Desserts That Go With Gumbo (13 BEST Desserts for Gumbo!)

Are you looking for ideas for desserts to serve after gumbo? 

If so, you’ve come to the right place! 

This classic Louisiana stew is bold, hearty, and flavoursome, and it’s a fantastic dinner when you’re looking for something fuss free and beautifully satisfying. 

Rounding things off with a sweet treat is always a good idea, and in this guide, I’m going to help you to explore some of the very best options. 

Just want the quick answer? 

The best desserts that go with gumbo include pecan pie, bread pudding, beignets, lemon sorbet, baked apples, fruit salad, angel food cake, mint chocolate delights, a cheese and fruit platter, sweet potato brownies, and Cajun spiced pudding. 

Let’s dive into some more ideas, as well as looking at some of the history and origins of this iconic dish, to help you to make your decision… 

Origins of Gumbo

Gumbo is a traditional dish that originated in Louisiana, USA.

It is a stew-like dish that is typically made with a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and spices.

The name “gumbo” comes from the African word for okra, which is one of the key ingredients used in the dish.

Gumbo has a rich history, and its origins can be traced back to the 18th century, when African slaves were brought to Louisiana to work on plantations.

These slaves brought with them their own culinary traditions, which were heavily influenced by the ingredients and cooking techniques of the Native American and European settlers in the region.

Over time, gumbo evolved into a popular dish that is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

There are many different variations of gumbo, each with its own unique flavour and ingredients.

Key Ingredients

There are several key ingredients that are essential to making a delicious gumbo.

These include:

• Roux: A mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken the gumbo. Roux can be made with butter, oil, or bacon fat.
• Holy Trinity: A combination of onions, celery, and bell peppers that is used as a base for many Cajun and Creole dishes, including gumbo.
• Okra: A vegetable that is used to thicken the gumbo and add flavour.
• Andouille sausage: A spicy, smoked sausage that is commonly used in gumbo.
• Seafood: Shrimp, crab, and oysters are all commonly used in seafood gumbo.

Classic Desserts After Gumbo

After enjoying a hearty bowl of gumbo, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth with some classic desserts.

Here are a few options to choose from:

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that pairs perfectly with gumbo.

The buttery crust and sweet pecan filling provide a nice contrast to the spicy and savoury flavours of the gumbo.

Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is another classic dessert that is often served after a big meal.

Made with day-old bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, this comforting dessert is perfect for a chilly evening.

You can add raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to the mix for an extra flavour boost.

Top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Beignets

Beignets are a popular dessert in New Orleans, and they make a great accompaniment to gumbo.

These deep-fried doughnuts are dusted with powdered sugar and served hot. They are light and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy exterior.

Dip them in chocolate sauce or raspberry jam for a decadent treat.

Fruit-Based Desserts

When it comes to desserts that pair well with gumbo, fruit-based options are a great choice.

The tartness and sweetness of fruit can help balance out the spiciness of the dish, leaving your taste buds satisfied.

Lemon Sorbet

A light and refreshing lemon sorbet is a perfect way to end a spicy meal.

The tangy flavour of the sorbet complements the rich flavours of gumbo.

Plus, it’s a great way to cleanse your palate after a hearty meal.

Baked Apples

Baked apples are a classic dessert that pairs well with many dishes, including gumbo.

The sweetness of the apples and the warm spices used in the dish can help balance out the heat of the gumbo.

Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Berry Compote

A mixed berry compote is a simple yet delicious dessert that can be served warm or cold.

The sweetness of the berries can help balance out the spiciness of the gumbo.

Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Light and Refreshing Options

Fruit Salad

When it comes to light and refreshing desserts, a fruit salad is an excellent choice to complement the rich and spicy flavours of gumbo.

A colourful mix of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple can provide a refreshing burst of sweetness to your palate.

You can also add a touch of mint or honey to enhance the flavours and create a more complex taste.

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a light and fluffy dessert that is perfect for those who want a sweet treat without feeling too full.

This cake is made from whipped egg whites, sugar, and flour, resulting in a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

You can serve it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to add some extra flavour and texture.

Mint Chocolate Delights

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the refreshing taste of mint with the richness of chocolate, then you might want to try mint chocolate delights.

These bite-sized treats are made with a combination of dark chocolate, peppermint extract, and cream cheese, resulting in a creamy and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

You can also sprinkle some crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top to add some extra texture and flavour.

Sweet and Savoury Pairings

When it comes to serving dessert with gumbo, you want to find something that complements the rich and spicy flavours of the dish.

Here are two sweet and savoury pairings that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Cheese and Fruit Platter

A cheese and fruit platter is a classic dessert option that pairs perfectly with gumbo.

The salty and savoury flavours of the cheese are balanced out by the sweetness of the fruit.

Choose a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, and gouda, and pair them with fresh grapes, sliced apples, and figs.

Arrange them on a platter and serve alongside your gumbo for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cornbread with Honey

Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it’s the perfect dessert to serve with gumbo.

The sweetness of the honey complements the savoury flavours of the cornbread and the gumbo.

To make cornbread with honey, simply mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter.

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, then drizzle with honey before serving.

Creative Twists

When it comes to desserts to serve with gumbo, there are plenty of traditional options, like pecan pie or bread pudding.

But if you’re looking for something a little different, try these creative twists on classic desserts.

Sweet Potato Brownies

If you’re a fan of sweet potato pie, you’ll love these sweet potato brownies.

They’re rich and fudgy, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, they’re gluten-free and dairy-free, so they’re a great option if you have guests with dietary restrictions.

To make sweet potato brownies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet potato, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the brownies cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cajun Spiced Pudding

For a dessert that’s both spicy and sweet, try this Cajun spiced pudding. It’s a creamy rice pudding with a kick of cayenne pepper and paprika.

Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

To make Cajun spiced pudding, you’ll need:

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Pinch of salt

1. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the pudding is thick and creamy.
3. Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
4. Spoon the pudding into bowls and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Will you be making any of these desserts? 

Share a comment below with your favourites! 

If you love a sweet treat after a meal, you might also enjoy desserts for fajitas and desserts for lamb.