Ice cream is a favorite treat for many, but it’s even better with the right side dish. Here you can find 16 amazing sides that go good with ice cream, making your dessert even tastier.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging at home, these dishes will take your ice cream enjoyment to the next level.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with ice cream are chocolate cake, apple pie, peach cobbler, banana bread, fondue, candied pecans, brownies, tapioca pudding, fruit salad, french fries, cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies, waffles, nutella spread, caramel popcorn, and biscotti.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Chocolate Cake
2. Apple Pie
3. Peach Cobbler
4. Banana Bread
5. Fondue
6. Candied Pecans
7. Brownies
What To Serve With Ice Cream

1. Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake paired with ice cream is a timeless dessert duo. The rich, moist texture of chocolate cake complements the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream perfectly. For an extra decadent experience, serve the cake warm so it gently melts the ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between hot and cold. This combination is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

2. Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm apple pie and cold ice cream. The spiced apple filling and flaky crust offer a satisfying texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the pie slightly melts the ice cream, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This classic pairing is a favorite in many households.

3. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler with ice cream is a delicious tribute to summer. The sweet, syrupy peaches and crumbly, buttery topping make a perfect match with creamy vanilla ice cream. This dish is best served warm, with the ice cream melting slowly into the cobbler, providing a creamy contrast to the textured cobbler topping. It’s a simple yet highly rewarding dessert.

4. Banana Bread

Banana bread offers a delightful twist when served with ice cream. The dense, moist bread loaded with the flavor of ripe bananas complements simple ice cream flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Heating the banana bread before serving it with a scoop of ice cream enhances its flavors and makes for a comforting, warm-cold dessert experience.

5. Fondue

Ice cream fondue creates a playful dessert experience. Melt dark chocolate or caramel and use it as a dip for balls of ice cream. Roll the dipped ice cream in toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even tiny marshmallows for added texture and flavor. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy ice cream, perfect for gatherings.

6. Candied Pecans

Adding candied pecans to ice cream brings a delightful crunch and a nutty, sugary layer to your dessert. These pecans, coated in a shiny glaze of caramelized sugar, pair excellently with almost any flavor of ice cream but are particularly great with more subdued flavors like vanilla or chocolate, enhancing them without overpowering.

7. Brownies

Combining brownies with ice cream is a decadent delight. The soft, fudgy texture of warm brownies goes hand in hand with the cool creaminess of ice cream. For an even richer experience, drizzle hot chocolate sauce over the brownies and ice cream. This combo makes for a rich, indulgent treat that's perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.