Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe with Condensed Milk

Rich, creamy keto butter pecan ice cream made with sugar-free condensed milk, toasted pecans, and browned butter. A low-carb indulgence that's perfectly sweet and satisfying!

Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream with Condensed Milk

Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream with Condensed Milk

Keto butter pecan ice cream is a low-carb, sugar-free twist on the classic butter pecan ice cream that’s beloved for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Traditional versions rely on heavy cream, sugar, and often a custard base for that indulgent, velvety mouthfeel. However, the keto version swaps out sugar for low-carb sweeteners like allulose or erythritol and incorporates ingredients like heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, and buttered pecans for a guilt-free dessert. It’s perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet who still craves a satisfying treat without breaking their carb limit.

This particular recipe elevates the classic concept by incorporating keto-friendly condensed milk, which not only adds a luxurious sweetness but also enhances the creaminess. The homemade condensed milk is made with heavy cream, butter, and a keto sweetener, simmered down to a thick, syrupy consistency. This ingredient ensures the ice cream stays soft and scoopable, even after freezing—something that can be tricky in many low-carb recipes.

What sets this version apart is the depth of flavor achieved through browned butter and toasted pecans. The browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like note that pairs beautifully with the pecans, while the MCT oil keeps the texture smooth and helps prevent crystallization. This recipe doesn’t just mimic traditional butter pecan ice cream—it reinvents it for the keto lifestyle, ensuring every bite is indulgent, satisfying, and perfectly low-carb.

Recipe

This creamy and nutty keto butter pecan ice cream recipe uses keto-friendly condensed milk for a smooth, indulgent texture. Perfect for low-carb dessert lovers!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup keto condensed milk (see instructions below)
  • 1/4 cup allulose (or erythritol)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp browned butter
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1 tbsp MCT oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat the browned butter and toast the chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool.
  2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup powdered erythritol to prepare the keto condensed milk. Simmer over low heat until reduced to 1/2 cup. Allow to cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, almond milk, keto condensed milk, allulose, vanilla extract, and MCT oil (if using).
  4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until thick and creamy.
  5. If using a freezer method, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
  6. Once the ice cream is almost set, fold in the toasted pecans evenly.
  7. Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer consistency.

prep time with .

Serves 6 and contains approximately 230 calories per serving.

American, Keto / Dessert, Low-Carb

Rated 4.9 by 157 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: keto butter pecan ice cream recipe, keto condensed milk ice cream, low-carb ice cream, butter pecan dessert, sugar-free ice cream

Recipe Video

Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream with Condensed Milk

This is a video about Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream with Condensed Milk.

Servings

Serving keto butter pecan ice cream with condensed milk is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary elements that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some creative and delicious ways to serve it:

1. Scoop and Serve in Bowls or Cups

Keep it simple by scooping the ice cream into small dessert bowls or cups. Garnish with a few extra toasted pecans or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel syrup for a touch of elegance.

2. Ice Cream Sundae

Transform your ice cream into a decadent sundae by layering it with keto-friendly toppings. Add sugar-free whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed pecans, and a drizzle of keto chocolate sauce. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

3. Serve with Keto Cookies or Wafers

Pair your ice cream with keto butter cookies, almond flour wafers, or even a slice of keto brownie. This creates a delightful contrast in texture and makes the dessert feel extra indulgent.

4. In a Keto-Friendly Ice Cream Cone

Look for or make low-carb ice cream cones using almond or coconut flour. This makes the dessert portable and gives it a nostalgic vibe.

5. Ice Cream Sandwich

Scoop the ice cream between two keto cookies for a buttery, nutty ice cream sandwich. Freeze for a few minutes to let it set before serving.

6. Milkshake Style

Blend the ice cream with a splash of unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream for a rich and creamy keto milkshake. Top with whipped cream and a pecan garnish for a fun twist.

7. Plated Dessert

For a more sophisticated presentation, serve a scoop alongside fresh berries or a keto dessert platter. The ice cream’s creamy texture pairs beautifully with the tartness of raspberries or strawberries.

Tips

  1. Brown the Butter Carefully
    When browning the butter for the pecans, keep a close eye on it. Butter can quickly go from golden brown to burned. Stir frequently, and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and turns a nutty brown.

  2. Sweetener Choice Matters
    Allulose is an excellent choice for ice cream because it doesn’t crystallize as much as other keto sweeteners like erythritol. This helps the ice cream stay creamy and soft. If using erythritol, consider mixing it with a small amount of xylitol or monk fruit to improve texture.

  3. Don’t Skip the MCT Oil
    Adding MCT oil helps reduce iciness and keeps the texture smooth. If you don’t have MCT oil, you can substitute a small amount of vodka for a similar effect, as alcohol lowers the freezing point.

  4. Toast the Pecans
    Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. You can do this in a skillet with browned butter (as the recipe suggests) or roast them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

  5. Chill the Mixture Thoroughly
    Before churning or freezing, ensure the ice cream mixture is completely chilled. This step helps the ice cream freeze faster and achieve a creamier consistency.

  6. Freeze Properly
    Store the ice cream in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. This prevents ice crystals from forming on top.

  7. Experiment with Add-Ins
    Get creative with keto-friendly add-ins like sugar-free chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a swirl of sugar-free caramel or chocolate sauce.

  8. Make Extra Keto Condensed Milk
    The homemade keto condensed milk can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Use it for other recipes like keto coffee, baked goods, or as a drizzle over desserts.

  9. Invest in an Ice Cream Maker
    While the no-churn method works, an ice cream maker can give you a smoother and creamier result. It’s worth the investment if you make ice cream often.

  10. Serve Fresh or Soften Before Serving
    Keto ice creams tend to harden more in the freezer due to the lack of sugar. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping if it’s been stored for a while.

  11. Perfect Your Portioning
    This recipe is rich and satisfying, so a small scoop often goes a long way. Use portion control tools if you’re tracking macros.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you need to substitute ingredients in the keto butter pecan ice cream recipe, here are some practical swaps that maintain its keto-friendly profile while catering to dietary preferences or ingredient availability:

Substitutes for Key Ingredients

  1. Heavy Cream

    • Substitute: Coconut cream (for a dairy-free option).
    • Note: Coconut cream will add a slight coconut flavor but keeps the texture rich and creamy.
  2. Unsweetened Almond Milk

    • Substitute: Unsweetened coconut milk, macadamia milk, or cashew milk.
    • Note: These options work well for maintaining a creamy consistency and are keto-compliant.
  3. Powdered Erythritol/Allulose

    • Substitute: Monk fruit sweetener, xylitol, or a stevia blend.
    • Note: Allulose is the best option for creaminess, but others work too. If using erythritol, mix it with monk fruit to reduce crystallization.
  4. MCT Oil

    • Substitute: A small amount of vodka (1-2 teaspoons) or avocado oil.
    • Note: These alternatives help reduce iciness, but MCT oil also adds health benefits like boosting ketones.
  5. Butter

    • Substitute: Ghee or coconut oil (for a dairy-free option).
    • Note: Ghee offers a similar nutty flavor, while coconut oil will alter the taste slightly but works well in keto recipes.
  6. Pecans

    • Substitute: Walnuts, macadamia nuts, or almonds.
    • Note: Pecans are ideal for their buttery flavor, but these alternatives provide a similar crunch and are also keto-friendly.
  7. Vanilla Extract

    • Substitute: Almond extract, maple extract (sugar-free), or vanilla bean paste.
    • Note: Adjust the quantity depending on the substitute, as almond and maple extracts can be more potent.
  8. Homemade Keto Condensed Milk

    • Substitute: Store-bought sugar-free condensed milk (if available) or cream cheese blended with a bit of almond milk and sweetener for a creamy alternative.
    • Note: Homemade is usually the best option for flavor and control over ingredients.
  9. Salt

    • Substitute: Himalayan pink salt or a pinch of sea salt.
    • Note: A tiny amount enhances the overall flavor.

Other Add-Ons or Variations

  • Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Substitute with chopped 85-90% dark chocolate for added texture.
  • Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or coconut flakes.
Next Post Previous Post