Picture this: You’ve just taken an ooey gooey dessert out of the oven and placed a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream right on top. As you watch it melt into every crack and crevice of your dessert, you wonder how it could possibly get any better than this. Have we made you hungry yet? Discover the best warm desserts to indulge in this winter and the delicious ice cream counterpart best suited for the perfect dessert experience. From warm classics to unexpected delights, we’ve got the best suggestions to upgrade your next dessert craving.
Classic Warm Desserts That Pair Perfectly with Ice Cream
If you’ve ever craved ice cream with a fresh, warm dessert, odds are you’ve paired it with one of these classics. There’s a reason the classics never go out of style. Warm, nostalgic desserts like apple pie, fudgy brownies, and molten chocolate cake were practically made to be finished with a scoop of real ice cream. When you start with timeless desserts like these, adding ice cream isn’t just an extra, it’s what brings the whole experience together.
Apple Pie
Why it works: The flaky, cinnamon-spiced layers of apple pie melt effortlessly into the creaminess of the ice cream, resulting in a delicious combination of textures and temperatures.
Best ice cream flavors: Vanilla, Fireball, and Southern Pecan
Brownies
Why it works: The rich and fudgy, brownies soak up the ice cream, creating a spongey and extra flavorful dessert experience.
Best ice cream flavors: Peanut Butter Swirl, Bittersweet Sinphony and Cherry Panda Paws
Lava Cake
Why it works: The molten center of a rich lava cake & cold ice cream create a decadent contrast, cooling the fudgy center, and becoming the perfect balance of hot and cold.
Best ice cream flavors: Vanilla Bean, White Raspberry Twist, and Tuxedo
Cozy, Comfort-Style Warm Desserts
When it comes to cozy desserts, nothing beats the kind that feel like they came straight from the oven—especially on a snow day! Think bubbling fruit cobblers, spiced bread pudding, or soft, fresh-baked donuts—each one rich with warmth, nostalgia, and that homemade feel.
Cherry Cobbler
A scoop of rich, sweet ice cream cuts through the acidity of the cherry, balancing the overall sweetness of the dish. As the ice cream melts into the warm cobbler, it turns the fruit juice into a rich, creamy sauce that keeps the dessert from feeling too dry.
Best ice cream flavors: Cherry Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Parkerhouse
Bread Pudding
Melting ice cream over the top of bread pudding creates a rich, elevated, and creamy sauce topping that requires minimal effort and will leave your guests asking for a copy of your recipe!
Best ice cream flavors: Banana Graham, Deep Sea Treasure, and Rocky Mountain Raspberry
Baked Donuts
Whether you decide to make an ice cream sandwich or simply place a scoop on top, the soft, warm dough of the donut absorbs the ice cream perfectly, creating a unique and delicious sensory experience.
Best ice cream flavors: Neapolitan, Strawberry, and Maple Walnut
Unexpected Warm Desserts That Shine with Ice Cream
Some of the best ice cream pairings come from desserts you might not expect! These unique combinations take on a whole new personality, t turning simple treats into something elevated. These unexpected pairings are playful, a little indulgent, and perfect for when you want to surprise guests or bring a fresh twist to your usual dessert lineup.
Skillet Cookies
Take a simple dessert and make it shareable and indulgent with this delectable combination! The cold, creamy sweetness of the ice cream perfectly complements the salty, buttery, and rich flavors of a freshly baked cookie.
Best ice cream flavors: Madagascar Vanilla, Cookie Dough, and Mint Ting-A-Ling
Grilled Peaches
The high heat not only softens the fruit, but also caramelizes the natural sugars, which plays off of the sweetness of the ice cream, making dessert feel more elevated and sophisticated.
Best ice cream flavors: French Vanilla, Orange Twist, and Black Raspberry
Churros
The crispy outside and tender inside of the churros creates a delicious contrast in texture once you introduce ice cream into the mix. The warm cinnamon-sugar coating of the churro also complements the creamy, sweet profile of ice cream.
Best ice cream flavors: Cinnamon Bun, Twist, and Chocolate Caramel Twist
The next time you think to yourself, “this dessert needs something” the answer may be simpler than you think —just add ice cream! Whether you’re looking to elevate a classic warm dessert, cozy up with a comforting treat, or provide your guests with a sophisticated sensory experience, topping your favorite warm dessert with a scoop of your favorite ice cream creates a new and decadent dessert experience for any occasion.
Contributors: Mya Priester