What Dessert Goes With Chili: A Sweet and Spicy Combination

Oleh Chelsea VonRueden June 04, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you a fan of chili but unsure what dessert to serve with it? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore the best desserts to pair with chili. From sweet to spicy, we've got you covered.

Chili is a delicious and hearty meal that's perfect for cold winter nights or game day gatherings. But when it comes to choosing a dessert to serve with it, many people are stumped. Should you go for something sweet to balance out the spice, or should you lean into the heat and choose something spicy? The answer is...both!

In this article, we'll cover the best desserts to serve with chili, including some unexpected options that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. Whether you're cooking up a pot of classic beef chili or experimenting with a vegetarian or vegan version, there's a dessert out there that will complement your dish perfectly.

1. Chocolate Cake

There's nothing better than a warm slice of chocolate cake after a bowl of chili. The sweetness of the cake helps to balance out the spiciness of the chili, creating a perfect flavor combination.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a chili chocolate cake! This unique dessert incorporates chili powder or cayenne pepper into the batter, giving it a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chili.

2. Churros and Chocolate Sauce

Looking for something a little more indulgent? Try serving churros with a rich chocolate dipping sauce alongside your chili. The cinnamon and sugar coating on the churros provides a nice contrast to the heat of the chili, while the chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness.

3. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a classic dessert that pairs well with just about anything, including chili. The warm, gooey apples and crunchy topping provide a nice texture contrast to the hearty chili, while the sweetness of the dish helps to balance out the spice.

4. Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic side dish that's often served with chili, but it can also double as a dessert! Sweet cornbread, topped with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, makes for a deliciously satisfying end to any chili meal.

5. Cinnamon Ice Cream

If you're looking for something cold and refreshing to serve with your chili, try pairing it with cinnamon ice cream. The warming spices in the ice cream complement the heat of the chili, while the coolness of the dessert provides a nice contrast.

6. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Why settle for regular hot chocolate when you can have Mexican hot chocolate? This unique beverage incorporates warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, creating a drink that's perfect for sipping alongside a bowl of chili.

7. Fruit Salad

If you're looking for something light and refreshing to serve with your chili, try serving a fruit salad on the side. The sweetness of the fruit helps to balance out the spice of the chili, while the fresh flavors provide a nice contrast.

8. Spicy Ginger Cookies

For those who like to lean into the heat, try serving spicy ginger cookies alongside your chili. These cookies incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a dessert that's both sweet and spicy.

9. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a Southern classic that pairs well with just about anything, including chili. The creamy filling and flaky crust provide a nice texture contrast to the hearty chili, while the sweetness of the dish helps to balance out the spice.

10. Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches cake is a Latin American dessert that's perfect for serving with chili. The moist, spongey cake is soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, creating a dessert that's both sweet and indulgent.

11. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is another classic dessert that pairs well with just about anything, including chili. The nutty flavor of the pecans provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the chili, while the sweetness of the dish helps to balance out the spice.

12. Spiced Pear Tart

For a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious, try serving a spiced pear tart alongside your chili. The warm spices in the tart (like cinnamon and nutmeg) complement the heat of the chili, while the juicy pears provide a nice texture contrast.

13. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican wedding cookies (also known as polvorones) are a buttery, crumbly cookie that's perfect for serving with chili. The cookies are often dusted with powdered sugar, which provides a nice contrast to the heat of the chili.

14. Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a fall staple that pairs well with just about anything, including chili. The warm spices in the bread (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) complement the heat of the chili, while the sweetness of the dish helps to balance out the spice.

15. Lemon Bars

For a dessert that's bright and refreshing, try serving lemon bars alongside your chili. The tangy, citrusy flavor of the bars provides a nice contrast to the heat of the chili, while the sweetness of the dish helps to balance out the spice.

When it comes to choosing a dessert to serve with chili, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or a little bit of both, there's a dessert out there that will complement your chili perfectly. From classic options like chocolate cake and apple crisp to more unexpected choices like spiced pear tart and Mexican hot chocolate, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are some other desserts that pair well with chili?

A: Some other desserts that pair well with chili include brownies, oatmeal cookies, rice pudding, and banana bread.

Q2: Can I serve ice cream with chili?

A: Yes! Ice cream can be a great dessert to serve with chili, especially if it has warm, spicy flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Q3: What should I look for when choosing a dessert to serve with chili?

A: When choosing a dessert to serve with chili, look for something that provides a nice contrast to the heat of the dish. This could be something sweet (like chocolate cake) or something with cooling flavors (like lemon bars).

Q4: What kind of drinks pair well with chili and dessert?

A: For a classic pairing, try serving beer with your chili and a sweet wine (like port or sherry) with your dessert. You could also try a spicy margarita or a hot toddy for something a little more adventurous.

Q5: Can I make a dessert that incorporates chili peppers?

A: Absolutely! There are plenty of desserts out there that incorporate chili peppers, like chili chocolate cake or spicy ginger cookies.

Q6: Should I choose a dessert that's similar in flavor to my chili?

A: Not necessarily. While it can be fun to experiment with similar flavors, sometimes it's better to choose a dessert that provides a contrast to the heat of the chili.

Q7: Can I serve a cheese plate with my chili?

A: Yes! A cheese plate can be a great way to balance out the heat of the chili. Try serving mild, creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside your dish.

Q8: What kind of nuts pair well with chili and dessert?

A: Nuts like pecans, almonds, and walnuts pair well with both chili and dessert. Try incorporating them into your dishes for an extra crunch.

Q9: Are there any fruit pies that pair well with chili?

A: Yes! Fruit pies like apple pie, cherry pie, and blueberry pie all pair well with chili. The sweetness of the pies helps to balance out the spice of the chili.