Name: Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup maple syrup (Can substitute honey if desired); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 pinch salt; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Can top with extra pecans before serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you adore flavors that embody the essence of fall with a creamy twist, then you’re absolutely going to love this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt. It’s a vibrant and refreshing treat that balances the cozy, spicy notes of pumpkin pie spice with the rich crunch of toasted pecans, all nested in a smooth, tangy Greek yogurt base. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a cool snack that still feels indulgent, this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt is sure to become your new seasonal favorite.

Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt plays a vital role in creating its signature creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavor. From the luscious pumpkin puree to the crunchy pecans, these essentials come together with pure harmony.

Plain Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy, tangy base packed with protein, perfect for that smooth frozen texture.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—rich, naturally sweet, and loaded with vitamins to deliver that unmistakable autumn vibe.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with warm caramel undertones; honey works beautifully as a substitute if you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors by adding a subtle aromatic depth that ties everything together.
Pumpkin pie spice: The magical blend that seasons the frozen yogurt with warm hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Pecans: Chopped for texture and rich, nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy base.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by whisking together the creamy Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. This step ensures everything is smoothly blended, creating a luscious base that will freeze beautifully.

Step 2: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold the chopped pecans into the yogurt mixture using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout. This adds delightful texture and that signature pecan crunch that makes this frozen yogurt extra special.

Step 3: Churn or Blend

If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture in and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20 to 25 minutes. This process aerates the yogurt and gives you a perfect soft-serve consistency that’s creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Freeze Without a Machine

No ice cream maker? No problem! Blend the mixture until smooth, then pour it into a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for 3 to 4 hours, stirring every hour to break up any icy crystals. This will help keep your Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt creamy and scoopable without specialized equipment.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Once frozen, scoop your frozen yogurt into bowls and serve right away, or pop it back into the freezer for longer storage. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Before serving, consider topping your frozen yogurt with extra pecans or a gentle drizzle of maple syrup. These little touches add bursts of flavor and texture that transform a simple scoop into a memorable treat.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for that irresistible crunch and a little contrast in texture. A light drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and enhances the autumn flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This frozen yogurt pairs wonderfully with spiced biscotti or ginger snap cookies, offering a delightful harmony of creamy and crunchy textures. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or crisp apple wedges also complement the seasonal flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin bowl or in elegant glasses layered with crushed pecan praline or granola. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and perfect for festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer to preserve its freshness and texture. Wrapping the container with plastic wrap before sealing helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

Freezing

This frozen yogurt freezes well for up to a week. For the best texture, stir it once every hour during the initial freezing process if you’re not using an ice cream maker to help minimize ice crystals and retain that creamy essence.

Reheating

Since Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt is a frozen treat, reheating is more about letting it soften a bit at room temperature. Simply leave it out for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without melting it entirely.

FAQs

Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?

Using flavored yogurt might add unwanted sweetness or alter the spice balance, so plain Greek yogurt is best for this recipe to let the pumpkin and pecans shine through.

Is it necessary to use an ice cream maker?

Not at all! While an ice cream maker helps improve the texture, blending and freezing with regular stirring works well to produce a delicious Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt at home.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can work nicely if you’re looking for a different crunch or if pecans aren’t your favorite.

How long does the frozen yogurt keep in the freezer?

Stored properly, it remains best within one week, but it can be enjoyed for up to two weeks if sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Is this recipe vegan or dairy-free friendly?

This recipe uses Greek yogurt, which is dairy-based. To make it dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt alternative, though you might want to adjust sweetness and texture accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the comforting flavors of Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt to brighten up those chilly days or add a special touch to any meal. It’s quick to make, loaded with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with seasonal charm. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and experience how delightfully creamy and satisfying this frozen yogurt can be—your taste buds are in for a real treat!

Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt combines creamy Greek yogurt with seasonal pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices, creating a refreshing and healthy dessert that’s perfect for fall. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and complemented by crunchy pecans, it’s a delightful treat that requires minimal effort and no ice cream maker.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup maple syrup (Can substitute honey if desired)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 pinch salt

Add-ins

1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Can top with extra pecans before serving)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the mixture using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Churn or Blend: If using an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency is reached.
Freeze if No Ice Cream Maker: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, blend the mixture until smooth, pour it into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 3-4 hours, stirring every hour for better texture.
Serve Frozen Yogurt: Once the yogurt is frozen, scoop into bowls and serve immediately or store it longer in the freezer.
Soften Before Serving: Allow the frozen yogurt to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Optional Toppings: Optionally, top with extra pecans or drizzle with maple syrup before serving for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a different sweetener option.
For a smoother texture without an ice cream maker, stir the mixture every hour during freezing.
Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and creamy texture; full-fat yogurt will yield a richer result.
Extra pecans add a nice crunch when served on top.
This recipe is vegetarian and can be adjusted to vegan by using dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No bake, Freezing, Churning
Cuisine: American