If you’re craving a dessert that’s creamy, refreshing, and bursting with autumn flavors, this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the rich earthiness of pumpkin with the crunchy, buttery goodness of toasted pecans, all swirled into tangy, smooth Greek yogurt. Whether you’re after a lighter sweet treat or a novel way to enjoy fall’s favorite spice blend, this recipe is a delightfully simple way to bring those cozy flavors into a cool, creamy dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your frozen yogurt. These pantry staples come together easily but each one plays a vital role in delivering that signature taste and vibrant color this dish is known for.
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat): The creamy base that gives this frozen yogurt its rich texture and tangy flavor.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that iconic pumpkin flavor and orange hue.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle woodsy undertone that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that defines this dessert’s seasonal charm.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all the other components.
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness to every bite.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. The goal here is to incorporate everything smoothly, making sure the pumpkin and spices distribute evenly for that perfect creamy consistency and flavor throughout.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover your mixture and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and ensures your frozen yogurt churns up with a lovely, thick texture. It’s a small wait that makes a big difference in the final product.
Step 3: Churn the Yogurt
Transfer the chilled mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—transforming the mixture into a creamy, airy frozen treat.
Step 4: Add the Toasted Pecans
About five minutes before the churning ends, add the chopped toasted pecans. This way, the nuts stay delightfully crunchy instead of getting pulverized, giving every spoonful that signature nutty texture and flavor.
Step 5: Freeze and Firm Up
Once churned, transfer the frozen yogurt to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 to 3 hours until firm enough to scoop. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to enjoy that luscious, creamy texture.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or a dash of pumpkin pie spice on top. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can add a bit of indulgence that pairs perfectly with the tangy yogurt and warm spices.
Side Dishes
This frozen yogurt is a fantastic finish to hearty fall meals like roasted turkey or spiced apple desserts. It can also serve as a light counterpoint to rich, fudgy brownies or warm pumpkin bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the frozen yogurt in small mason jars for a charming rustic feel or layered in parfait glasses with granola and extra pecans for delightful texture contrasts. You could even use it as a filling for crepes or as a topping on seasonal pies to spice up your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe, simply cover the container tightly and store it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to one week without losing flavor or texture when sealed properly.
Freezing
This recipe is perfect for making ahead since it freezes beautifully. When freezing, make sure to use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming, maintaining the smooth creaminess you love.
Reheating
Unlike hot dishes, frozen yogurt doesn’t need reheating. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too hard to scoop, then enjoy it chilled and creamy exactly as intended.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. While it won’t be quite as smooth, it’s still delicious.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a full-fat coconut milk yogurt and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. This change maintains the creamy texture while keeping it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How important are the toasted pecans?
They add essential crunch and contrast to the smooth yogurt while contributing a nutty depth of flavor. However, if you have a nut allergy, you can omit them or substitute with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Definitely! The brown sugar and maple syrup provide flavor and sweetness, but feel free to reduce or increase them according to your taste preference. Keep in mind that sweetness levels affect the texture slightly.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. This simple step brings out their rich, buttery flavor perfectly for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe is such a rewarding way to welcome the flavors of fall in a light, refreshing dessert. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any crisp day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a new seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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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, fall-inspired dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin purée, warm pumpkin pie spice, and crunchy toasted pecans with the tangy smoothness of Greek yogurt. It’s a deliciously refreshing treat that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or whenever you crave a comforting, seasonal frozen dessert.
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
- Prepare the mixture: 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 the mixture: Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and to ensure the base is cold for churning.
- Churn the frozen yogurt: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20–25 minutes, until thick and creamy.
- Add the pecans: In the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped toasted pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the frozen yogurt.
- Freeze until firm: Transfer the churned frozen yogurt to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve: Before serving, let the frozen yogurt sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk yogurt and ensure brown sugar used is vegan.
- To add extra sweetness, swirl in additional maple syrup or caramel sauce into the mixture before freezing.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- Make sure the ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen before churning for best results.
