Cheers to Dessert: Craft Beer and Sweet Treat Pairings You Need to Try
Pairing beer with dessert might sound strange, but trust us – it's a match made in heaven! If you're a craft beer lover and have a sweet tooth, you need to try these perfect pairings. Not only do they taste great, but they're also a fun and unique way to impress your dinner guests.
Milk Stout and Chocolate Cake
Milk stout is a rich and creamy beer made with lactose sugar, which gives it a sweet and silky texture. This makes it the perfect accompaniment to a decadent chocolate cake. The bitterness of the chocolate balances out the sweetness of the beer, while the creaminess of the stout complements the richness of the cake.
Belgian Tripel and Lemon Tart
Belgian tripel is a strong and fruity beer with notes of spice and cloves. When paired with a tangy lemon tart, the sweetness of the beer is enhanced, making it the perfect palate cleanser between bites of the sugar-laden dessert. The spices in the beer also work to bring out the tartness of the lemon, creating a delicious burst of flavor.
IPA and Carrot Cake
An IPA might seem like an odd choice to pair with cake, but hear us out. The hoppy bitterness in the beer accentuates the spices used in the cake, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweetness of the cream cheese frosting is balanced out by the bitterness of the beer, making it a refreshing sip between bites.
Brown Ale and Apple Pie
A brown ale is a nutty and malty beer with notes of caramel and toffee. When paired with a warm apple pie, the flavors of the beer are heightened, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and savory notes. The caramel in the beer also complements the caramelized apples in the pie, making it a match made in autumnal heaven.
Porter and Vanilla Ice Cream
A porter is a dark and roasty beer with flavors of coffee and chocolate. When paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, the bitterness in the beer cuts through the sweetness of the dessert, creating a rich and indulgent experience. The contrast of the cold ice cream and the warm beer creates a unique sensation on the palate, making it a dessert pairing you need to try.
In conclusion, pairing craft beer with dessert is a fun and flavorful way to elevate your dining experience. With these five combinations, you're sure to find a pairing that will please both your taste buds and those of your dinner guests. So, cheers to dessert – and to craft beer!