After a mouthwatering plate of succulent barbecue ribs, the ideal dessert is one that will complement the savory, smoky flavors. Here are some excellent dessert options to consider after a barbecue ribs dinner.
Fruit-Based Desserts
Fruity desserts make an excellent choice following ribs. The sweetness balances out the spice rubs and sauces used on the meat.
Grilled Peaches
Halved peaches grilled with a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon capture the essence of summer. The caramelized exterior contrasts nicely with the juicy peach flesh. For a showstopping presentation, serve grilled peaches over vanilla ice cream.
Berry Cobbler
Warm berry cobbler is a classic that pairs beautifully with barbecue. Berries like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries baked under a sweet biscuit topping are irresistible. The sweet tanginess of the filling matches the ribs.
Banana Pudding
Cool and creamy banana pudding made with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas makes a comforting dessert. The mild banana flavors marry well with smoky ribs. Top with whipped cream for extra decadence.
Key Lime Pie
Tart key lime pie in a graham cracker crust cleanses the palate after a rib dinner. The citrus notes contrast with the savory flavors of the main course. Add whipped cream or berries for some sweetness.
Chocolate Desserts
Rich chocolate desserts complement barbecue exceptionally well. The bittersweet cocoa notes offset the unctuous ribs beautifully.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Individually-baked molten chocolate cakes with oozing centers are irresistible after ribs. The combination of hot melted chocolate and tender cake is decadent. Serve à la mode with vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Mousse
Light and airy chocolate mousse is an elegant dessert, but still pairs nicely with down-home barbecue ribs. The deep chocolate flavor resets the taste buds after the heavy ribs.
Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate pudding is a comforting, straightforward dessert that’s easy to make in advance. The rich chocolate is sublime after smoky, sweet barbecue ribs. Serve chilled topped with whipped cream.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven are a perfect casual dessert with ribs. The morsels of melty chocolate in chewy cookie dough are scrumptious. Add ice cream for extra richness.
Southern Classics
Try classic Southern desserts like pecan pie, bread pudding, and pound cake that suit the ribs.
Pecan Pie
Buttery and nutty pecan pie with a flaky pie crust is a timeless dessert for rib dinners. The gooey filling chock full of pecans is so decadent and satisfying.
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding made from leftover biscuits or cornbread from the meal is thrifty and delicious. The custard-soaked bread with warm vanilla sauce is irresistible southern comfort food.
Pound Cake
A thick slice of pound cake is perfection after barbecue ribs. Look for pound cake recipes with extra butter and eggs for maximum richness to stand up to the hearty ribs.
Cool, Creamy Treats
Creamy frozen desserts like ice cream and pudding provide relief from the heat of typical barbecue sides like baked beans and potato salad.
Ice Cream
It’s hard to go wrong with a scoop of ice cream after heavy barbecue food. Ice cream cools the palate and the creaminess contrasts the ribs beautifully. Serve with hot fudge for extra decadence.
Pudding Pops
Fun finger-food desserts like chocolate or vanilla pudding pops provide nostalgic refreshment after ribs. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cool, creamy treat.
Milkshakes
A cold milkshake made with premium ice cream is heavenly after hot barbecue ribs. Milk cools the spicy heat and blended ice cream provides a pleasant texture contrast to the ribs.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Store-bought or homemade ice cream sandwiches with chocolate wafers are simple but tasty endings to rib dinners. The flavor and temperature contrasts work perfectly.
Conclusion
After indulging in finger-licking barbecue ribs, a nice dessert provides the ideal sweet finish. Fruit-based options like grilled peaches and banana pudding provide refreshing contrast. Rich chocolate desserts like lava cake and chocolate chip cookies complement the ribs beautifully. Southern classics like pecan pie and bread pudding suit the theme. And cool, creamy treats like ice cream and pudding pops cleanse the palate. With so many wonderful options, there’s no shortage of fantastic desserts to follow your barbecue ribs dinner.