Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts Recipe

If you thought pumpkin spice was only for lattes or pies, get ready to fall head over heels for Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts. This homemade treat transforms autumn’s favorite flavors into a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s anything but ordinary. Swirls of spiced pumpkin and bursts of toasted walnuts are spun together in every scoop, making it a true celebration of everything cozy and delicious about the season. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this ice cream is sure to be a new classic for pumpkin and nut lovers alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s real magic when a handful of simple ingredients come together—each one is essential for bringing out a rich, velvety texture and those warm, autumnal flavors that make this ice cream irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters for your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts:

• Heavy cream: Lends luscious creaminess and that classic ice cream mouthfeel we all crave.
• Whole milk: Balances the richness of heavy cream for a perfectly scoopable texture.
• Canned pumpkin purée: Provides genuine pumpkin flavor and a beautiful orange hue.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses depth, boosting the ice cream’s natural warmth.
• Granulated sugar: Ensures a smooth sweetness and silky consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Heightens all the flavors and rounds out the spices.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The heart of the recipe—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in each bite.
• Ground cinnamon: An extra pop of spice to make those fall flavors sing.
• Salt: Just a pinch, but it makes every other ingredient shine a little brighter.
• Chopped toasted walnuts: Nutty, crunchy, and absolutely essential for contrast and richness.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts

Step 1: Whisk Up the Pumpkin Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is perfectly smooth—this lets the sugars dissolve and the spices evenly blend, creating that signature pumpkin spice flavor throughout your ice cream.

Step 2: Add Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. This helps your base stay silky and well combined, without any sneaky clumps. The combination of cream and milk is what transforms your spiced pumpkin base into a luxurious ice cream after churning.

Step 3: Chill the Base

Once your mixture is fully blended, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Want a deeper pumpkin flavor? Let it chill overnight. This step is key to making sure your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts churns up smooth, rich, and ultra-flavorful.

Step 4: Churn Until Creamy

Pour your chilled pumpkin mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions—generally about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll see it thickening and taking on that gorgeous soft-serve consistency. Get ready for your kitchen to smell heavenly.

Step 5: Add the Toasted Walnuts

In the last few minutes of churning, sprinkle in the chopped toasted walnuts. They’ll be gently distributed throughout the ice cream, giving every bite that nutty, crunchy surprise. Toasting the nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor and makes the ice cream even more special.

Step 6: Freeze Before Serving

Scoop the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container and smooth out the top. Freeze for at least 2 hours until firm. This step ensures your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts is scoopable, creamy, and ready to steal the spotlight at dessert time.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts

Garnishes

The right garnish turns a good dessert into a showstopper! Try sprinkling extra toasted walnuts over each scoop, or add a dusting of cinnamon for a pop of color and aroma. A swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also make this Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with simple butter cookies, ginger snaps, or a warm slice of spiced pumpkin bread. For special occasions, serve it alongside poached pears or baked apples—the cool, spiced creaminess is the perfect contrast to warm, tender fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve scoops in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bowls. You can also sandwich the ice cream between oatmeal cookies for incredible ice cream sandwiches. Don’t forget: Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts also shines on top of waffles or even as a base for a fall-inspired sundae bar with caramel, crushed graham crackers, and extra nuts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve indulged, keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals and maintain that ultra-creamy texture.

Freezing

This ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks—just make sure your container snaps tightly shut. For best flavor and texture, let it soften for a few minutes on the counter before scooping.

Reheating

Good news—there’s no reheating necessary! If your Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts is super firm after freezing, just let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. That’ll bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency for scooping and savoring.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe dish and freeze, stirring well every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and packed with pumpkin spice flavor.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and your favorite unsweetened nut milk for the whole milk. Opt for a dairy-free pumpkin pie spice blend, and you should have a creamy, plant-based version of Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Definitely. Just roast, mash, and strain your fresh pumpkin to remove excess moisture. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin might be more subtle, so taste the mixture and consider adding a touch more spice or sugar to enhance the flavor.

What if I prefer pecans over walnuts?

Go for it! Toasted pecans are a wonderful swap and bring their own sweet, buttery crunch to the party. The core recipe for Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts stays the same—just switch the nuts to suit your preference.

Can I add mix-ins besides walnuts?

Absolutely—this recipe is super flexible! Stir in crushed graham crackers for crunch, swirl in a ribbon of caramel, or sprinkle on mini chocolate chips for even more fun. Just fold in your mix-ins after the initial churning so every scoop feels special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add pure autumn magic to your dessert table, Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream with Walnuts is a must-try. The comfort of cinnamon, pumpkin, and toasted nuts come together in every creamy bite. Don’t be surprised if this quickly becomes a fall favorite for your friends and family—give it a go, and you’ll see why!

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