What Dessert Goes With Pizza? 14 BEST Treats!
If you’ve got a pizza party coming up and you’re wondering what dessert goes with pizza, you’ll be glad to hear that you’ve got some seriously delicious options.
From traditional and authentic Italian treats, to American classics, to the more out there and creative, I’ve got 14 choices for you and I guarantee that you’ll want to choose more than just one!
What dessert goes with pizza?
Some of the best desserts that go with pizza include tiramisu, baked cheesecake, chocolate torte, strawberry granita, and doughnuts with chocolate sauce. Make your choice based on the guests you’ll be serving, and the overall vibe you’re aiming for!
Read on for more ideas and the best hints and tips for choosing the best dessert for pizza…
1. Tiramisu
We couldn’t possibly consider the best Italian desserts without mentioning tiramisu!
This tiramisu recipe is made the traditional way, like you’d find in Italy or the very best and most authentic Italian restaurants.
It’s rich and light, it’s soft and creamy, and though you can make it in individual pots if you prefer, it slices perfectly so if presentation is important to you, it’ll be right up your street.
The recipe does include raw eggs, but don’t let this put you off. In most Western countries they’re perfectly safe.
In the UK for example, as long as your eggs have the Lion mark, they’re safe to consume raw even if you’re pregnant or vulnerable.
2. Orange polenta cake
Polenta is used in cakes to create a golden colour and crumbly texture, and orange polenta cake is hugely popular in Italy.
It’s moist and rich and bursting with zesty flavour, and because there are no layers, no filling, and no icing, it’s one of the easiest cakes you can make.
The cake will easily last for a week in an airtight container, though in my household, leftovers never hang around for long anyway!
3. Ice cream
Everyone loves ice cream, right?
It’s a delicious and fuss free dessert for pizza, and you can make it your own based on what you enjoy the most.
I like to choose a good quality vanilla ice cream, and add strawberry and chocolate sauce to the table, as well as wafers and sprinkles.
Letting people build their own dessert at the table in always super fun, and it’ll be a big hit with the kids!
(If you’re planning a party, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with pizza at a birthday party!)
4. Chocolate mousse
If you’re searching for ideas for what dessert goes with pizza, chocolate mousse is an enjoyable make ahead option that’s great for family dinners and gatherings.
It’s light enough to be served after a carb heavy meal like pizza, but it still feels like a real indulgence.
This homemade chocolate mousse recipe rivals any pudding that you might be served in a restaurant,
Like tiramisu, you’ll be using raw eggs. If this makes you feel a little icky, I’d urge you to give it a try anyway. You definitely can’t taste raw egg, and they help to create the beautiful texture.
5. Baked cheesecake
Baked cheesecake has a completely different texture to its unbaked counterpart, so if you’ve never tried it before, why not give it a go for your next pizza party?
This baked cheesecake recipe takes less than an hour, and it’s lovely served with fresh fruit.
(If you love trying new desserts after your meals, you might also enjoy desserts for duck!)
6. Torta della nonna (ricotta and lemon tart)
If you want to add a touch of sophistication to your pizza feast, try making this torta della nonna tart.
It originally hails from Tuscany, and involves a sweet pastry base, a lemon and vanilla custard filling, and a light pastry lid decorated with pine nuts.
This Italian dessert is super simple, but this is why it’s so beautiful. It’s proof that you can take basic ingredients and with a little flair and creativity, make something that’s going to be memorable.
7. Chocolate torte
This Italian chocolate torte recipe combines ground almonds with dark chocolate resulting in an elegant and delectable chocolate almond tart.
It’s simple to make, and you don’t have to worry about any more advanced techniques such as piping.
This is one of those recipes where the flavour intensifies and improves over time, so I’d recommend making it the day before you’re having your pizza party, and keeping it in an airtight container overnight.
8. Jelly and custard
Okay, so I’m definitely not suggesting that jelly and custard is any way authentically Italian, but what it certainly is, is a whole lot of fun!
It’s perfect for a party, kids will adore it, and it’s one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make.
I like to serve mine in retro, 80s inspired dishes for the nostalgia factor.
9. Espresso shortbread cookies
Espresso shortbread cookies are perfect for a quick sweet treat after pizza.
Serve freshly baked from the oven, with a pot of strong coffee.
Enjoy them plain or dip them in chocolate… Either way, they’re a crowd pleaser!
10. Strawberry granita
Strawberry granita is a frozen dessert that’s fruity, slushy, colourful, and scrumptious!
It’s a beautiful palate cleaner and light and refreshing option to serve after pizza.
You’ll need just five simple ingredients, and it’s a choice that everyone will love, particularly on hot summer evenings.
11. Doughnuts with chocolate sauce
Doughnuts with chocolate sauce are another fun choice for what dessert goes with pizza.
I like to bake my doughnuts instead of frying as it makes them a little healthier, and you don’t have to concern yourself with any deep frying.
The dipping sauce is sweet but not cloying, and the cinnamon sugar is so moreish.
12. Sweet orange pasta bites
Pizza and pasta are fabulous together, so why not put a bit of a spin on this classic combination and try sweet orange pasta bites as a dessert for pizza?
It’s a little unusual and it will definitely be a talking point amongst your guests.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’ll likely become one of your go-to choices for serving at dinner parties.
It can be a little tricky to get your head round the concept of sweet pasta, but keep an open mind and you’re sure to agree that it’s delicious.
13. Salted caramel chocolate pots
If you’re a salted caramel lover, you really need to try these salted caramel chocolate pots.
The combination of sweet and salty flavours is an absolute delight, and even though this recipe is simple and can be prepared in advance, the result is super impressive and ideal when you’re catering for real foodies with a passion for elegant desserts.
14. Amaretti cookies
These Italian almond flavoured biscuits are wonderful when you want a sweet nibble after your pizza, and want to avoid anything too complex or filling.
You’ll need just 6 ingredients, and they’ll keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
The best desserts for pizza
A few great choices for what dessert goes with pizza include:
- Tiramisu
- Chocolate mousse
- Strawberry granita
- Salted caramel chocolate pots
- Ice cream
Which will you be choosing for your next pizza party?
