Best Brownie Pairings: What Goes Well With Brownies?

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, fudgy brownie. It’s the kind of sensory comfort that stops a conversation mid-sentence and makes you close your eyes for a tiny moment. But as addictive as that classic chocolate bite is on its own, pairing brownies with the right sides, drinks, and toppings can make the experience unforgettable. Whether it’s a school bake sale or a Friday night treat after corralling my daughter Tamsin (and our cat Whiskers streaking across the table), I’ve picked up so many ways to make brownies shine even more. People think brownies only go with a glass of milk, but the combos go way beyond that. Ready to shake up your dessert routine?

The Ultimate Brownie Sidekicks: Flavors That Bring Brownies to Life

Let’s just bust a myth: brownies play well with a whole symphony of flavors, not just vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. In fact, some combinations actually deepen the chocolatey goodness or zap it with freshness. Fruits are way up there. Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or thin-sliced bananas lift heavy chocolate with their natural tartness. If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, roasted pears or poached figs can make you rethink dessert hierarchy altogether. You get a fresh, sweet, and tangy vibe that really cuts through chewy, chocolate bites.

Nuts have this cool way of adding crunch and earthiness. Walnuts are the classic (my grandma swore by them), but try pistachios or toasted pecans for a twist. Sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking—seriously, don’t skip this step! There’s research from the American Chemical Society showing how salt can amplify chocolate flavor by suppressing bitterness, which is super handy for dense brownies that lean toward bittersweet.

Craving a little heat with your sweet? Chili flakes or a dash of cayenne bring a smoky, slow heat that hits after the chocolate fades, making each bite last a little longer on your taste buds. Some trendy bakeries are pairing brownies with pickled ginger or miso caramel for an umami punch. Sound weird? Maybe, but trust me, it kind of works. Just a touch of miso paste in caramel sauce balances all that sugar with savory depth.

If you’re feeling European, a scoop of thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone adds that lovely creamy tang—less sweet than ice cream, but somehow even more luscious. Or keep it classic with salted caramel sauce drizzled over the top. I like to sprinkle brownie pieces over a warm, homemade bread pudding, letting everything mingle together. For something light, a clean lemon sorbet or even a citrusy panna cotta cools off the chocolate heaviness, especially in summer.

One thing most people miss is adding a sprig of fresh mint. It’s so simple, but the cool herbal note acts like a palate cleanser amid all that chocolate. For special occasions, try a drizzle of raspberry coulis or even balsamic glaze—yes, really! It adds just the right amount of tang and lavishness. The fun is in testing these flavor add-ons at home (no two batches in my kitchen are ever quite the same). If you’ve got kids around, let them try peanut butter, marshmallows, or crushed cookies as mix-ins. Half the pleasure is in the experimenting itself.

Drinks That Take Brownies to Another Level

Most people instantly reach for milk with brownies (my Tamsin included), and there’s a reason it works. A 2023 study published in Food Chemistry explains that milk proteins bind with chocolate’s polyphenols, reducing bitterness and enhancing creaminess. Still, there’s a whole menu of drinks that can make your brownies shine even brighter. Coffee is an easy upgrade. A good, rich espresso or even cold brew cuts right through chocolatey sweetness, keeping bites from feeling too heavy. My personal hack? Mix one teaspoon of instant espresso powder into your brownie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor—more adults than kids notice this one, but it’s a game changer.

Strong black tea, like Earl Grey or Assam, offers clean astringency to cut through fudge. Some tea houses in London swear by serving brownies alongside smoky lapsang souchong for that grown-up twist. If you like something sweeter, try chai or a rich Thai iced tea; the spices add an extra dimension that plain brownies just don’t have. For summer, a fizzy cold drink like lemonade or raspberry soda keeps each bite feeling fresh and stops dessert from dragging.

If you want a nightcap pairing, red wine can be incredible—but not just any bottle. Go for robust reds like a Zinfandel or Port, which match brownie richness with jammy fruit notes and a little warmth. If you’re a beer person (join the club), reach for a chocolate stout or a milk porter. There’s actually a small-batch brewery up in Vermont that crafts a double-chocolate brownie ale. They built the recipe with cocoa nibs specifically to go with desserts, and it’s honestly as decadent as it sounds. For anyone who can have it, Bailey’s Irish Cream or a dark rum over ice makes for a more grown-up kind of treat—perfect for celebrating birthdays or, you know, getting through another school bake sale without drama.

Kids in my house love making brownie "milkshakes"—just blitz up brownies with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk. Whiskers the cat usually tries to jump in the blender, so watch your pets! For a lighter, more sophisticated take, try sparkling water with a squeeze of orange—the fizzy, citrus kick surprisingly zips up a warm brownie, especially after a big dinner. And hey, don’t forget about hot chocolate: use bittersweet or dark chocolate and a pinch of cinnamon to double down on cocoa intensity. Just serve it with small brownie bites to avoid sugar overload.

• Milk: classic, reduces bitterness (great for kids)
• Espresso or Coffee: balances sweetness, deepens flavor
• Black or Spiced Teas: add aromatics, cut through density
• Red Wine or Port: adds sophistication, brings out fruit notes
• Stout Beer: amplifies richness, echoes cocoa flavors
• Sparkling Water with Citrus: refreshes palate, lightens dessert
• Milkshakes: mixes brownies into a new treat for kids

You can choose drinks based on the kind of brownie too. Fudgy, dense brownies love bitter or robust brews; cakier brownies go better with lighter teas or fruit sodas. Got vegan brownies on hand? Plant-based milks (like oat or almond) provide almost the same coffee-and-cocoa harmony with a subtle nuttiness on their own.

Toppings, Mix-Ins, and Hacks: Boosting Brownies Into Dessert Superstars

If you only ever top brownies with frosting, you’re missing half the fun. The world of mix-ins, toppings, and even sauces can turn your basic traybake into a full-blown dessert masterpiece. Ice cream is still the MVP for a reason, but step it up with unusual flavors—think salted caramel, espresso, roasted pistachio, or even sorbet if you need something sharp. Scoop it on right after brownies come out of the oven and watch everything meld together in a gooey, irresistible mess.

Brownies and whipped cream are a classic, but don’t stop at regular dairy cream. Coconut whipped cream adds a lush tropical twist. My baking group loves swirling in citrus zest or infusing whipped cream with rosemary or thyme for an herby contrast—sounds highbrow, but it’s easy and so dramatic if you’re trying to impress guests. Chocolate ganache (made with real bittersweet chocolate and a splash of heavy cream) gives you sleek, shiny topping that’s rich but never cloying.

If you want extra crunch, crumble up toffee bits, caramelized nuts, or even pretzel pieces over each serving. Sprinkles, of course, make brownies lunchbox-ready and instantly kid-approved (not that you have to be a kid to want them!). Swirl in jam, peanut butter, or tahini right before baking to get pockets of flavor and texture. Marshmallows on top? Pop them under the broiler for thirty seconds and you’ll get a s’mores-style, toasty topping that’s fun year-round, not just around the campfire.

Berries tossed in a little sugar, lemon, and basil make a quick compote for a summery vibe—perfect when berries are in season. If you want something richer, make a quick bourbon caramel sauce and drizzle it while brownies are still warm. There’s something about the sharpness of the bourbon bouncing off deep cocoa that thrills adults without making the dessert taste boozy.

For the holidays, brownies are a blank canvas. Swirl them with pumpkin puree and cinnamon, or layer crushed candy canes on top for a punchy, festive finish. Ever tried brownies with tahini or halva? The sesame turns chocolate into a whole new experience—nutty, tangy, just downright cool. Plus, if you’re baking for gluten-free or dietary restrictions, swap regular flour for almond meal and mix in coconut flakes or chopped dried apricots to add both flavor and structure.

Pro tip: The best brownies are often the ones that rest overnight in an airtight container. It lets flavors mingle, and the dense, gooey texture firms up into fudgy heaven. If you bake a pan and nobody devours them in a day, stash leftovers for breakfast with Greek yogurt and espresso—call it a fancy "breakfast bar" and no one will question your choices.

Here’s a quick rundown of iconic and creative topping ideas you can use next time you want to jazz things up:

• Ice cream (classic or unique flavors)
• Whipped cream (with optional zest or herbs)
• Chocolate ganache or peanut butter drizzle
• Sliced bananas, caramelized or raw
• Berry or stone fruit compote
• Toffee bits, caramel, or pretzel pieces
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chopped chocolate, sprinkles, or marshmallows
• Tahini swirl, miso caramel, or balsamic glaze
• Crushed candy canes or holiday spices

Remember, brownies might seem simple, but how you serve them makes all the difference. You can keep it old-school with milk and nuts, or go wild with chili and charred fruit. The best part? It never gets boring. My daughter likes hers with rainbow sprinkles and a glass of oat milk; Whiskers is happiest batting the crumbs. So, next time you bake a batch, try something new—you might find your own signature combo.