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Turtle Ice Cream

Turtle Ice Cream Recipe

Turtle Ice Cream is a creamy, indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans. This easy-to-follow recipe features a smooth vanilla ice cream base, swirled with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate chunks. Perfect for dessert lovers, it’s a customizable treat that can be served on its own or paired with other desserts. With its blend of textures and flavors, Turtle Ice Cream is a delightful homemade treat sure to impress!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People
Calories 495 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Spatula or Rubber Scraper
  • Freezer-Safe Container:
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons:
  • Baking Sheet or Pan (Optional)
  • Skewer or Knife (Optional)

Ingredients
  

Ice Cream Base

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ½ cup chocolate chunks or chips
  • ½ cup pecans (toasted and chopped)

Optional Toppings

  • Whipped cream (for serving)
  • Additional caramel sauce (for drizzling)
  • Whole pecans (for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ice Cream Base
    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  • Chill the Mixture
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
  • Churn the Ice Cream
    Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  • Add the Mix-ins
    During the last 5 minutes of churning, add 1/2 cup caramel sauce, 1/2 cup chocolate chunks, and 1/2 cup toasted and chopped pecans. If your machine doesn’t allow add-ins, fold them in manually after churning.
  • Freeze and Serve
    Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and smooth the top. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Enjoy with whipped cream, extra caramel sauce, and garnished with whole pecans or chocolate shavings, if desired!

Notes

  1. Adjust Sweetness: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet ice cream, especially if you use a sweet caramel sauce.
  2. Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Chilling is Key: Chilling the ice cream base before churning is crucial to achieving a smooth and creamy texture. Don’t rush this step.
  4. Use a High-Quality Caramel Sauce: The quality of the caramel sauce can significantly impact the flavor. If possible, use a rich homemade or premium store-bought caramel.
  5. Freezing Time: Allow enough time for the ice cream to firm up in the freezer. It should freeze for at least 4-6 hours to reach the right consistency.
  6. Serving Tip: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to serve and gives the ice cream a softer, more scoopable texture.
  7. Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the pecans for other nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds) or add in other mix-ins like crushed toffee or marshmallows.
By keeping these notes in mind, you’ll create the perfect batch of Turtle Ice Cream that’s sure to impress!
Keyword Turtle Ice Cream Recipe