Guinness Dessert Pairing: 7 Sweet Treats That Pair Perfectly With Stouts
The right Guinness dessert pairing can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level! When it comes to food and beer pairings, desserts often take a back seat to savory dishes. However, pairing beer with dessert is an underexplored delight that adds a perfect finishing touch to any meal. Given its rich, complex flavors, Guinness pairs exceptionally well with a variety of sweet treats. So, what desserts pair well with Guinness?
Desserts that pair well with Guinness typically feature rich, deep flavors like dark chocolate, or contrast the stout with sweet and creamy elements. Think along the lines of chocolate lava cake, creamy cheesecakes, or even treats like spiced apple crumble.
Want to dive deeper into this delicious subject? Keep reading to discover our top 7 dessert recommendations that will make your next pint of Guinness a truly indulgent experience.
Desserts That Pair Well With Guinness
1. Dark Chocolate Brownies
Dark chocolate brownies are a dessert as rich and complex as a pint of Guinness. The deep, bittersweet flavors of the chocolate align perfectly with the malty, roasted notes in the beer. Each bite of brownie followed by a sip of Guinness creates a harmonious blend that accentuates the richness of both the dessert and the drink. Dark chocolate brownie recipe.
2. Berry Tart
A berry tart offers a bright, tangy contrast to the deep, malty characteristics of Guinness. The crisp crust and sweet-tart berries lighten the palate, making each sip of Guinness taste even more refreshing. This pairing showcases how contrasting flavors can elevate an eating and drinking experience. Easy berry tart recipe.
3. Apple Crumble
The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples in an apple crumble find a comforting companion in Guinness. The beer’s roasted qualities play well with the baked apples, while the buttery crumble topping resonates with the stout’s creamy texture. It’s a cozy pairing that feels like a hug in dessert and drink form. Classic apple crumble recipe.
4. Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate lava cake is another dessert where the intense, gooey chocolate center melds well with the complex flavor profile of Guinness. The cake’s outer crust and molten core offer textural contrasts that are echoed in the beer’s frothy head and smooth liquid, making each mouthful a sensory delight. Chocolate lava cake recipe.
5. Classic Cheesecake
A classic cheesecake, creamy and slightly tangy, pairs wonderfully with the full-bodied richness of Guinness. The smooth texture of the cheesecake complements the creamy mouthfeel of the stout, while the subtle sweetness of the dessert balances out the beer’s bitter notes. Classic New York-style Cheesecake recipe.
6. Bread Pudding
Bread pudding, a dessert of soaked bread, sugar, and spices, finds a match in Guinness due to its comforting, homely flavor. The sweetness and custardy texture of the pudding are balanced by the dark, bitter aspects of the stout, creating a pairing that is both satisfying and indulgent. Bread pudding recipe.
7. Tiramisu
Tiramisu, an Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture, might seem unconventional but actually pairs excellently with Guinness. The coffee notes in the dessert echo the stout’s roasted flavors, while the creamy layer harmonizes with the Guinness’s own creamy texture. It’s an international pairing that surprises and delights. Tiramisu recipe.
Learn More About Beer Food Pairing
Well, I don’t know about you, but I am getting hungry! Once you’ve got yourself a nice cold Guinness and a sweet dessert, check out our Complete Guide To Beer Food Pairing to learn what beers pair well with what foods and the beer-food pairing guidelines to follow to make the most delicious combinations.