Skip to main content

The Best Desserts to Pair with Your Favorite IPA

Glass of hazy Moersleutel IPA as part of a dessert pairing guide for hop-forward beers

Why Dessert and IPA Can Be a Perfect Match

At first glance, dessert and IPA might seem like an odd couple and an imperial or pastry stout a much more natural match.

But trust us—desserts to pair with IPA are a thing of flavor magic. Bitterness from hops can slice through sweetness, while fruity and herbal hop aromas can complement complex sweets. When done right, you get contrast, balance, and a flavor bomb in every bite and sip.


NEIPA + Lemon Tart

Why it works: Citrus-forward NEIPAs match the lemon while bitterness balances the sugar. Soft pastry and creamy filling echo the hazy body of the beer.

Pair it with: Lemon meringue tart or lemon cheesecake bars


West Coast IPA + Spicy Chocolate

Why it works: Classic piney, bitter IPAs amplify the spice and tone down the richness of chocolate. Bitterness + heat = fireworks.

Pair it with: Chili dark chocolate, chocolate truffles with cayenne, Mexican brownies


Fruity IPA + Mango Sorbet

Why it works: Juicy IPAs with tropical hops (Citra, Mosaic) echo the fruitiness of mango or passionfruit sorbet. Chilled refreshment meets chilled refreshment.

Pair it with: Mango sorbet, passionfruit panna cotta, citrus granita


Double IPA (DIPA) + Carrot Cake

Why it works: DIPA sweetness and alcohol stand up to the density of spiced cake. Carrot cake’s cream cheese frosting plays off the fruity bitterness of the beer.

Pair it with: Carrot cake, spiced pumpkin bars with cream cheese drizzle


Hoppy Blond or Session IPA + Ginger Cookies

Why it works: Crisp, hoppy blond beers or session IPAs bring out the spice in gingery desserts without overpowering. Light but lively.

Pair it with: Ginger snap cookies, honey ginger cake, Dutch ontbijtkoek


Final Tip: Balance is Everything

When choosing desserts to pair with IPA, remember the golden rule: contrast or complement. Use fruit and acidity to mirror juicy hops. Use spice and fat to tame bitterness. And above all—trust your taste buds.

➡️ Related: Beer and Food Pairing: Food Tips with Moersleutel Beers


Need a Box of IPA beers to try your new favorite combos?

➡️ Check out our IPA Beer Boxes here

Read more

Two people of Moersleutel Craft Brewery cheers with their beers to people at V and B Fest in France

Moersleutel Takes Over France: Craft Beer at V and B Festival

A Weekend of Craft Beer and Celebration This past weekend, Moersleutel Craft Brewery returned to the V and B Festival in Château-Gontier, France — and it was unforgettable.We didn’t just...
Read more
Moersleutel Guild Box 26 thumbnail showing exclusive beer cans and smiling brewer

August Guild Box – Exclusive for Our Craft Beer Membership

The August Guild Box has arrived – a highlight of our craft beer membership, packed with exclusive brews you won’t find anywhere else. Specially crafted for Moersleutel Guild members, this...
Read more