Do we ever think about what to serve with ice cream? It’s not just about the cold, creamy goodness; we can totally level up our ice cream game.
Remember the time we tried to pair ice cream with every possible topping in the pantry? Spoiler alert: popcorn and chocolate syrup was a yes. We’re here to chat about those perfect side dishes that take our ice cream experience from “meh” to “wow.”
Whether it’s fruity, crunchy, or something straight-up unexpected, there are so many great options out there. Let’s dig into 13 tasty pairings that’ll have us saying goodbye to boring scoops for good!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Ice Cream
Here are 13 side dishes that will take your ice cream to the next level:
1 – Warm Brownies
Brownies are basically chocolate’s best real estate. They hold their own with ice cream. We all know that warm brownies create that melty, gooey magic that sings with every scoop.
When we serve them, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Options to level up include nuts, caramel, or whipped cream. Brownies can be chewy or cake-like; we often prefer that fudgy consistency.
The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to bake. A simple box mix works wonders. Instant dessert gratification is just minutes away.
2 – Fresh Waffle
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What’s a fresh waffle if it isn’t a crispy cloud of joy?
Waffles and ice cream get along like peanut butter and jelly. They add crunch to our creamy treat.
Serve them warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. The pattern in each bite holds syrup perfectly.
Topping options are endless. Think whipped cream, fruits, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
Always check if they’re made with real ingredients. Frozen ones lack that homemade vibe.
3 – Apple Pie
What’s better than a scoop of ice cream? A scoop of ice cream on top of a slice of apple pie.
We’ve got that warm, cinnamon goodness from the pie. The contrast with cold ice cream creates a simple, blissful match.
Serve it right out of the oven. That’s peak comfort.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or maybe even caramel.
A little whipped topping doesn’t hurt either.
Use store-bought pie for easy access. Homemade is a plus if you’re feeling ambitious.
4 – Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate lava cake is like a warm hug for dessert lovers.
It’s all about that gooey chocolate center. When you cut it open, it flows like a chocolate river.
We appreciate it served with a scoop of cold ice cream.
Timing is key; bake until the edges are firm but the center is soft.
Overbaking? No thanks. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it fancy.
It’s easy to prepare, yet it impresses at dinner parties.
Grab a box mix for a quick treat or make it from scratch.
5 – Cinnamon Sugar Churros
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Churros are like doughnuts’ cooler cousin. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Coated in cinnamon sugar, they give us that sweet crunch we crave.
We can dip them in chocolate or caramel for added fun. They go hand-in-hand with ice cream. Fresh churros are always better than frozen. Serve them warm to enjoy the gooey goodness.
A sprinkle of extra sugar can’t hurt. We should definitely consider making a batch at home for a sweet treat anytime.
6 – Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches might just be the answer to those fruit cravings. These juicy gems get a nice char that brings out their sweetness.
They pair well with ice cream, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of salt.
We can toss them on the grill for a few minutes. The caramelization adds a whole new texture.
When we serve them warm, it’s like warm hugs without the actual hug.
Try swapping them on a cheeseboard or just grab some as a refreshing snack.
7 – Banana Foster
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Bananas foster may remind us of that fancy restaurant meal we thought we could recreate at home. It’s simple to whip up and brings that sweet, caramelized vibe.
Just toss sliced bananas in a pan with butter and brown sugar. Cinnamon adds a nice kick. Flambéing is optional, but it looks cool.
Serve this on top of ice cream. It’s a classic combo. Store any leftovers for breakfast; they’re great on pancakes or waffles. Easy dessert that’s so versatile.
8 – Fried Dough (Zeppole)
Fried dough, or zeppole, is a glorious way to take dough to the next level. These little bites are fluffy, airy, and just fried enough to make you feel like you’re indulging.
They’re typically dusted with powdered sugar or tossed in cinnamon sugar. Talk about a sweet finish. We’ve had our fair share of these at fairs, and homemade ones are pretty easy too.
Fry them up fresh for the best experience. You can fill them with jelly or cream if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a few, and we’re set.
9 – Berry Compote
Berry compote is like a fruity hug. It brings a burst of sweetness. This mix works beautifully with ice cream.
We can use fresh or frozen berries. Just simmer them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. It thickens up nicely and adds flair. Want to punch it up? Toss in some vanilla extract.
Make it ahead and store it. It’s a nice topping that lasts. Perfect for lazy days or last-minute desserts. Simple and tasty.
10 – Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee pudding? Yes, please. This dessert is a warm, gooey treat that everyone should try. It combines soft sponge cake with a rich toffee sauce.
We can serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a dream team combo. Microwaving leftovers makes them just as tasty. We’re all about simple pleasures.
Make spacing between your servings easy. A little bit goes a long way, trust us. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties or quiet nights in. Definitely worth a spot on our dessert list.
11 – Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who needs a comfort food court when we have chocolate chip cookies? These golden treats hit the spot. Soft and chewy or crunchy? Totally up to us.
Storing them is easy. They last as long as we don’t eat them all in one sitting. A sprinkle of sea salt can amp up flavors. We often add nuts for a little crunch.
Chilling dough improves texture. We know the struggle of waiting, though. Baking can be a team sport. Invite some friends over for a cookie party. Let’s keep it fun.
12 – Crêpes with Nutella
Crêpes with Nutella? Talk about a sweet treat. These thin pancakes are super versatile and bring a lot to the table. They’re quick to whip up, and we can fill them with whatever we fancy.
Nutella oozes happiness, but fresh fruits work great too. Making them at home? Easy peasy.
For the best texture, use room-temperature ingredients. Don’t skimp on the Nutella. A drizzle of whipped cream? Why not.
Dig in while they’re warm. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
13 – Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake is a true classic. It’s a cake that flips the script. Sweet pineapple rings and maraschino cherries sit on top, giving that retro vibe.
The brown sugar caramelizes during baking. It creates a delicious glaze. We can use boxed cake mix for speed.
A cast-iron skillet works wonders for even cooking. Slice it warm and enjoy the gooey goodness. Don’t forget to flip it carefully! It’s an instant conversation starter.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.