Pecan Pie Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Intermediate
Pecan pie became synonymous with Louisiana hospitality, made possible by the state’s abundant native pecan groves. This protein-packed ice cream brings together toasted pecans, maple syrup, and pie crust crumbs for all the flavor of traditional pecan pie in a frozen treat. French settlers learned to harvest these nuts from Native Americans, and Louisiana produces more pecans than any other state.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and finely ground
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp real sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup pie crust crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, ground pecans, and salt in a pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake with maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth, then pour into the container with the dry ingredients.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  4. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting in your ice cream maker. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin. Mix in pie crust crumbs and chopped pecan pieces during final processing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my ice cream creamy enough?

A: Make sure the mixture is completely frozen solid before processing (full 24 hours), and don't skip the xanthan gum - it's what gives the ice cream that smooth, scoopable texture without heavy cream.

Q: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

A: This recipe is designed for a machine with a LITE ICE CREAM setting. Without it, you won't get the same creamy texture - the protein shake base needs proper churning to incorporate air.

Tips and Techniques

Toast those pecans just until fragrant - burned nuts will make your ice cream bitter. And save some whole pieces for that authentic pecan pie crunch!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • sugar-free maple syrup: regular maple syrup
  • monk fruit sweetener blend: all real sugar (3 tbsp total)

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Pint container for freezing
  • Blender

Historical Context

Pecan pie became synonymous with Louisiana hospitality, made possible by the state’s abundant native pecan groves. French settlers learned to harvest these nuts from Native Americans, and the combination of French pastry techniques with local ingredients created this iconic dessert. Louisiana produces more pecans than any other state.