Behind The Flavor: Pumpkin Caramel & Candied Pecans

At McConnell’s, we are a team of ice cream obsessives and ingredient aficionados. Needless to say, when it comes to our flavors, we are never completely satisfied. We’re always evaluating classic favorites, recipes from our flavor vault, and new ideas that inspire us, looking for opportunities to outdo ourselves and pushing for greatness. 

This year, we set our eyes on Pumpkin Pie. A classic, sure, but also a flavor ripe for innovation and fanfare on par with the decadence of our favorite holiday desserts. 

Enter Pumpkin Caramel & Candied Pecans, featuring rich, salted caramel swirled into our seasonally sensational, spiced pumpkin ice cream and topped off with toasted, buttery pecan pralines. Notes of our original flavor paired with a few new drool-worthy bells and whistles to make your Turkey Day extra special. 

 

We spoke with Jordan, our head flavor developer, to learn more about how she came up with the recipe, her take on the revamped flavor, and her favorite Thanksgiving sweets.

McC's: What was the inspiration for this flavor?

Jordan: The inspiration for this flavor came from our annual Pumpkin Ice Cream Pies. We've been making them for years each Thanksgiving and they’re delicious! 

McC's: How much trial and error did the development process undergo?

Jordan: Michael, one of the McConnell’s owners, requested that we up the ante of the regular Pumpkin Pie flavor and this flavor just fell perfectly into place. Not a whole lot of error in this trial. It came together pretty simply - it was the culmination of all things fall and delicious for us.

McC's: What would you tell fans of our OG Pumpkin Pie flavor about why they should give Pumpkin Caramel & Candied Pecans a chance?

Jordan: Pumpkin Caramel & Candied Pecans has all the things you love about the original flavor, but with some added bonuses! 

McC's: What are you baking for Thanksgiving this year? 

Jordan: My favorite Thanksgiving desserts are my grandmother's hazelnut pear pie, and a cranberry curd tart. My whole family bakes, so we will see who wants to make what this year, but these two have got to be on the table, for me!