What Dessert Goes With Lasagna? BEST Treats!
Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that perfectly complements the savoury goodness of lasagna?
Do you find yourself daydreaming about the perfect dessert to pair with your favorite Italian dish, but can’t seem to decide what to serve?
Well, have no fear, because today we’re going to explore the wonderful world of desserts that go with lasagna!
From creamy gelato to fruity sorbet, we’ll show you how to satisfy your sweet tooth and take your lasagna game to the next level.
So grab a fork and let’s dig in!
What Dessert Goes With Lasagna? The Quick Answer!
One classic Italian dessert that pairs well with lasagna is gelato.
This frozen treat is lighter than ice cream and often features fruit-based and refreshing flavours that balance the lasagna’s richness.
Another traditional option is panna cotta, which translates to “cooked cream”.
This silky, creamy dessert has a delicate flavour that complements savoury dishes like lasagna, and it can be topped with fruit to add an element of contrast.
If you prefer a pastry, consider cannolis, which are stuffed with sweet and creamy ricotta filling.
They provide a pleasing contrast in texture to the soft layers of lasagna.
Here are a few more traditional Italian dessert options that go well with lasagna:
- Tiramisu
- Biscotti
- Fruit salad
- Sorbet
Keep reading for more pairing ideas, plus the best recipes for you to try in your own kitchen!
(By the way, you might also want to check out our guide to starters for lasagna and breads to pair with lasagna!)
Classic Dessert Pairings for Lasagna
When it comes to pairing desserts with lasagna, there are a few classic choices that never go out of style.
In this section, we will explore four outstanding options: Tiramisu, Cannolis, Cheesecake, and Panna Cotta.
Each of these desserts complements the rich flavours of lasagna and leaves you with the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Tiramisu
What could be more Italian than a classic Tiramisu?
This famous dessert combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich, creamy mascarpone mixture, creating a delightful balance of flavours and textures.
When paired with a hearty lasagna, Tiramisu provides a welcome contrast, cleansing your palate with its light coffee notes and creamy sweetness.
This best-ever tiramisu recipe is easy to make and has the added benefit of being best prepared in advance, making it the perfect choice for when you’re entertaining guests!
Cannolis
Another classic Italian dessert that goes incredibly well with lasagna is the Cannoli.
These tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet, creamy ricotta are absolutely delightful.
They provide a great balance of crispiness from the pastry shell and smooth creaminess from the ricotta filling, making them the perfect choice to follow a savoury lasagna meal.
This homemade cannoli recipe is tried and tested, and highly recommended!
Cheesecake
If you’re looking for a more American-inspired dessert to accompany your lasagna, you can’t go wrong with a classic New York Cheesecake.
This luxurious dessert features a dense, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar, all on top of a buttery graham cracker crust.
The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake stands up well to the richness of the lasagna without overwhelming your taste buds.
Try this classic NYC cheesecake recipe which is achievable even for beginners!
Panna Cotta
Lastly, for a dessert that’s lighter and more refreshing, consider serving Panna Cotta with your lasagna dinner.
This classic Italian dessert is made from cooked cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, resulting in a custard-like dish that melts in your mouth.
Its silky, smooth texture and light flavour profile make it a fantastic counterbalance to the heaviness of a lasagna meal.
Try this wonderful Panna Cotta recipe to truly appreciate this delightful dessert.
Refreshing Desserts for Lasagna
After a hearty lasagna meal, you might be craving a light and refreshing dessert to cleanse your palate.
Here are some delightful options that perfectly complement your savoury feast.
Sorbet and Gelato
Fruit sorbet is a fantastic choice for a light and invigorating treat.
It’s healthy, easy to make or pick up from the grocery store, and offers a burst of fruity flavour.
For a richer and creamier option, Italian gelato is also an excellent choice.
Both sorbet and gelato provide a sophisticated and refreshing dessert experience that pairs beautifully with lasagna.
(If you love Italian food, you might also enjoy desserts that go with risotto).
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a versatile and healthy dessert option.
You can create various combinations using seasonal fruits and jazz it up with a drizzle of honey or a dash of fresh mint.
The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruits help to balance out the heaviness of the lasagna, making it a delightful and wholesome dessert choice.
Lemon-Based Desserts
Lemon is known for its refreshing qualities and is thus an ideal ingredient for an after-lasagna dessert. Some delicious options include:
- Lemon sorbet: A simple yet delightful frozen treat that leaves a pleasantly tangy taste in your mouth.
- Lemon bars: A perfect combination of buttery shortbread crust, smooth lemon filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar. They offer an irresistible balance between sweet and tangy flavours.
- Limoncello cake: This rich and moist cake is infused with the delightful taste of the Italian lemon liqueur, Limoncello. The burst of lemony flavour is undeniably refreshing and pairs well with the savoury lasagna.
These refreshing treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also help to round off your lasagna meal on a lighter note.
Cookies & Cakes That Go With Lasagna
When it comes to pairing desserts with lasagna, cookies and cakes are fantastic options that complement the rich flavours of this Italian classic.
Let’s explore some delightful choices within this category:
Florentine Cookies
Florentine cookies, with their crispy texture and nutty flavour, are an excellent choice to follow your lasagna meal.
Whether you prefer a traditional recipe with almonds or a mix of nuts and dried fruits, these delicate cookies will provide a light and satisfying end to your meal.
Biscotti and Amaretti Cookies
Your guests will love dipping biscotti or amaretti cookies into their coffee or dessert wine.
Biscotti, known for their crunchy texture and array of flavours, can range from sweet to savoury – the choice is yours.
On the other hand, amaretti cookies are light and airy, with a lovely almond taste that complements lasagna perfectly.
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate lovers rejoice!
A slice of chocolate cake can be a delightful way to end a lasagna meal.
You may want to go for a lighter option, such as a chocolate chip cookie bar or a dark chocolate brownie, to balance the richness of the lasagna.
Remember, it’s all about finding a balance between the savoury main course and the sweet dessert.
(For more sweet ideas, take a look at desserts that go with burgers!)
Angel Food Cake
If you’re seeking a lighter dessert option, consider serving your guests a slice of angel food cake.
This fluffy, airy cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, such as berries or a fruit salad, to provide a fresh and fruity finish to your lasagna feast.
The combination of the light cake and colourful fruit is visually appealing, and the flavours will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
When it comes to finding the perfect dessert to pair with lasagna, ice cream and frozen desserts can be a delightful choice.
The cool and creamy texture of ice cream complements the rich, savoury flavours of lasagna, and there are a variety of options to suit your taste buds.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic option, vanilla ice cream is a popular choice for serving with lasagna.
It’s simple, yet delicious, and pairs well with various toppings or sauces.
Better still, you can pick up some top quality readymade versions at the grocery store.
You can enjoy a scoop or two by itself, or enhance the flavour by drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top.
A sprinkle of chopped nuts or fresh berries can also add a refreshing touch.
Homemade Ice Cream
For those who enjoy making their own desserts, creating homemade ice cream is a fantastic way to impress your guests.
Not only can you control the quality of ingredients, but you can also experiment with different flavours to find the perfect match for your lasagna.
From chocolate and strawberry to more unique options like lavender or basil, the possibilities are endless.
With a good ice cream maker and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, homemade treat for everyone to enjoy!
Beverage Pairings
When enjoying a delicious lasagna meal, pairing it with the perfect beverage can enhance your dining experience.
In this section, we will be discussing two popular beverage options that can complement your lasagna dinner: cappuccino and hot chocolate.
Cappuccino
Pairing your lasagna with a cappuccino is an excellent choice, especially if you’re a coffee lover.
The rich and frothy flavours of a cappuccino provide a great contrast to the hearty and umami taste of lasagna.
The creamy, velvety texture of a perfectly crafted cappuccino can cut through the richness of the meal, helping to cleanse your palate.
The warmth of the cappuccino makes it a perfect choice during cold evenings or when dining outdoors.
Additionally, a cappuccino can offer that extra boost of energy allowing for great post-dinner conversations.
Just make sure to prepare your cappuccino properly, as the quality will significantly affect your overall dining experience.
Hot Chocolate
Another delightful option to pair with lasagna is hot chocolate.
The sweet and indulgent flavours of hot chocolate add a contrasting note to the savoury taste of lasagna.
This beverage pairing is particularly attractive for those with a sweet tooth or those who prefer non-caffeinated options.
The velvety smoothness of hot chocolate can help to mellow out the hearty flavours of lasagna and provide a soothing effect.
Additionally, the warmth and comfort of a well-made hot chocolate can create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere for your meal.
When crafting your hot chocolate, try experimenting with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, to find the perfect match for your lasagna dish.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients to ensure your hot chocolate is rich and satisfying.
Love lasagna? Get some more mealtime inspiration at what to serve with lasagna soup!
