Prepare the Cashew Base:
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Toast the Pecans:
In a skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and a pinch of salt, stirring frequently. Toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Chill the Mixture:
Pour the blended cashew mixture into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until completely cold.
Combine and Churn:
Once chilled, add the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last 5 minutes of churning, fold in the toasted pecans.
Freeze:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Serve:
Scoop and serve with additional toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Variations:
Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of vegan caramel sauce during the churning process.
Chocolate Butter Pecan: Mix in small chunks of vegan chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for a chocolaty twist.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter in place of cashews and toasted pumpkin seeds instead of pecans for a nut-free version.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
A: Yes! Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for about 4 hours until creamy.
Q: Can I use other plant-based milks?
A: Absolutely! While almond milk adds creaminess, you can use oat milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer.
Q: Why are my pecans soggy?
A: Ensure the pecans are fully cooled before adding them to the ice cream base, and don’t overmix during churning.
Enjoy this luxurious vegan butter pecan ice cream that’s perfect for any occasion!
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