If you adore the delicious flavors of fall and crave a cool, creamy treat, then this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It effortlessly combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all balanced by the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt. This frozen yogurt is not only irresistibly tasty but also lighter than traditional ice cream, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy year-round or when you want a sweet escape with a wholesome twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is key to making this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe a standout. Each component plays a vital role: from the creamy body of Greek yogurt to the aromatic pumpkin pie spice that brings cozy fall vibes right to your taste buds.
- Greek yogurt (2 cups, full fat): Provides rich creaminess and a slight tang, essential for that smooth frozen yogurt texture.
- Canned pumpkin purée (1 cup): Offers a vibrant color and that signature pumpkin flavor we all crave in autumn desserts.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Brings a luscious depth of flavor and a touch of earthiness that enhances the overall sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 1/2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, infusing the frozen yogurt with classic holiday charm.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor profile with a warm, soothing undertone.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Chopped toasted pecans (3/4 cup): Adds a buttery crunch and nutty aroma, making each bite a delightful surprise.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until you get a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps. This step ensures all those wonderful flavors blend evenly and gets your base ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling is a crucial step because it allows the flavors to meld together and helps the mixture to become perfectly cold before churning, preventing ice crystals and ensuring a creamy texture.
Step 3: Churn the Frozen Yogurt
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. In the last few minutes of churning, gently fold in the toasted pecans so they get evenly distributed without losing their crunch.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned frozen yogurt into a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and freeze for 2 to 3 hours to let it firm up to a scoopable consistency. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes so it softens just enough for easy scooping and ultimate creaminess.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe with extra toasted pecans for added crunch and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for that inviting sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This frozen yogurt pairs wonderfully with spiced baked apples, a warm pear crisp, or even alongside a spiced cake for a contrast of hot and cold that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the frozen yogurt in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a stunning fall-themed dessert, or layer it with granola and fresh cranberries to create a festive parfait. It also makes an excellent filling for homemade ice cream sandwiches using ginger cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe in an airtight container in the freezer. This will maintain its flavor and texture for up to a week, so you can enjoy your fall favorite without worry.
Freezing
If you want to prepare it well in advance, you can freeze the yogurt before churning, but it’s best to churn right after chilling for the smoothest texture. After churning, always freeze the yogurt in a shallow container for quicker, more even freezing.
Reheating
While frozen yogurt isn’t traditionally reheated, letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving softens it beautifully, giving you the perfect scoop without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that full-fat yogurt provides a creamier texture and richer flavor. Using lower-fat versions might result in a slightly icier frozen yogurt.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cloves in appropriate proportions. This allows you to tailor the spice blend to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk yogurt as a tasty dairy-free alternative and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. This substitution maintains the creamy texture and delicious flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How crunchy are the pecans in the frozen yogurt?
The pecans remain delightfully crunchy because they’re added in the last few minutes of churning and toasted beforehand. This gives your frozen yogurt that wonderful nutty contrast amidst the smooth and creamy base.
Can I add extra sweetness or toppings?
Definitely! Swirling in extra maple syrup or caramel sauce before freezing adds a lovely sweetness, while toppings like chocolate chips or cinnamon crumble can provide additional flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe is the perfect cozy yet refreshing treat to make when you want to indulge in autumn flavors without the heaviness of traditional ice cream. Whether you’re enjoying it as a solo snack or sharing it at a dinner party, its creamy texture and warm spices promise to enchant your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt is a creamy, tangy, and festive dessert perfect for fall. Made with full-fat Greek yogurt, canned pumpkin purée, warm pumpkin pie spice, and toasted pecans, it combines rich autumn flavors with a refreshing texture. Naturally sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, it’s an indulgent yet wholesome treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cooling off on warm days or celebrating seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Frozen Yogurt Base
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to chill the base thoroughly before churning.
- Churn Frozen Yogurt: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add Pecans: In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped toasted pecans so they are evenly distributed without becoming too soft.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned frozen yogurt to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Let the frozen yogurt sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk yogurt and ensure the brown sugar used is vegan-friendly.
- To add extra sweetness and flavor, swirl in additional maple syrup or caramel sauce before freezing.
