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What Goes Well with Gingerbread? 17 Tasty Pairings

Gingerbread is a classic American treat, and it pairs well with many different flavors. The most common pairing is a nice vanilla ice cream, but you can also try ginger ale, apple cider or even a hot cup of tea. 

What Goes Well with Gingerbread

Gingerbread is one of those comfort food favorites that is hard to pass up even if you’re not a fan of sweet desserts.

It’s easy to make and contains a range of wholesome ingredients such as whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber.

However, many people who enjoy gingerbread choose to make it for special occasions, such as Christmas or Halloween.

When it comes to serving this dessert with the meal, there are various options.

One of the easiest options is to serve it as a dessert itself or on its own.

If you’re going to go the second route, you can add toppings to suit your preferences.

Some people prefer to use icing or chocolate to make the dessert even sweeter while others opt to top it off with fruits or nuts.

Gingerbread is typically served warm because it is best served at room temperature and can be a bit messy if served cold.

Keep reading to discover some of the best side dishes to have with gingerbread.

What Goes Well with Gingerbread? 17 Tasty Pairings

What to serve with gingerbread

Gingerbread is the perfect dessert for any time of year. It’s a delicious and comforting treat that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. If you want to go all out, try pairing gingerbread with a warm apple pie or a chocolate mousse.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream

Ice cream can be served with a wide variety of things, but it’s always nice to have something sweet on the side. This is especially true when it comes to gingerbread, as the spices and warming effects of the spiced cake pair really well with ice cream.

There’s nothing better than a big dollop of vanilla ice cream topped with a generous spoonful of this rich, dark, and chocolaty treat.

Apple Cider

Apple Cider

I tend to have a bit of a thing for apple cider. I think it has that slightly sweet taste that really works well with desserts, and it’s just so easy to drink, too. If you’re making gingerbread with your kids, then this is a great way to get them to enjoy some of their food!

Ginger Ale

Ginger Ale

If you’re looking for a refreshing accompaniment for gingerbread, ginger ale is an excellent choice. It’s a classic beverage and it will definitely be a welcome addition to your festive table. If you want to make your own ginger ale, all you have to do is pour boiling water into a jug and add some freshly grated ginger and a splash of lemon juice.

Then just leave to infuse in the fridge for up to four days before straining and serving. Alternatively, you can pick up a bottle at your local supermarket.

A Cup of Tea

cup of tea

Another option for what to serve with gingerbread is a cup of tea! Whether you prefer a warm, spiced brew or a refreshing one, your guests will be impressed by what you’ve made for them. Tea is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something that will keep you energised for hours. If you don’t have a teapot, simply put a few tea bags in a cup of hot water and enjoy!

Applesauce

applesauce

A delicious alternative to butter and jam in the middle of your slice of gingerbread is some applesauce! A homemade version is always best, so you can control exactly what goes into it, but a bought variety will do just fine as long as you’re prepared to stir some cinnamon into it.

I always find that a little extra sweetness makes my gingerbread more enjoyable and helps to cut through the richness a little.

Whipped Cream

Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is another classic pairing, though there are so many other options. Try mascarpone for a light creamy flavour, or mascarpone with fresh berries for something a little lighter still.

Strawberry compote works really well with gingerbread, and I love making my own from frozen strawberries and raspberries. A little honey goes a long way here, too, and you can add your own flavours by adding in spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom!

Cinnamon

cinnamon

Gingerbread is one of those dishes that is so easy to make but can also take a long time to cook, which is why a side serving of cinnamon works so well. It’s a great way to add an extra kick to this classic Christmas dessert, and is especially delicious when it’s served warm. Just add a generous amount of cinnamon to a bowl of already cooked spiced batter and sprinkle it on top to serve.

Rum

Rum

For those who want a tipple with their gingerbread, try serving it with some rum! It might be a bit early in the day for alcohol, but if you’re making a cake for a dinner party or family get-together, rum is a good option to serve alongside it.

It’s light enough to be refreshing, but strong enough to really complement the flavour of the gingerbread and the spices!

Allspice

Allspice

Allspice is an aromatic spice that’s native to Jamaica. You can find it in jars at supermarkets, and it’s used in many dishes. I love using it in cakes and biscuits, where it brings a touch of exotic flavour and spice. It’s great to experiment with in savoury dishes too, as it’s great at adding a little heat to your meals.

Maple

Maple

Maple syrup is a real crowd pleaser and a versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen cupboard. I’m always using it in different ways, from savoury dishes like pancakes to sweet desserts like ice cream.

However, when it comes to eating, there’s one particular pairing I can’t get enough of! It’s the combination of the flavour of maple syrup with the sweetness of gingerbread, and the result is a match made in heaven! This is also a great option if you want to enjoy your meal outside as well.

Apple

apples

I love apple with gingerbread. It’s just so warming and comforting. You don’t have to do much in the way of preparation for this one, but I always like to add a little salt to my apples when I’m serving them as a side dish. They tend to be slightly sweeter than other fruits, and the salt helps to balance out that sweetness.

Brandy

Brandy

Another classic pairing. Brandy is a great option if you want to serve something a bit more grown up alongside your gingerbread. If you’re looking for something a little stronger and spicier, you could try making your own homemade ginger ale with ginger and cloves instead.

Lemon

Lemon

The citrusy flavour of lemon is fantastic with gingerbread. It makes a really tasty match for the slightly sweet spices that are found in gingerbread. I like to serve it alongside a small glass of milk for an extra bit of comfort.

Orange

Orange

Orange has a strong citrus tang which works well with the sweet and spicy flavours in gingerbread. You can either serve it as a side or as a refreshing dessert option. It’s also a great way of balancing out the richness of this classic Christmas dessert!

Clove

Clove

I love the subtle spicy flavour of clove in gingerbread, but it’s the added bonus of the cloves themselves that makes them such an attractive option! Cut open a whole clove and gently squeeze out the aromatic oil from the inside.

Use a small brush to coat the tops of your gingerbread biscuits with the oil, then sprinkle them with some sea salt. Your dinner guests will really appreciate the warmth of this aromatic oil as they take their first bites.

Cranberry

Cranberry

I’m not sure what the origin of this pairing is, but it’s a really popular one! Cranberries have a delicious tart flavour that works really well with the sweet, spice notes of gingerbread.

It’s also really easy to make. Simply put cranberries into a bowl with some sugar and allow them to sit for 10 minutes, stirring every so often. The longer you leave them to macerate, the bigger and juicier the berries will become.

Persimmon

Persimmon

Persimmons are such a fun, unusual fruit, so it’s no surprise that they’re often included as a topping for a slice of gingerbread.

The taste of persimmons is slightly sweet, but with a touch of tartness to it. This combination of flavours is really refreshing, and it’s a great way to kick off a meal.

Conclusion

So, what goes well with gingerbread?

Gingerbread is an American classic, and you’ll want to complement it with a dessert that is rich in flavor. A good choice for dessert with gingerbread is a traditional pumpkin pie.

Gingerbread is a delicious, holiday classic that is perfect for any time of year. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially when you can serve it warm. You can make it sweet or savory, and it’s also a great choice for entertaining.

What goes well with gingerbread

17 Gingerbread Pairings

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Apple Cider
  • Ginger Ale
  • A Cup of Tea
  • Applesauce
  • Whipped Cream
  • Cinnamon
  • Rum
  • Allspice
  • Maple
  • Apple
  • Brandy
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Clove
  • Cranberry
  • Persimmon

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these delicious gingerbread pairings
  • Prepare the ingredients.
  • Enjoy your meal in no time!
Keyword What Goes Well with Gingerbread
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

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