As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there’s no better way to indulge than with a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream. But why settle for just one flavor when you can create the ultimate sweet experience by pairing your ice cream with other delightful treats? This season, we’ve curated the top 5 ice cream pairings you absolutely need to try, whether you’re a flavor adventurer or someone who loves a classic twist.
1. Brown Butter Bourbon Ice Cream & Warm Apple Pie
What could be more comforting than a scoop of rich, nutty brown butter bourbon ice cream alongside a warm, flaky slice of apple pie? The deep, toasty flavor of the brown butter bourbon ice cream complements the spiced sweetness of the apple pie, creating a perfectly balanced duo.
The ice cream’s caramelized notes and slight warmth from the bourbon bring a sophisticated depth to the classic dessert, while the buttery pie crust adds texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy smoothness of the ice cream. Together, they offer a dessert experience that feels like a cozy embrace.
Why it works: The rich, savory flavor of the ice cream balances the tartness of the apples, while the heat from the pie brings out the subtle bourbon warmth in the ice cream. The combination of hot and cold creates a perfect sensory contrast.
2. Lemon Sorbet & Fresh Berries
Light, refreshing, and vibrant, lemon sorbet paired with fresh berries is the perfect way to celebrate spring and summer. The tartness of the lemon sorbet wakes up the taste buds, while the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries offers a juicy counterpoint.
This pairing works best with a combination of berries—think a medley of sweet and slightly tart fruits, which bring out the citrus notes of the sorbet. For a little extra indulgence, top the mix with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh mint to elevate the flavors even further.
Why it works: The lemon sorbet provides a zingy contrast to the natural sweetness and juiciness of the berries, creating a refreshing, palate-cleansing treat that’s perfect for a sunny day.
3. Salted Caramel Ice Cream & Pretzel Pieces
Sweet and salty is a pairing that never goes out of style—and salted caramel ice cream with crunchy pretzel pieces takes this dynamic duo to the next level. The deep, buttery flavor of the salted caramel ice cream is rich and indulgent, while the salty, crunchy pretzels add texture and contrast, making each bite more interesting than the last.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top. The chocolate will meld beautifully with the caramel while enhancing the salty pretzel crunch, making for a truly decadent treat.
Why it works: The saltiness of the pretzels amplifies the rich caramel flavor, while their crunch adds a satisfying texture that balances the smoothness of the ice cream. This pairing is the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack.
4. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream & Red Bean Paste
For a more exotic, Asian-inspired ice cream experience, try pairing matcha green tea ice cream with sweet red bean paste. Matcha, with its earthy, slightly bitter flavor, pairs beautifully with the smooth, sweet red bean paste, creating a unique and balanced dessert.
The deep green tea flavor provides a grounding base, while the red bean paste adds a sweet and subtly nutty note. The two work together to create a perfect harmony of tastes that feels both refreshing and satisfying. You can serve it as a scoop alongside red bean paste or layer the two for a delightful bite of both flavors in each spoonful.
Why it works: The earthiness of the matcha offsets the sweetness of the red bean paste, while the smooth textures of both create a delicious contrast. This pairing is an intriguing mix of flavors that both intrigues and delights the taste buds.
5. Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream & Toasted Marshmallows
If you’ve ever enjoyed s’mores by a campfire, this pairing will feel like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Chocolate fudge ice cream, with its creamy richness and gooey, fudgy ribbons, gets an exciting upgrade when paired with charred, toasted marshmallows.
The smokiness of the toasted marshmallows perfectly complements the sweet, velvety chocolate, and the texture contrast between the soft marshmallows and the rich, dense ice cream is unbeatable. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even top it all off with some crushed graham crackers for the full s’mores effect.
Why it works: The deep, fudgy chocolate ice cream is perfectly balanced by the light, airy sweetness of the marshmallows. The smoky flavor from toasting the marshmallows adds an exciting twist, taking this classic flavor combo to new heights.
Bonus Pairing: Coffee Ice Cream & Biscotti
For those who love a little bit of caffeine in their dessert, pairing a scoop of rich coffee ice cream with crunchy, almond-laden biscotti is a match made in heaven. The bold coffee flavor complements the sweet, nutty crunch of the biscotti, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dessert. Dunk the biscotti into the ice cream or enjoy them side-by-side for an elegant finish to any meal.
Why it works: The strong, slightly bitter taste of coffee ice cream contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the biscotti. The texture difference between the crunchy biscotti and creamy ice cream makes each bite a satisfying experience.
Conclusion: Mixing It Up This Season
Ice cream is one of those timeless treats that always tastes better when you get creative with it. These top 5 pairings are designed to elevate your ice cream experience, combining complementary flavors, textures, and temperatures for a treat that feels new, exciting, and incredibly indulgent.
Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and decadent like salted caramel and pretzels, or something light and refreshing like lemon sorbet with fresh berries, these combos are sure to become your new go-to summer dessert. So, grab a spoon (or two), and let your taste buds dive into the season’s best ice cream pairings!
