What Dessert Goes With Shepherd’s Pie? 8 BEST Choices!
Need some ideas for desserts that go with shepherd’s pie? You can’t go wrong with these sweet treats! From no-fuss options that require next to zero effort, to those that will appeal to people who love home baking, there’s sure to be something here that you’ll love.
What dessert goes with shepherd’s pie?
Shepherd’s pie is a hearty, filling meal that often calls for something light and refreshing for pudding. Some desserts that go perfectly with shepherd’s pie include vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce, meringue with strawberries, lemon sorbet, and baked apples.
Read on for more ideas and hints and tips that will save you time and hassle!
1. Vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce
This retro classic pairs perfectly with a traditional shepherd’s pie.
You’ll find high quality, premium vanilla ice creams in even the smallest of corner shops these days, and I like to look out for a Madagascan option that uses whole vanilla pods for the creamiest, most luxurious flavour.
For the tastiest dessert, let your ice cream stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will ensure that it’s satisfyingly soft and perfect for scooping up with a spoon.
If you’re feeling fancy, add a wafer!
2. Lemon sorbet
A good lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after a big meal like shepherd’s pie, and it’s ideal for those occasions where you know that no one will be feeling hungry anymore, but will enjoy a little taste of something sweet.
This lemon sorbet recipe requires just two ingredients, and is simple and straightforward to follow.
If you can, it’s well worth paying a little extra for Italian lemons. They’re shaper than many other varieties, and will create a bright and zesty finish.
3. Meringue with strawberries
I love a dessert that tastes delicious but requires very little time and effort, and meringue with strawberries definitely ticks those boxes.
You’ve probably put a decent amount of time into making that shepherd’s pie, so take the pressure off yourself by offering this up for dessert.
You can make your own meringues if you like with egg whites, sugar, and vanilla extract, or you can go for readily available shop bought versions.
Use any berries you like. If you can’t find any fresh ones, it’s always handy to have the frozen variety in your freezer.
4. Baked apples with cinnamon
If you’re wondering what dessert goes with shepherd’s pie in the autumn and winter months, baked apples with cinnamon is a beautiful choice.
Make the most of seasonal apples by baking in the oven with spices, sugar, butter, and sea salt.
This is also delicious when stirred into porridge or oatmeal at breakfast time, so consider making a little more to use up over the next few days.
5. Chocolate brownies
Brownies are a great dessert for shepherd’s pie because they’re super versatile and you can choose how you serve them based on your own preferences and needs.
You can serve them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you want something really indulgent, you can pour over hot vanilla custard.
Alternatively, you can cut them into bitesized pieces and serve with a pot of tea, which is perfect if you just want a sweet bite that won’t be too filling.
6. Egg custard tart
An egg custard tart is another retro inspired option that works so well with traditional shepherd’s pie.
Think short, nutty pastry, filled with rich egg custard and dusted with nutmeg.
These are best eaten as soon as they’re made, as the pastry can become a little soggy if they’re left for longer than a day or so.
7. Strawberry tart
Strawberry tart is delightfully British, and is a bright and colourful choice for what dessert goes with shepherd’s pie.
It looks so impressive when placed in the middle of the dining table, and it’s especially lovely during the warmer months when strawberries are in season.
8. Chocolate cheesecake
If you’re catering for chocolate lovers, then chocolate cheesecake will be a wildly popular option for dessert!
This chocolate cheesecake recipe is rich, sumptuous, and indulgent. You’ll blitz your favourite biscuits to make the base, and fill with a smooth chocolate cream before topping with white chocolate swirls.
The best desserts for shepherd’s pie
The best desserts to serve after shepherd’s pie include timeless classics such as:
- Baked apples with cinnamon
- Strawberry tart
- Chocolate brownies with custard
- Chocolate cheesecake
They’re family friendly, crowd pleasers, and can be made from scratch or by using a couple of kitchen cheats!
Looking for some more mealtime inspiration? Head over to the best sides for cottage pie.
