Dessert Pizza and Dessert Wine: 15+ Pairings to Try

Welcome, fellow homemade pizza PROs and wine lovers, to an exploration of an indulgent fusion of sweet and savory that’s sweeping kitchens and eateries across the globe. A fusion that’s all about a delightful symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas: the enchanting world of dessert pizza and dessert wine.

Pizza and wine are traditionally seen as a quintessential savory duo, a perfect pairing of Italy’s beloved exports.

However, like art, food is ever-evolving, embracing change and innovation. The growing interest in unconventional dessert types has given birth to the concept of dessert pizzas—delicious creations that meld the comforting, familiar form of a pizza with the sweet, irresistible allure of a dessert.

But what do you pair with a dessert pizza?

Enter dessert wines, the sweet, often fruity libations that provide a fantastic counterpoint to such an eclectic dessert.

In this delightful journey of gastronomic exploration, we’ll delve into the fascinating history, types, and combinations of dessert pizzas and dessert wines. We’ll guide you through pairing principles and provide a sampling of mouthwatering combinations to try, sure to inspire your culinary adventures.

So, if your palate yearns for a unique, indulgent treat or simply loves exploring new culinary frontiers, read on! There’s a world of decadent dessert pizzas and luscious dessert wines waiting to be discovered.

Let’s get started!

Dessert Pizzas and Dessert Wines

The art of cooking is always innovating, constantly reshaping and transforming itself, boldly going where no chef has gone before. Among the latest exciting innovations in the culinary world is the creation of dessert pizzas, a beautiful marriage of a classic Italian dish with the delightful sweetness typically found in desserts.

While pizzas are usually associated with savory flavors, dessert pizzas bring a new, sweet twist to the traditional pie.

But the sweet revolution doesn’t stop there. To accompany these innovative treats, we have dessert wines, an often overlooked category of wine that is traditionally served with dessert or enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal.

Dessert wines can range from lightly sweet to intensely sugary and are typically characterized by their rich, ripe fruit, honey, chocolate, or cream flavors. When paired well, dessert wines can elevate a dessert pizza, creating a gastronomic experience that’s both harmonious and indulgent.

Growing Popularity of Unconventional Dessert Types

In recent years, the culinary scene has seen a surge in the popularity of unconventional dessert types. The classic chocolate and vanilla desserts are being challenged by innovative creations that defy traditional boundaries, pushing the envelope of what we consider dessert. From bacon-flavored ice cream to churro cupcakes, chefs and home bakers are not shying away from experimenting with sweet creations.

In this climate of culinary creativity, dessert pizzas have found their niche. More and more people are becoming intrigued by the idea of transforming the traditionally savory pie into a sweet treat.

This has led to an explosion of creativity in the form of dessert pizzas featuring everything from classic combinations like chocolate and strawberries to more adventurous ones like caramelized onions and blue cheese.

What is a Dessert Pizza?

Dessert pizza, as the name suggests, is a pizza that’s been crafted with a dessert twist. Much like its savory counterpart, a dessert pizza typically features a crust, but instead of being topped with marinara sauce, cheese, and savory toppings, it is adorned with sweet sauces, fruits, chocolate, or even cheese of the sweet and creamy variety.

Essentially, dessert pizzas take a pizza’s shape and basic construct and incorporate sweet, dessert-like elements to transform it into a sugary delight.

Evolution of Dessert Pizzas from Traditional Savory Pizza

The inception of dessert pizzas can be traced back to the human desire to push culinary boundaries and experiment with flavors.

Traditional pizza, originating from Italy, is a universally loved dish celebrated for its savory flavors and diverse range of toppings.

However, the beauty of food lies in its malleability, its ability to adapt and evolve, and the concept of dessert pizza is a testament to that.

Culinary enthusiasts have created an entirely new dessert category by taking the basic structure of a pizza — the dough base — and modifying the pizza sauce and toppings to incorporate sweet elements. This transformation has opened up a world of possibilities, with dessert pizzas now including everything from Nutella and fruit pizzas to s’mores or cinnamon roll pizzas.

Types of Dessert Pizza: Ingredients, Preparation, and Presentation

There are many dessert pizza variations out there, each more enticing than the last. A common variety is the fruit dessert pizza, which typically features a sweetened cream cheese base topped with an array of fresh fruits and a glaze.

On the other hand, chocolate dessert pizzas often feature a chocolate spread base, like Nutella, topped with marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and sometimes even fruits like strawberries or bananas for an added fresh element.

Regarding preparation, dessert pizzas often use a pizza dough base, though some variations may use cookie dough or puff pastry. The dough is rolled out, baked, and then adorned with sweet toppings.

Presentation-wise, dessert pizzas can be a feast for the eyes. The colorful fruits, drizzles of chocolate or caramel, and dustings of powdered sugar create an aesthetic appeal that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

In the following sections, we will delve into how to pair these sweet treats with dessert wines for a holistic and indulgent dessert experience.

Exploring Dessert Wines

What is a Dessert Wine?

Dessert or sweet or pudding wines are typically served with dessert or enjoyed independently after a meal. They are characterized by their sweetness, which results from a higher sugar content.

The history of dessert wines spans centuries, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans valuing these sweet concoctions for their ability to enhance the enjoyment of food and festivities.

Types of Dessert Wines and Their Flavor Profiles

Dessert wines come in a diverse array of styles, each with unique flavors and characteristics:

Port

Originating from Portugal, Port is a fortified wine with rich, sweet, and heavy flavors, often featuring notes of chocolate, caramel, and berries.

Ice Wine

Made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine, ice wine is incredibly sweet and has concentrated flavors of tropical fruit, honey, and citrus.

Late Harvest Wine

Produced from grapes that are left on the vine longer than usual, these wines have a natural sweetness and can showcase flavors like apricot, honey, and spice.

Sauternes

A French sweet wine, Sauternes is known for its complex flavors of apricot, honey, peaches, and nuts.

The Role Dessert Wines Play in Complimenting Sweet Dishes

While they are enjoyed independently, dessert wines truly shine when paired with dessert dishes. The sweetness of the wine can help balance out the flavors of a dessert, either by matching the sweetness or providing a pleasant contrast.

For example, a chocolate-based dessert pizza might pair well with a rich, fruity Port, while a fruit-based dessert pizza could be enhanced by a lighter, sweeter Ice Wine or Late Harvest Wine.

How to Pair Dessert Pizzas and Wines

The secret to creating a great dessert pizza and wine pairing is balancing the sweetness and flavors. A general rule of thumb is that the wine should be as sweet as, or sweeter than, the dessert. However, it’s also important to consider the pizza and wine flavors.

Certain wines pair better with chocolatey desserts, while others match fruit-based creations perfectly.

Dessert Pizza and Dessert Wine Pairing Examples

Chocolate-based Dessert Pizza and Ruby Port

A dessert pizza featuring a rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella, topped with toasted marshmallows and crushed hazelnuts, pairs wonderfully with Ruby Port. The wine’s intense, fruity sweetness and its inherent chocolate notes make it a match made in heaven for this pizza.

Fruit-based Dessert Pizza and Late Harvest Riesling

A dessert pizza with a sweet cream base, fresh fruits like berries and kiwi, and a clear glaze pairs well with a Late Harvest Riesling. The wine, known for its honeyed sweetness and bright acidity, complements the pizza’s fruity flavors and counters the cream’s richness.

Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza and Ice Wine

A dessert pizza featuring thinly sliced apples, a caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of cinnamon goes perfectly with Ice Wine. The intense sweetness of the wine, along with its apple and pear notes, will perfectly mirror the flavors of the pizza, while its acidity will cut through the richness of the caramel.

These are just examples; dessert pizza and wine pairings are ripe for exploration. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find what you enjoy the most.

In the next section, we will share some recipes to help you create your own dessert pizza and wine pairing experience at home.

15 Dessert Pizza and Wine Pairings to Try

As we continue our gastronomic journey exploring the delightful duo of dessert pizzas and dessert wines, we have curated a list of 15 inspired combinations that span a range of flavors and textures. Each pair has been thoughtfully chosen to complement one another, creating an extraordinary palate experience.

From the sweetness of strawberries to the rich creaminess of chocolate, the tangy delight of citrus to the comforting warmth of cinnamon spice, there’s a dessert pizza and wine pairing here for every preference. Dive in and let these suggestions inspire your next culinary adventure.

1. Apple Cinnamon Pizza paired with a Canadian Ice Wine (notes of apple and pear)
2. Strawberry Nutella Pizza paired with a Brachetto d’Acqui (notes of strawberries and roses)
3. Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Pizza paired with a sweet Moscato d’Asti (notes of citrus and peach)
4. Caramelized Peach and Ricotta Pizza paired with a Sauternes (notes of peaches and honey)
5. Pumpkin Spice Pizza paired with a Rutherglen Muscat (notes of dried fruit, toffee, and spice)
6. S’mores Pizza (chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers) paired with a Ruby Port (notes of black fruit and chocolate)
7. Cherry Almond Cream Cheese Pizza paired with a Cherry-Infused Dessert Wine
8. Fig, Goat Cheese, and Honey Pizza paired with a sweet Late Harvest Gewürztraminer (notes of lychee and spice)
9. Raspberry White Chocolate Pizza paired with a sweet Sparkling Rosé
10. Banana and Dulce de Leche Pizza paired with a Pedro Ximénez Sherry (notes of raisins and molasses)
11. Peanut Butter Chocolate Pizza paired with a Tawny Port (notes of dried fruit and nuts)
12. Browned Butter Pecan Pizza paired with a Madeira (notes of caramel and nuts)
13. Cranberry Orange Pizza paired with an Orange Muscat (notes of orange and apricot)
14. Mixed Berry and Mascarpone Pizza paired with an Eiswein (notes of red fruit and honey)
15. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza paired with a Botrytis Semillon (notes of apricot and honey)

Indulge in the perfect fusion of flavors by trying these mouthwatering pizza and wine pairings, and visit Total Wine to discover an extensive selection of wines that will elevate your dining experience to extraordinary heights.

Making Your Own Dessert Pizza and Wine Pairing at Home

Simple Recipes to Try at Home:

Nutella & Mixed Berry Dessert Pizza

• Prepare your favorite pizza dough and roll it out into a thin disc.
• Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated in your pizza dough recipe.
• Spread a generous amount of Nutella onto the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
• Sprinkle with a mixture of fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the dough is cooked and the berries are slightly softened.
• Enjoy with a glass of Ruby Port or a red dessert wine of your choice.

Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza

• Roll out pizza dough as per your favorite recipe.
• Preheat your oven according to the dough recipe.
• Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough, leaving room for the crust.
• Arrange thinly sliced apples on top of the cream cheese.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon.
• Bake until the dough is cooked and the apples are tender.
• Pair this with Ice Wine or sweet white dessert wine.

Tips on Selecting the Right Dessert Wine for Your Homemade Pizza

Selecting the right dessert wine for your pizza involves considering the sweetness and flavor profile of both the pizza and the wine.

Here are some tips:

Consider Sweetness

Ensure that your chosen wine is as sweet as or sweeter than your dessert pizza to avoid the wine tasting bitter or sour.

Match Flavors

Try to find a wine that has similar flavor notes to your pizza. For example, a pizza with lots of berries would go well with a wine with red fruit notes.

Consider Richness

If your dessert pizza is very rich, like a chocolate-based pizza, you might want to choose a wine that is also rich, like a Port. Conversely, a lighter pizza, like one topped with fresh fruit, might pair better with a lighter wine.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

The best part about food and wine pairing is finding combinations that you personally enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try different wines with your dessert pizza. You might find a new favorite!

In the final section, we will wrap up our exploration of dessert pizza and dessert wine pairings and, hopefully, inspire you to create your own pairings at home.

The Last Slice

In the dynamic world of food, where tradition meets creativity, there is a certain thrill in discovering and trying out unconventional dessert combinations.

Pairing dessert pizza and dessert wine introduces a fresh perspective to our understanding of desserts, taking us on a delightful gastronomic journey that engages and challenges our palate. This exploration allows us to truly appreciate the infinite possibilities of flavors, aromas, and textures.

Each of us has a unique palate, and the magic of food and wine pairing lies in discovering what pleases your individual tastes.

Therefore, we encourage you, our readers, to venture out and explore your own pairings.

Remember, there are no strict rules in this culinary journey. What’s important is your enjoyment. Pair a spicy dessert pizza with a sweet Moscato or a tangy citrus pizza with a crisp Ice Wine if that’s what you love. Experiment, explore, and, above all, savor the process.

The concept of dessert pizza and dessert wine brings a fresh twist to the dessert course, breaking away from traditional norms. This unusual combination has the potential to elevate your dining experience, taking the humble pizza and wine pairing to a whole new level of delicious decadence.

We hope this guide has inspired you to step out of your culinary comfort zone and try this delightful duo. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious foodie, the world of dessert pizza and wine awaits your discovery.

Here’s to sweet explorations and delightful indulgences.

Enjoy!

Related Articles

Enjoy!

Related Posts

Newsletter

Subscribe to our Recipe of the Week newsletter and receive our partners’ latest recipes, tips, and discount offers.

Keep in Touch!

info@homemadepizzapro.com