Cheese Cake Companions: Perfect Pairings For Your Palate

what to serve with cheese cake

Cheesecake is a versatile dessert that can be paired with various sides and toppings to elevate the entire experience. While it can be enjoyed on its own, especially if it already has toppings like lemon or swirls of whipped cream, adding sides can create a delightful and indulgent experience. From sweet to tangy and fruity to nutty, there are endless options to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic style like New York cheesecake or an unbaked variety, the right pairings can enhance the rich and creamy texture that cheesecake is known for.

Characteristics Values
Fruit Blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, cherry, tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, kiwi, coconut flakes), lemon
Fruit preserves Jam (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry), lemon curd, compote (blueberry, cherry, mixed berry)
Sauces Caramel, chocolate, dulce de leche
Sweets Oreos, whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberries, candied pecans, cinnamon rolls, mochi donuts, apple muffins, lemon sorbet, biscotti, cookie monster cinnamon rolls
Drinks Oreo milkshake, espresso shots

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Fruit toppings, such as blueberry compote, cherry compote, or tropical fruit salad

Fruit toppings are a popular choice to pair with cheesecake, especially with the classic New York-style cheesecake. The creamy, rich texture of the cheesecake is beautifully complemented by the sweetness and freshness of the fruit.

Blueberry compote is a great option—it is easy to make and can be served warm or cold. Simply cook blueberries with water, lemon juice, sugar, and spices until the berries burst and the juice thickens. It can also be garnished with lemon zest or lemon halves. Cherry compote is another delicious choice, and you can also serve it with whipped cream, as well as blueberry or strawberry jam.

Tropical fruit salad is a vibrant and exotic option to serve with cheesecake. It typically includes mangoes, pineapples, kiwis, and coconut flakes, bringing a burst of sunshine to your dessert. This option is perfect for those who want a lighter, more refreshing dessert experience.

Fruit toppings are a wonderful way to add a pop of colour and a burst of flavour to your cheesecake, and they can be easily tailored to your taste preferences and what is in season.

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Chocolate-covered treats, like strawberries, pretzels, or Oreos

Chocolate-covered treats are a decadent and indulgent pairing with cheesecake. The contrast of the creamy cheesecake and the crunchy, chocolate-covered exterior of these treats makes for a delightful dessert experience. Here are some ideas for chocolate-covered treats to serve alongside cheesecake:

Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic combination, offering a luxurious bite that's both fruity and indulgent. The juicy strawberries, coated in a velvety chocolate layer, pair wonderfully with the creamy texture of cheesecake. This pairing adds a touch of elegance to your dessert and can be a beautiful presentation with its vibrant red and brown hues.

Pretzels

For a savoury twist, consider serving chocolate-covered pretzels alongside cheesecake. The salty, crunchy pretzels coated in sweet chocolate create a delightful contrast in flavours and textures. This pairing can be especially enjoyable if you prefer a mix of sweet and savoury notes in your dessert course.

Oreos

Chocolate-covered Oreos take the classic cookie to a new level of decadence. The crunchy texture of the Oreo, combined with the creamy chocolate coating, creates an interesting contrast when paired with cheesecake. You can also serve an Oreo milkshake, made with crushed Oreo cookies, as a beverage alongside your cheesecake. The cold, smooth texture of the milkshake will provide an exciting contrast to the dense creaminess of the cheesecake.

Other Options

In addition to the above, you can experiment with other treats such as chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate-covered cheesecake bites! The versatility of chocolate as a coating allows for endless creative combinations.

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Whipped cream, perhaps with a side of fresh mint

Cheesecake is a versatile dessert that can be paired with various toppings and sides to enhance its rich and creamy flavour and texture. One option is to serve it with light and fluffy whipped cream, garnished with fresh mint leaves. This combination adds a refreshing and airy touch to the cheesecake without overwhelming its flavour. The subtle sweetness of the cream and the cool freshness of the mint make for a delicate and delightful addition.

Whipped cream with fresh mint is a simple yet effective way to elevate the cheesecake-eating experience. The cream can be lightly sweetened to complement the cool, refreshing flavour of the mint, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the dessert without taking away from its star qualities. This combination is especially well-suited to cheesecakes that are already rich and indulgent, as the whipped cream and mint provide a light and refreshing contrast.

Preparing the whipped cream with fresh mint is a straightforward process. The cream can be whipped to a fluffy consistency and then garnished with freshly chopped mint leaves. This can be done just before serving to ensure the cream is at its freshest and the mint is vibrant and fragrant. The visual appeal of the dish is also enhanced by the pop of colour that the mint provides.

Additionally, the whipped cream and mint combination can be further customised to suit individual tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar can be added to the cream. Alternatively, a hint of lemon zest can be mixed through the cream for a zesty, tangy twist. This can provide an extra dimension of flavour that complements the mint and enhances the overall freshness of the dish.

Overall, serving cheesecake with whipped cream and fresh mint is a delightful way to elevate this classic dessert. The combination of textures and flavours creates a well-rounded and refreshing dessert experience, making it a perfect choice for those who want to indulge without feeling overwhelmed by richness or heaviness. The simplicity of this pairing also means it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

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Crunchy toppings, including candied pecans, graham crackers, or biscotti

Candied pecans, graham crackers, and biscotti are all crunchy toppings that can add texture and flavour to a cheesecake.

Candied pecans are sweet nuts that contribute both texture and flavour to cheesecakes. They are simple to make: coat pecans in sugar and bake until caramelized, then season with cinnamon or a pinch of salt and let them cool to achieve that lovely crunch. Candied pecans meld beautifully with the richness of cheesecakes.

Graham crackers are another crunchy topping option. They are commonly used as the base for cheesecakes, but they can also be crumbled on top to add texture. Graham crackers are a traditional pairing with New York-style cheesecakes, which are known for their rich, dense, and creamy texture.

Biscotti, Italian almond biscuits, are another crunchy delight that pairs well with cheesecakes. Their crunch is a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the cheesecake. For an extra indulgent twist, pair biscotti with sliced almonds and dip them in coffee before enjoying with a slice of cheesecake.

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Sweet sauces, like chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche

Dulce de leche, with its smooth, caramel-like sweetness, is a perfect match for cheesecake. Its rich, milky flavour will enhance the cheesecake, creating a delectable combination. You can drizzle it over the top or serve it on the side.

Chocolate sauces also pair wonderfully with cheesecake, offering a luxurious bite that's both fruity and indulgent. You can serve chocolate-covered strawberries on the side or drizzle chocolate sauce over the cheesecake. For an extra indulgent treat, top your cheesecake with chocolate shavings.

Caramel sauce is another delicious option to pair with cheesecake. You can arrange the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin and place it on a cheesecake toppings board, or drizzle it directly on top of the cheesecake.

For a playful dessert duo, serve mochi donuts with your cheesecake. Their chewy texture and sweet glaze create an interesting and subtle sweetness that doesn't overpower the cheesecake's flavour.

Frequently asked questions

Classic cheesecake toppings include fruit compotes, chocolate, and whipped cream.

Fresh fruit, such as berries, or fruit compotes are common toppings for cheesecake. Lemon curd, blueberry compote, and raspberry coulis are also popular.

Mochi donuts, apple muffins, dulce de leche, cinnamon rolls, Oreo milkshakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, tropical fruit salad, and candied pecans are all sweet treats that can be served with cheesecake.

An Oreo milkshake or an espresso granita are beverage options that can be served with cheesecake.

Roasted fruit, biscotti, or espresso granita are more unconventional sides that can be served with cheesecake.

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