This caramel pecan crunch ice cream dessert is a delectable combination of crunchy pecan crumble, vanilla ice cream, and a luscious, caramel drizzle. It's simply delicious!
This delicious caramel pecan crunch ice cream was one of my mom's go-to summertime recipes. Whether she was hosting a meal for visiting church friends or serving dessert at a family get together, this delightful dessert was one that she knew would always be a hit with everybody.
Now, I love making this for my own family! Here in the Sonoran Desert, summer is pretty extreme. Having something this cold and refreshing is on a hot day is such a welcome treat.
One of the things that I love about this dessert is that it can be made ahead of time! If I know I'll be busy and won't have as much time to spend making food as I would like, it is the perfect dessert to whip up in advance. Plus, it comes together with hardly any effort. Double win!
This ice cream dessert is perfect for so many different occasions, too. Whip it up for your next July 4th, Memorial Day, or Labor Day gathering. Serve it poolside as a refreshing way to cool off. Or, like my mother would, serve it after Sunday dinner or at your next family gathering. How ever you decide to enjoy it, be sure to make even sweeter memories with loved ones in the process.
Are you looking for other refreshing summer recipes? Try this recipe for Fresh Mint Meadow Tea or this Summer Berry Trifle!

Ingredients For Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert
Crunchy Pecan Layer
1 ½ c. Flour
1 c. Old Fashioned Oats
½ c. Brown Sugar
1 ½ c. Pecans, chopped
1 c. Butter, melted
1 tsp. Vanilla
½ tsp. Salt
Ingredients for the Other Layers
2 Qt. Vanilla Ice Cream
16 oz. Jar Caramel Topping
Directions
Crafting the Pecan Crumble Layer
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together all ingredients for the crunchy pecan layer. Spread the mixture out on a parchment paper covered sheet pan. Then, bake for about 18-20 minutes.

Once it has finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool. The crumble should be completely cooled before assembling the dessert. This will help the ice cream from melting any more than necessary.

Layering the Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert
Get the ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften just a bit.
Layer half of the prepared, crunchy pecan crumble into the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
Next, spread half drizzle half of the caramel over the top of the crumble.

Now, scoop the 2 quarts of ice cream into the pan. Try to get it evenly distributed. Using the back of a large spoon, press the ice cream into the pan. This will shape it into one, solid layer of ice cream.

Top the ice cream with the rest of the pecan crumble. Then, drizzle the remaining caramel evenly across the top for a final layer.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and, immediately, transfer the pan to the freezer. (Try to set the dessert somewhere level, so that ice freezes as level as possible.) Give it 2-3 hours in the freezer to completely firm up before serving.
It's ready to serve! Remove from the freezer. Allow the dessert to thaw about 5 minutes before cutting into it.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
When it comes to serving this indulgent dessert, there are a few creative and tempting ways to elevate your experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your dessert presentation even more enjoyable:
- Individual Parfaits: Instead of serving the dessert in a large pan, create individual servings. Do so by layering the pecan crumble, ice cream, and caramel in dessert glasses, small jars, or single-serve bowls. This presentation adds an elegant touch and makes each serving feel special.
- Caramel Drizzle Artistry: Wait to add the final layer of caramel until plating it to serve! Take a moment to create an artistic caramel drizzle over the top of the dessert. You can use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create swirls, zigzags, or any pattern you like. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an element of personalization to each slice.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair this dessert with a cup of hot coffee or tea! The sweetness is complimented well with a warm, soothing beverage. The contrast between the cold dessert and the hot drink enhances the overall dining experience.
- Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors: While the recipe calls for vanilla ice cream, feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors. Chocolate, caramel swirl, or butter pecan ice cream could all bring unique dimensions to the dessert.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can customize this dessert and really make it your own. I hope you and your loved ones thoroughly enjoy this dessert and make some wonderful memories in the process!

Storage Suggestions: Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert
After savoring this delightful caramel pecan crunch ice cream dessert, proper storage is key to enjoying it again later. Here are some helpful storage suggestions to ensure that your dessert remains delicious:
In the Freezer:
- Cover and Seal Well: If you have any remaining portions of the dessert, cover the 9x13 pan tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure that it's well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain the freshness of the dessert.
- Use Airtight Containers: Consider transferring the leftover ice cream dessert to individual serving containers with airtight lids or covers. This will protect the dessert more effectively from moisture and freezer frost.
- Individual Portions: The leftover ice can be stored in individual portions. This way, you can, conveniently, thaw only the portions you plan to enjoy. Just leaving the rest in the freezer for another time!
- Try to enjoy this within a few weeks, if possible. Even something this delicious can be compromised by freezer frost if left too long in the freezer.
By following these storage suggestions, you can preserve the wonderful flavors of this caramel pecan crunch ice cream dessert. Whether you're saving a portion for later or planning ahead for a special occasion, proper storage ensures that your dessert remains just as delectable as when it was first prepared.

Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert
This caramel pecan crunch ice cream dessert is a delectable combination of crunchy pecan crumble, cold-n-creamy vanilla ice cream, and luscious caramel drizzle. It's simply delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: about 12 -15 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Layer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crunchy Pecan Layer
1 ½ c. Flour
1 c. Old Fashioned Oats
½ c. Brown Sugar
1 ½ c. Pecans, chopped
1 c. Butter, melted
1 tsp. Vanilla
½ tsp. Salt
Ingredients for the Other Layers
2 Qt. Vanilla Ice Cream
16 oz. Jar of Caramel Topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together all ingredients for the crunchy pecan layer. Spread the mixture out on a parchment paper covered sheet pan and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Once it has finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool. The crumble should be completely cooled before assembling the dessert. This will help the ice cream from melting any more than necessary.
Get the ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften just a bit.
Layer half of the crunchy pecan crumble, that you made earlier, into the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
Next, spread half drizzle half of the caramel over the top of the crumble.
Now, scoop the 2 quarts of ice cream into the pan. Try to get it evenly distributed. Using the back of a large spoon, press the ice cream into the pan to form one, solid layer.
Top the ice cream with the rest of the pecan crumble. Then, drizzle the remaining caramel evenly across the top for a final layer.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and, immediately, transfer the pan to the freezer. (Try to set the dessert somewhere level, so that ice freezes as level as possible.) Give it 2-3 hours in the freezer to completely firm up before serving.
It's ready to serve! Remove from the freezer. Allow the dessert to thaw about 5 minutes before cutting into it.
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
When it comes to serving this indulgent dessert, there are a few creative and tempting ways to elevate your experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your dessert presentation even more enjoyable:
-
- Individual Parfaits: Instead of serving the dessert in a large pan, create individual servings. Do so by layering the pecan crumble, ice cream, and caramel in dessert glasses, small jars, or single-serve bowls. This presentation adds an elegant touch and makes each serving feel special.
-
- Caramel Drizzle Artistry: Wait to add the final layer of caramel until plating it to serve! Take a moment to create an artistic caramel drizzle over the top of the dessert. You can use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create swirls, zigzags, or any pattern you like. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an element of personalization to each slice.
-
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair this dessert with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a warm, soothing beverage. The contrast between the cold dessert and the hot drink enhances the overall dining experience.
-
- Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors: While the recipe calls for vanilla ice cream, feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors. Chocolate, caramel swirl, or butter pecan ice cream could all bring unique dimensions to the dessert.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can customize this dessert and really make it your own. I hope you and your loved ones thoroughly enjoy this dessert and make some wonderful memories in the process!
Storage Suggestions: Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert
After enjoying this delightful Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream, proper storage is key to enjoying it again later. Here are some helpful storage suggestions to ensure that your dessert remains delicious:
In the Freezer:
-
- Cover and Seal Well: If you have any remaining portions of the dessert, cover the 9x13 pan tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure that it's well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain the freshness of the dessert.
-
- Use Airtight Containers: Consider transferring the leftover ice cream dessert to individual serving containers with airtight lids or covers. This will protect the dessert more effectively from moisture and freezer frost.
-
- Individual Portions: The leftover ice can be stored in individual portions. This way, you can, conveniently, thaw only the portions you plan to enjoy. Just leaving the rest in the freezer for another time!
-
- Try to enjoy this within a few weeks, if possible. Even something this delicious can be compromised by freezer frost if left too long in the freezer.
By following these storage suggestions, you can preserve the wonderful flavors of this Caramel Pecan Crunch Ice Cream Dessert. Whether you're saving a portion for later or planning ahead for a special occasion, proper storage ensures that your dessert remains just as delectable as when it was first prepared.
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