Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this holiday season, you’ve got to try my *Thanksgiving Ice Cream*! This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s a creamy, dreamy blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and crunchy pecans that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Every scoop is like autumn in a bowl! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this for family gatherings—it’s become a beloved tradition in my home. Trust me, there’s something magical about serving a festive ice cream after the big feast. It’s the perfect way to cool down and savor those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving. So, grab your ice cream maker, and let’s whip up something special that everyone will remember!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Ice Cream*
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that creamy base going! In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. I like to whisk it all together until the sugar is fully dissolved. You want it nice and smooth—this is going to be the delicious foundation of our ice cream!
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Now it’s time to bring in the flavors! Whisk in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree into that creamy mixture. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth. You should see a lovely orange hue from the pumpkin, and it should smell like a warm autumn day—so inviting!
Step 3: Incorporate Pecans and Maple Syrup
This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the chopped pecans and maple syrup into the mixture. This step is key for texture; the pecans add a delightful crunch, while the maple syrup brings that sweet, rich flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly. Just be careful not to over-mix; you want those pecans to stay intact!
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Okay, it’s time to churn! Pour your mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and thick, like soft-serve ice cream. Oh, the anticipation!
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
Once you’ve churned it to perfection, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to let it firm up. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften just a bit—this makes for easier scooping! Trust me, you’ll want to dig into this creamy goodness right away, so consider having your favorite cones or bowls ready!
Tips for Success
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the creamiest texture, make sure your heavy cream and whole milk are well chilled before you start. It really helps with the freezing process!
- Don’t Rush the Churning: Allow your ice cream maker to do its job—churn until it’s thick and fluffy. If it seems too soft, give it a bit more time.
- Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking! If you love a little extra warmth, go ahead and add more spice.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you can, opt for fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. Just roast and puree your pumpkin, and you’ll taste the difference!
- Serving Tip: For a fun twist, serve your Thanksgiving ice cream in cinnamon-sugar coated cones or bowls. It’s an extra festive touch that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! This *Thanksgiving Ice Cream* is a delightful treat, and while it’s not exactly a health food, it’s all about balance, right? Here are the typical nutritional values per serving (1/2 cup), just to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind these values are estimates, so they might vary a bit based on your specific ingredients. But hey, when you’re indulging in something this good, a little wiggle room is always nice! Enjoy every scoop!
FAQ About *Thanksgiving Ice Cream*
Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! While I love using fresh pumpkin for its vibrant flavor, store-bought pumpkin puree works just fine. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin—some brands add extra spices or sweeteners.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries! You can still make this *Thanksgiving Ice Cream* without one. Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze it for about 2 hours, take it out, and stir it vigorously with a fork every 30 minutes until it’s creamy and frozen. It might take a bit longer, but it’s totally doable!
Can I make this ice cream in advance?
Definitely! This ice cream actually gets better with a little time in the freezer. You can make it a few days ahead of your Thanksgiving feast. Just be sure to let it soften a bit before serving for the best scooping experience.
How long will the ice cream last in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your *Thanksgiving Ice Cream* can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Just keep an eye on it—ice cream tends to get icy if it’s left too long!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of caramel. Just remember, some mix-ins might change the texture a bit, but they can add a fun twist to the flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: This *Thanksgiving Ice Cream* is packed with the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it the perfect seasonal treat.
- Quick and Easy: With just a bit of prep and a little churning, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time—perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with the spices and mix-ins to make it uniquely yours. Want a bit of chocolate? Go for it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dessert that appeals to everyone—kids and adults alike will love this creamy, dreamy treat after the Thanksgiving feast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this ice cream a few days in advance, freeing up your time on the big day for family and festivities.
- Unique Twist: Instead of the usual pies, serving ice cream adds a fun and unexpected element to your holiday dessert table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure your *Thanksgiving Ice Cream* stays as delicious as the day you made it! To store leftovers, simply transfer the ice cream into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming—nobody wants a grainy scoop, right?
Your ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just keep an eye on it, because the longer it sits, the more icy it can become. When you’re ready to indulge again, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This little trick makes it super easy to scoop out those perfect servings!
If you have any leftover ice cream after a gathering (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), just follow the same storage tips. You’ll be savoring those autumn flavors long after Thanksgiving is over!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Ice Cream: 5 Ways to Savor Fall’s Flavors
- Temps Total: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive ice cream flavor for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
- Whisk in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans and maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- You can add more spices to taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 30g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, holiday dessert
