Desserts That Go With Duck (13+ BEST Desserts for Duck!)

Are you busy doing some menu planning, and need some ideas for desserts that go with duck? 

I’m here to help! 

It’s important to strike the right balance, as duck often carries a potent taste profile. Typically, it’s prepared with a variety of spices or served with a rich sauce.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the very best options for rounding off your duck main course with a perfectly matched sweet treat. 

In case you’re in a rush, here’s the short answer… 

Some of the most delicious desserts that go with duck include apple tarte tatin, poached pears, chocolate fondant, bittersweet chocolate mousse, cherry sorbet, fig ice cream, profiteroles, spiced pear tart, baklava, and lemon and polenta cake. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas and pairing suggestions… 

Traditional Duck and Dessert Pairings

When you’ve enjoyed a savoury duck meal, certain desserts can complement its rich flavour perfectly.

Here are traditional pairings to consider.

Fruit-Based Desserts

• Apple Tarte Tatin: A classic French dessert, featuring caramelised apples atop buttery puff pastry, pairs wonderfully with duck that has a crispy skin.
• Poached Pears: Lightly spiced pears, often poached in red wine, make for an elegant and refreshing complement to duck dishes.

Dark Chocolate Creations

• Chocolate Fondant: The intensity of a warm, gooey dark chocolate fondant balances the richness of duck.
• Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse: A fluffy mousse with a high cocoa content offers a bold yet smooth finish after a duck main course.

Contemporary Sweet Treats with Duck

Incorporating sweet treats with duck creates a balance of flavours that can elevate your dining experience.

Unique pairings of sorbets or confections add a contemporary twist.

Sorbet and Ice Cream Options

Cherry Sorbet: The tartness of a cherry sorbet complements the richness of duck beautifully, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.

Fig Ice Cream: A scoop of fig ice cream with its sweet, jammy qualities pairs well with savoury duck dishes.

Inventive Patisserie Confections

Profiteroles: Everyone loves this classic treat! They’re well worth the effort if you want to impress your guests. 

Spiced Pear Tart: A spiced pear tart, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, marries well with the gamey flavour of duck.

Global Inspirations

When pairing desserts with duck, you can take your taste buds on a world tour.

These global sweets offer a perfect balance to the rich flavours of duck.

Asian-Influenced Sweets

In Asia, the combination of sweet and savoury is not uncommon.

A favourite is mochi, a Japanese dessert made from pounded sticky rice with a sweet filling.

Mochi with red bean paste complements the savoury taste of duck and brings a subtly sweet end to your meal.

Another option is Chinese egg tarts, a delicate and flaky pastry filled with a rich, sweet custard that pairs delightfully with the gamey taste of duck.

French Classics

A slice of clafoutis – a cherry and custard dessert – can offer a creamy and fruity note that balances the intensity of the duck’s flavour.

Mediterranean Delights

The Mediterranean region is rich with desserts that are bursting with flavour and often incorporate nuts and fruits.

An option like baklava, layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, can add a crunchy texture that complements the tender duck.

Or consider a zesty lemon polenta cake, a moist, grainy cake with a refreshing citrus flavour to cleanse your palate after the main course.

Wine and Dessert Combinations

When enjoying duck, pairing your dessert with the right wine enhances the overall dining experience.

Here are some delectable combinations to consider:

Chocolate Mousse: The rich and velvety texture of chocolate mousse is a delightful treat.

Complement it with a glass of port. Its sweetness and robust fruit flavours provide a lovely counterpoint to the chocolate.

• Dessert: Chocolate Mousse
• Wine: Port

Apple Tarte Tatin: Your apple tarte tatin, with caramelised apples and flaky pastry, pairs splendidly with Sauternes.

The wine’s honeyed notes and refreshing acidity balance the tart’s sweetness.

• Dessert: Apple Tarte Tatin
• Wine: Sauternes

Lemon Tart: The zesty sharpness of a lemon tart requires a wine that can match its bright flavours.

Opt for a Moscato d’Asti; its light fizz and fruity sweetness make it a perfect companion.

• Dessert: Lemon Tart
• Wine: Moscato d’Asti

Poached Pears: For a less indulgent option, poached pears are elegant and simple.

Serve with a glass of Champagne, where the bubbles and crispness contrast the gentle sweetness of the pears.

• Dessert: Poached Pears
• Wine: Champagne

Cheese Course: If you prefer a cheese course to finish, select a range of cheeses and pair with Late Harvest Riesling.

The wine’s sweetness and acidity can cut through the richness of the cheese.

Dessert Presentation Techniques for Duck Dishes

When serving desserts alongside duck dishes, your presentation should complement the richness of the duck.

Here’s a simple guide to elevate your dessert presentation.

Contrast Textures: Duck is often accompanied by a crispy skin and tender meat. Pair this with desserts that offer a contrasting texture, such as a smooth panna cotta or a creamy cheesecake.

Present these in clear glasses to showcase their layers.

• Colour Coordination: Use fruit coulis or fresh fruits to add a splash of colour. This not only adds a vibrant touch but also hints at the flavour.For instance, drizzle a red berry coulis on a white chocolate mousse to mirror the luscious hues of the duck.
• Edible Decorations: Garnishes such as mint leaves, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar can make your dessert as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty.Arrange these carefully to create an appealing look.
• Plate Choice: Serve your dessert on a plate that contrasts with its colours to make it stand out.A dark chocolate tart can be placed on a white plate, elevating its appeal.

Remember, your dessert should balance the duck’s savoury profile, so select flavours like citrus or berry that can cleanse the palate.

Component	Suggestion
Texture Contrast	Silky custards, mousses
Colour	Berry coulis, fruit slices
Garnish	Edible flowers, mint
Plating	Contrasting plate colours

Aim for harmony in your dessert presentation by considering these elements.

With these tips, you can create a dessert that not only complements duck beautifully but is also a feast for the eyes.

For more sweet ideas, you might also enjoy desserts for lamb and desserts for pork.