Desserts That Go With Burgers (24 BEST Treats!)

Whether you’re firing up the barbecue ahead of an evening with friends, or you’re just grilling some burgers indoors for a quick dinner with the kids, burger night is always a good idea! 

But what about a sweet treat for after the main event? 

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through some of the very best options, from delights you can make at home to readymade goodies you can pick up from the supermarket to save on time. 

Here’s the short answer… 

The best desserts that go with burgers include milkshakes, ice cream soda floats, hot fudge sundaes, brownies, cookies, blondies, apple pie, fruit salad, cheesecake, tiramisu, and popcorn. 

Let’s dive into some more ideas and preparation tips… 

Classic Desserts

When you’re enjoying a juicy burger, pairing it with a classic dessert can turn your meal into an indulgent feast.

Here are some timeless sweet treats that are the perfect match for your burger.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes are a creamy and delightful dessert choice that blend well with the savoury flavours of a burger.

Whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, a cold milkshake provides a refreshing contrast to your meal.

For a grown-up twist, try adding a shot of Baileys or Kahlúa to your shake.

Floats

Floats, also known as ice cream sodas, are effervescent and fun.

They consist of scoops of ice cream submerged in fizzy soda, creating a frothy top layer as the ice cream melts.

Here’s a simple guide:

Soda Base	Ice Cream Flavour	Notes
Root Beer	Vanilla	A classic combination
Cola	Cherry or Vanilla	Offers a nice caramel hint
Ginger Beer	Vanilla or Lime	A zesty option for the adventurous

 

Sundaes

Sundaes are a versatile and customisable dessert that can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Start with a base of soft vanilla ice cream, then layer on sauces and toppings of your choice. Common toppings include:

• Hot fudge or caramel sauce for a rich, sweet flavour.
• Chopped nuts or brightly coloured sprinkles for a textural contrast.
• A maraschino cherry on top to finish the classic look.

Baked Goodies

After tucking into a savoury burger, a baked treat offers a delightful contrast.

These indulgent options are perfect for rounding off your meal.

Brownies

You can never go wrong with a gooey brownie! 

Whether you prefer them rich and fudgy or light and cakey, brownies complement the robust flavours of a burger.

A classic chocolate brownie with chunks of dark chocolate provides a satisfying, decadent finish.

(For more ideas, you might also enjoy desserts that go with pork) 

Cookies

A crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle cookie is an excellent choice.

For a special treat, choose cookies with mix-ins like sea salt caramel chunks or macadamia nuts.

Pairing them with your burger creates a delightful sweet and salty balance on your palate.

Blondies

Blondies are essentially blonde brownies, swapping out cocoa for vanilla and brown sugar, creating a butterscotch flavour.

They’re a tasty alternative if you’re looking for something rich but not chocolatey.

Bake them with white chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon to enhance the flavour profile.

(If you’re enjoying this guide, you’ll also like desserts that go with pizza, and desserts that go with gumbo!) 

Fruit-Based Options

Pairing your burger with a fruit-based dessert can offer a refreshing counterbalance to the savoury meal.

These choices tend to be lighter and can cleanse the palate.

Apple Pie

Your classic apple pie is a warming option with a nod to traditional flavours.

The sweetness of the cooked apples and the aroma of cinnamon create a cosy finish to your burger indulgence.

Serve warm with a dollop of clotted cream for added indulgence.

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is the essence of simplicity and freshness.

Combine slices of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, and pineapple.

This juicy selection brings a vibrant and healthful option to your table, perfect for cooling down the palate after a hearty burger.

Flambé

For a touch of drama, choose a flambé fruit dessert.

Bananas or other fruits are caramelised in sugar and then set ablaze with a splash of liqueur! 

This thrilling preparation enhances the fruit’s flavour and pairs excellently with a rich, juicy burger.

Gourmet Sweets

Elevate your burger experience with these exquisite desserts.

Each one pairs wonderfully with the rich flavours of a gourmet burger, adding a touch of indulgence to your meal.

Cheesecake

You’ll find that cheesecake is a versatile dessert that complements a hearty burger.

Opt for a classic New York-style cheesecake with its dense, creamy texture or a no-bake version with a light, mousse-like filling for a delightful contrast to your savoury burger.

• Texture: Dense and creamy or light and airy
• Flavour Combinations: Lemon zest for freshness, berry compotes for a fruitiness, or caramel drizzle for a rich sweetness

Tiramisu

Tiramisu will transport you straight to Italy with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

The coffee elements work particularly well with the charred, smoky notes of a grilled burger.

Crème Brûlée

The crisp caramelised sugar topping of a crème brûlée offers a satisfying crack that gives way to a silky custard beneath.

It’s a luxurious finale to a burger meal, providing a textural contrast that’s guaranteed to please your palate.

• Custard Base: Vanilla-infused for a classic take, or add a hint of citrus to cut through the richness
• Perfect Pair: Best enjoyed when the burger has robust flavours like blue cheese or caramelised onions

Frozen Delights

After savouring a hearty burger, there’s nothing quite like a frozen dessert to cleanse your palate.

Choose from a variety of cold treats that offer a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a classic post-burger choice, known for its creamy texture and rich flavour profile.

You’ll find a spectrum of options from vanilla to rocky road, each one capable of complementing your meal.

Varieties like salted caramel can provide a splendid balance to the savouriness of your burger.

Gelato

Gelato is the denser, smoother Italian cousin of ice cream, with a lower fat content that highlights its natural flavours.

Flavours like hazelnut and pistachio are particularly popular and can act as a refreshing finale to your burger indulgence.

Sorbet

For a dairy-free alternative, sorbet is an excellent choice.

This frozen delight is fruit-based and offers a light, refreshing taste.

Flavours like lemon or raspberry provide a zesty zing, making them the perfect palate cleanser after a greasy meal.

Healthier Alternatives

When you’re indulging in a burger, pairing it with a lighter dessert can balance your meal.

Here are some fresh and healthier dessert options that complement the hearty flavours of a burger without adding too much guilt.

Yoghurt Pots

Yoghurt is an excellent source of protein and can be a refreshing dessert after a burger.

Choose low-fat Greek yoghurt and add a mix of your favourite berries for a natural sweetness.

For added texture, sprinkle on some homemade granola.

• Ingredients:
  • Low-fat Greek yoghurt
  • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Granola (optional)

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can be a satisfying end to your meal.

Look for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids, around 70% or higher, which contains less sugar and more pure chocolate.

• Benefits:
  • High in antioxidants
  • Less sugar than milk chocolate

Smoothie Bowls

A smoothie bowl is a colourful and nutritious dessert loaded with fruits and seeds.

Start with a base of blended frozen bananas and add other fruits for flavour, such as mango or pineapple.

Top your bowl with seeds like chia or flax for added nutritional benefits.

• Base:
  • Frozen bananas
• Toppings:
  • Your choice of fruit (e.g. mango, pineapple)
  • Chia seeds or flax seeds

Global Inspirations

When selecting a dessert to complement your burger, consider these globally-inspired treats that promise to end your meal on a sweet note.

Churros

Originating from Spain, churros are a delightful choice.

These crispy fried dough pastries are often dusted with sugar and served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.

Perfect for when you fancy something satisfyingly crunchy after your savoury burger! 

Panna Cotta

An Italian classic, panna cotta offers a creamy and silky-smooth finish.

It’s typically infused with vanilla and can be topped with a berry compote or a drizzle of caramel.

Its lightness and subtle sweetness make it an ideal counterpart to a hearty burger.

Mochi

For a Japanese twist, mochi is a unique option.

These sweet rice cakes are chewy and come in a variety of flavours, from traditional azuki (red bean) to green tea, or even fruity selections.

They provide a refreshing and soft texture contrast to a burger’s bite.

Late-Night Snacks

When craving a quick bite after a juicy burger, certain snacks complement the experience perfectly.

Opt for these enjoyable options to keep the munching going.

Popcorn

Making a bowl of popcorn is a cinch, and the variety is endless.

Go for classic butter and salt for a familiar taste, or step it up with a sprinkle of mature cheddar powder for a more indulgent treat.

• Classic: butter and salt
• Indulgent: mature cheddar

Pretzels

Pretzels are a classic choice that’s both savoury and satisfying.

They come in various forms – pick from traditional twisted pretzels or bite-sized nibbles.

Caramel Corn

For a sweet finish, caramel corn offers that delightful crunch with a buttery, sweet coating.

Each kernel is a perfect blend of sweetness that compliments the savoury notes of your earlier burger.

• Sweetness: buttery caramel

Which of these desserts will you be serving at your next burger night?