by-step guide for you to follow to create your own Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream.

Ingredients:

• 60g unsalted butter (for browning)
• 350ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 150g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
• 100g pecans, chopped and toasted

Method:

1. Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown and smells nutty (around 5-6 minutes). Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the ice cream base: In another saucepan, heat the double cream, milk, and half the sugar (75g) until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar (75g). Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously, then return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Add the brown butter: Stir in the cooled brown butter and vanilla extract, then strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove any solids. Allow the mixture to cool completely, either over an ice bath or by refrigerating it.
4. Churn the ice cream: Once the base is chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes of churning, fold in the chopped, toasted pecans.

• • NB: If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. See our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

5. Freeze and serve: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm. Enjoy the creamy, nutty delight!

Nutritional Values:

(Approximate values per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 380 | Total Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 180mg | Total Carbohydrates: 25g | Dietary Fibre: 1g | Sugars: 22g | Protein: 5g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Alternative Nuts That Work Well with Brown Butter

While pecans are a classic pairing with brown butter, other nuts also work brilliantly with this toasty, caramelised flavour.

Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Hazelnuts: Their naturally sweet, creamy texture and flavour complement brown butter’s richness, creating an indulgent ice cream experience.
• Walnuts: Similar to pecans, walnuts bring a slightly more robust earthiness and bitterness, which contrasts beautifully with brown butter.
• Almonds: Toasted almonds add a delicate, slightly sweet crunch that pairs wonderfully with the nutty depth of brown butter.
• Macadamia nuts: Known for their buttery texture, macadamia nuts are a luxurious option that blends seamlessly with the creamy base of the ice cream.

By swapping in any of these nuts, you can create variations on this classic recipe to suit your taste or simply to mix things up!

Additional Toppings for Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Here’s a selection of additional toppings that will work wonderfully with your Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream:

1. Caramel Sauce

• • The rich, buttery notes of caramel complement the nutty flavours of the brown butter and pecans, enhancing the overall sweetness and adding a luxurious texture.

2. Chocolate Fudge Sauce

• • The deep, rich flavour of chocolate contrasts beautifully with the warm, nutty ice cream, creating a decadent treat that satisfies chocolate lovers.

3. Whipped Cream

• • The airy texture of whipped cream adds a lightness to the rich ice cream, making each bite feel indulgent yet balanced.

4. Toasted Coconut Flakes

• • The tropical flavour of coconut adds an unexpected twist, while the crunchiness enhances the overall texture, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.

5. Maple Syrup

• • The natural sweetness and earthy notes of maple syrup harmonise with the brown butter, accentuating its caramel-like qualities and enhancing the autumnal vibe.

6. Chopped Dark Chocolate

• • Dark chocolate adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the ice cream and caramel, creating a complex flavour profile.

7. Cinnamon Sugar

• • The warm spices of cinnamon elevate the autumnal flavours, adding a hint of warmth and sweetness that complements the brown butter and pecans.

8. Fresh Berries

• • The tartness of fresh berries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ice cream, cutting through the sweetness and adding a pop of colour.

9. Crushed Digestive Biscuits

• • The crunchy texture and slight sweetness mimic pie crusts, making this topping perfect for creating an ice cream pie experience.

10. Sea Salt Flakes

• • A sprinkle of sea salt enhances all the flavours in the ice cream, balancing sweetness and bringing out the nutty notes of brown butter and pecans.

These toppings not only enhance the flavour profile of your Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream but also add interesting textures and visual appeal to your dessert. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious combinations!

The Final Scoop

Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream combines the deep, nutty flavours of browned butter with the natural sweetness of toasted pecans to create a rich, autumnal treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to savour the season’s warming flavours, this homemade ice cream is sure to become a new favourite.

And don’t forget, experimenting with alternative nuts like hazelnuts or almonds will open up even more possibilities for creative, comforting and warming desserts!

What are your favourite autumn-inspired ice cream flavours? Would you try swapping the pecans in this recipe for another nut, like hazelnuts or walnuts? Let us know in the comments and share your creative twists on this classic!

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We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream, A Rich And Nutty Treat – and that we have inspired you to give this recipe a go. If you have any questions, please do drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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