30 Quintessential Desserts That Go With Wine

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Quick Answer: What Desserts go with Wine?

Some of the best desserts that go with wine are— chocolate delicacies like Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Chocolate Ice Cream, and others; delectable cakes like Cheesecake, Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake, Wine Cake, and others; and miscellaneous desserts like Tiramisu, Peach Cobbler, Lemon Bars, Raspberry Macarons, Blackberry Cobbler, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and others. Read to know more!

Here are 30 quintessential desserts that pair like a melody to the romantic tunes of wine. Each of these desserts is selected based on how it complements the flavor tones, contrasts the acidity, and fits with the wine of your choice. 

My father always said that a person of taste must know how to pair his/her/their wine with food and dessert.

With the knowledge I received from my old man and my experience as a foodie, I bring to you this list of best desserts that go with wine. 

So let’s get to it!

30 Desserts that go with Wine: Quick Table

RecipeCalories (per 100g)Preparation Time
Chocolate Mousse20920 min
Chocolate Chip Cookies48830 min
Brownies46650 min
Cheesecake321420 min
Tiramisu283300 min
Strawberry Shortcake29650 min
Peach Cobbler19355 min
White Chocolate539NA
Lemon Bars430265 min
Carrot Cake41565 min
Apple Pie23790 min
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies466.7300 min
Raspberry Macarons61760 min
Wine Cake361100 min
Blackberry Cobbler22670 min
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies43560 min
Vanilla Cake393165 min
Red Velvet Cake367120 min
Chocolate Cake37165 min
Pumpkin Pie24370 min
Sorbet12415 min
Chocolate Ice Cream216260 min
Vanilla Ice Cream207155 min
Milk Chocolate53510 min
Dark Chocolate505 10 min
Lemon Cake29760 min
Cookies 'n' Cream Ice Cream11230 min
Raspberry Jam BomboloniNA105 min
Dulce De Leche CrispiesNA45 min
Nutty Ice CreamNA20 min

1. Chocolate Mousse

Total calories (per 100g): 209

Total preparation time: 20 minutes

With a smooth creamy texture and a gratifyingly dense chocolate flavor— Chocolate Mousse is loved for its dreamy presence.

It is best paired with a semi-sparkling wine like Brachetto d’Acqui;

The medium acidity, medium to light body, and fruity tones blend with the flavor profile and texture of this dessert.

Here is a simple recipe by Preppy Kitchen

2. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total calories (per 100g): 488

Total preparation time: 30 minutes

Chocolate Chip Cookies have a doughy yet cooked texture with melt-in-mouth chocolate chips embedded on them.

This OG dessert deserves to be paired with the OG wine of all times—Cabernet Sauvignon.

The simple, light flavors of the cookies complement the dark fruit flavors of this full-body red wine.

Check out this quick recipe by Rosanna Pansino

3. Brownies

Total calories (per 100g): 466

Total preparation time: 50 minutes

No one can resist these moist, fudgy squares that deliver an unbelievably mouth-watering chocolate flavor.

The most popular companion of this treat is Merlot.

This full-body, dry wine is famously known as the ‘chameleon’ as it charmingly adapts the best flavors from the surroundings to give a mesmerizing experience.

Here is a simple recipe by Preppy Kitchen

4. Cheesecake

Total calories (per 100g): 321

Total preparation time: 420 minutes

Cheesecake is the only one you need for your comfy ‘me-time’ session. The buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheese layer goes well with binging series.

The best buddy of this delicacy is Riesling— a wine of floral-fruity aroma.

The creaminess of the former complements the acidity of the latter.

Check out this recipe by How Tasty

5. Tiramisu

Total calories (per 100g): 283

Total preparation time: 300 minutes

A delight made with creamy layers of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers— Tiramisu’s flavors are accentuated by dusting cocoa.

Pair this elegant dessert with a classy tall glass of champagne.

The fruity flavors and bubbly mouthfeel of the drink fit well the creamy-coffee flavors of this dessert.

Here is an easy recipe by The Cooking Foodie

6. Strawberry Shortcake

Total calories (per 100g): 296

Total preparation time: 50 minutes

Crafted from sweet biscuits, whipped cream, and strawberries, this dessert is a summertime star.

As for its companion, drink-wise, pair it with Vouvray Brut.

This white wine falls in the sparkling category and is dry in profile. Hence, the creamy sweetness of the dessert complements the said drink.

Check out this simple recipe by Natashas Kitchen

7. Peach Cobbler

Total calories (per 100g): 193

Total preparation time: 55 minutes

Peach Cobbler has a medley of flavors created by sweet peaches, butter, and warm spices which are further uplifted by the cake/scone topping.

Its match made in winery is Dry Riesling.

High in acidity and ABV of 11-13%, it is somewhat semi-sweet and fits well with this dessert of balanced flavors.

Here is a quick recipe by Preppy Kitchen

8. White Chocolate

Total calories (per 100g): 539

White chocolate has a creamy texture and is usually flavored with vanilla. It has a delicate floral taste which makes it well-liked.

This dessert can be paired with either Sauvignon Blanc or a Pink Moscato.

While the acidity of the former is countered by this dessert; the latter is a dessert wine that harmonizes with it.

Check out this recipe by Wow Delicious

9. Lemon Bars

Total calories (per 100g): 430

Total preparation time: 265 minutes

With a deliciously thick layer of tangy lemon curd filling sitting atop a buttery shortbread crust— Lemon Bars are an excellent dessert.

Its drink buddy should definitely be Oaked Chardonnay.

This drink has notes of vanilla, butter, and caramel which compound with the bright flavors of lemon bars.

Here is an easy recipe by Preppy Kitchen

10. Carrot Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 415

Total preparation time: 65 minutes

Flavored with brown sugar and warm spices, Carrot Cake has a moist texture and is serenaded with velvet-like cream-cheese frosting.

It is best paired with Fino Sherry— a delicate and pleasant dry white wine.

The almondy after taste of the drink smoothly dances with the sweet-spicy flavors of this cake.

Check out this quick recipe by Preppy Kitchen

11. Apple Pie

Total calories (per 100g): 237

Total preparation time: 90 minutes

Apple Pie consists of a delectable apple filling sandwiched between a crisp bottom crust and a top lattice crust.

It’s an outstanding pair of sweet or semi-sweet wines, like Moscato or Gewürztraminer.

DIY recipe—

12. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Total calories (per 100g): 466.7

Total preparation time: 300 minutes

This cookie endorses a brownie-like interior texture and cookie-like exterior crust.

Its wine buddy has to be the one with fruity and savory tasting notes, like Alexander Valley Cabernet.

DIY recipe—

13. Raspberry Macarons

Total calories (per 100g): 617

Total preparation time: 60 minutes

Raspberry Macarons have a melt-in-mouth texture and a tangy-sweet flavor.

Deep flavors of this delicacy are complemented by wines with a full body and rich flavor—like Cabernet Sauvignon.

DIY recipe—

14. Wine Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 361

Total preparation time: 100 minutes

With slight sweetness and fluffy texture, Wine Cake embraces a boozy flavor.

This moist cake will stupefy your taste buds when it is accompanied by a glass of red wine.

DIY recipe—

15. Blackberry Cobbler

Total calories (per 100g): 226

Total preparation time: 70 minutes

Blackberry Cobbler has a sweet, juicy filling of blackberries and a delicious golden crust.

Jordon Cabernet is its ultimate partner with its silky texture and a blackberry + blueberry aroma.

DIY recipe—

16. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Total calories (per 100g): 435

Total preparation time: 60 minutes

Loaded with oats and raisins, these cookies have a homemade flavor and soft chewy texture.

It’s perfect to bite into when sipping a dry, light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir.

DIY recipe—

17. Vanilla Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 393

Total preparation time: 165 minutes

This classic cake has a moist, tender texture and an enticing light vanilla flavor.

Pair it up with ‘fruity yet not so sweet’ Chardonnay or a semi-sweet orangey wine like Orange Moscato.

DIY recipe—

18. Red Velvet Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 367

Total preparation time: 120 minutes

Red Velvet Cake has a soft and buttery texture with a yummy cream cheese frosting.

It splendidly compliments rich blended wines like Red Velvet Wine, which has a silky texture.

DIY recipe—

19. Chocolate Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 371

Total preparation time: 65 minutes

Chocolate Cake is loved by all because of its super moist texture and smooth chocolate flavor.

This classic dessert is best paired with a full-bodied, iconic wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.

DIY recipe—

20. Pumpkin Pie

Total calories (per 100g): 243

Total preparation time: 70 minutes

A dessert to ‘fall’ for— Pumpkin Pie is appreciated for its rich homemade flavor and is served with whipped cream.

For old-timey appeal, pair it with a glass of sherry.

DIY recipe—

21. Sorbet

Total calories (per 100g): 124

Total preparation time: 15 minutes

Sorbet is a beautiful Italian frozen dessert that thrives with fruity and classic flavors.

When combined with fruity-bubbly booze, like Pink Moscato, it gives a magnificent dessert experience.

DIY recipe—

22. Chocolate Ice Cream

Total calories (per 100g): 216

Total preparation time: 260 minutes

Chocolate Ice Cream furnishes a delightful melt-in-mouth and rich chocolate flavor.

Pair this decadent dessert with elegant Chocolate Wine for the next Valentine’s Day to woo your BAE.

DIY recipe—

23. Vanilla Ice Cream

Total calories (per 100g): 207

Total preparation time: 155 minutes

You may call it basic, but vanilla is the king flavor of all ice creams.

It has a simple, sweet flavor which is enhanced when it is paired with Cream Sherry.

DIY recipe—

24. Milk Chocolate

Total calories (per 100g): 535

Total preparation time: 10 minutes

Milk Chocolates deliver a creamy chocolate flavor and a smooth, melty mouth-feel.

Pair it with Port— a full body, sweet wine which has notes of berry, caramel, chocolate, and cinnamon.

DIY recipe—

25. Dark Chocolate

Total calories (per 100g): 505

Total preparation time: 10 minutes

With an intense chocolaty taste, Dark Chocolate has a deep flavor profile.

Its dense flavor complements wines, like Zinfandel, which has flavors of candied fruit, spice, and smoky tone.

DIY recipe—

26. Lemon Cake

Total calories (per 100g): 297

Total preparation time: 60 minutes

Lemon Cake bursts with the goodness of tangy lemon and has a moist texture.

It is covered in a bright lemony glaze and tastes wholesome when paired with sweet or dry Riesling wine.

DIY recipe—

27. Cookies ‘n’ Cream Ice Cream

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Total calories (per 100g): 112

Total preparation time: 30 minutes

This dessert has an enticing rich texture created by the creaminess of vanilla ice cream and chunks of Oreo.

Its best friend in drinks is Sauvignon Blanc, a dry white wine.

DIY recipe—

28. Raspberry Jam Bomboloni

Total preparation time: 105 minutes

This Italian donut has a round and golden-brown appearance and is filled with a scrumptious Raspberry Jam filling.

Pair it with Brachetto d’ Acqui and taste how it beautifully complements the candied fruit flavors of the wine.

DIY recipe—

29. Dulce De Leche Crispies

Total preparation time: 45 minutes

Rice crispies are taken to next level by using the creamy Dulce de Leche caramel sauce.

The flavors of this dessert are accentuated when it is paired with Madeira— a wine with sweet notes of caramel and nuts.

DIY recipe—

30. Nutty Ice Cream

Total preparation time: 20 minutes

Nutty ice creams have gentle and sober flavors, and when drizzled with caramel/chocolate sauce turn into an epic delight.

These ice-creams have an old-time charm and hence complement old, romantic wines like Sherry.

DIY recipe—

The Bottom Line

We hope this wholesome guide gave you an idea as to what desserts go well with wine.

If you have any tips or suggestions, please let us know below!

Do share this guide with your family and friends.

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About Nancy Miller

Nancy is a foodie by heart and loves experimenting with food. She likes to experiment not only as part of academics but also as a cook at home, sometimes she does not get the desired outcome of these experiments though! But that doesn't stop her from trying more out-of-the-box things. When Nancy entered college, it became clear to her that food was going to be an important part of her life.