What to Serve With Banana Bread for Dessert: 15 Best Side Dishes

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Enhance your banana bread dessert with delightful side dishes. Pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic, rich contrast. Drizzle chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the bread to add luxurious sweetness. Add a dollop of whipped cream, perhaps with a hint of flavor, for a light, fluffy touch. Fresh berries can bring vibrant, tangy notes, while a drizzle of honey or apple compote adds a natural sweetness. For a crunch, consider candied nuts, and those who love a bold flavor boost can enjoy a shot of espresso. Discover how these combinations can elevate your banana bread dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream

cool and creamy treat

Pairing banana bread with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Renowned ice cream brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's offer rich, smooth options that perfectly complement the moist, sweet banana bread.

For serving suggestions, place a warm slice of banana bread on a plate and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Chocolate Ganache

decadent chocolate dessert topping

When drizzled over banana bread, chocolate ganache adds a luxurious, rich layer that enhances the dessert's overall decadence.

The smooth ganache texture offers a perfect chocolate pairing, blending seamlessly with the moist, sweet bread.

This combination creates an indulgent treat that balances sweetness and richness, making each bite a delightful experience.

It's a simple yet elegant way to elevate your banana bread.

Whipped Cream

decadent chocolate dessert topping

Topping banana bread with freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, moist texture of the bread.

Creating homemade whipped cream is simple yet rewarding, offering a fresh, creamy delight.

For an extra touch, consider adding flavored cream, like vanilla or cinnamon, to enhance the dessert's appeal.

This pairing creates a balanced dessert experience, sure to impress your guests.

Fresh Berries

delicious summer fruit salad

Fresh berries provide a vibrant, tangy contrast to the sweetness of banana bread, enhancing its flavors with a burst of natural juiciness. Opt for a seasonal selection to guarantee peak freshness and taste.

Besides their delightful flavor, berries offer antioxidant benefits, making them a nutritious choice. Simply scatter a handful on the plate, adding both color and a revitalizing touch to your dessert.

Caramel Sauce

sweet and sticky treat

Drizzling a rich caramel sauce over banana bread adds a layer of indulgent sweetness that complements its moist, flavorful crumb.

Salted caramel enhances this experience by balancing the sweetness with a touch of savory.

Whether used as a dipping sauce or a drizzle, caramel amplifies the dessert's taste, making each bite more delightful and satisfying.

It's a simple yet luxurious addition.

Greek Yogurt

creamy dairy breakfast option

Pairing banana bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt introduces a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the dessert's overall flavor profile.

Greek yogurt offers numerous health benefits, such as probiotics and high protein content. Yogurt varieties, including honey or vanilla flavored, can add a touch of sweetness or additional depth.

This combination not only tastes delightful but also provides a nutritious boost.

Nut Butter

healthy and delicious spread

For a rich and satisfying accompaniment to banana bread, consider spreading a layer of creamy nut butter on each slice.

Flavored spreads like almond butter can add a delightful twist, enhancing the bread's natural sweetness.

The nutty, smooth texture complements the moist banana bread perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both indulgent and nutritious.

Give it a try for an elevated dessert experience.

Lemon Curd

sweet and tangy spread

A dollop of zesty lemon curd can provide a revitalizing contrast to the sweetness of banana bread, adding a tangy burst of flavor to each bite. This citrus pairing complements the rich, moist texture of the bread beautifully.

As one of the top topping ideas, lemon curd elevates the dessert experience, making each slice of banana bread delightfully invigorating and well-balanced.

Maple Syrup

delicious canadian tree sap

Why not enhance your banana bread with a drizzle of rich, amber maple syrup to add a layer of luxurious sweetness?

Known for its role as a beloved pancake topping, maple syrup also serves as a delightful cocktail ingredient.

Its warm, caramel-like flavor complements the moist, banana-rich bread perfectly, making every bite an indulgent treat that is hard to resist.

Fresh Fruit Salad

variety of colorful fruits

Pairing banana bread with a lively fresh fruit salad introduces an invigorating contrast that enhances the dessert experience.

Vibrant fruit combinations like berries, kiwi, and citrus add a rejuvenating burst of flavor.

A light salad dressing made from honey and lime juice ties everything together, offering a delightful mix of sweet and tangy notes that perfectly complements the rich, moist banana bread.

Cream Cheese Frosting

sweet topping for desserts

For those seeking a richer accompaniment to banana bread, cream cheese frosting offers a luscious and tangy option that elevates the dessert's flavor profile.

The smooth frosting texture complements the moist banana bread perfectly, creating a delightful flavor pairing.

This combination enhances the overall experience, making each bite a harmonious blend of creamy and sweet, perfect for a special treat.

Honey Drizzle

sweet treat for all

A simple yet elegant addition, a honey drizzle enhances the natural sweetness of banana bread while adding a hint of floral complexity.

Opt for flavored honey, such as lavender or orange blossom, to introduce nuanced flavors.

A sprinkle of bee pollen not only adds a delightful texture but also boosts the nutritional profile, making your dessert both indulgent and wholesome.

Apple Compote

sweet and tangy treat

Elevate your banana bread dessert with a warm apple compote, which introduces a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

The cinnamon infusion enriches the apple's natural sweetness, while slow cooking guarantees a tender consistency.

This combination not only enhances the overall taste but also provides a comforting, aromatic element that pairs perfectly with the moist, rich banana bread, creating a memorable dessert experience.

Candied Nuts

tasty holiday party treat

Candied nuts introduce a delightful crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness that beautifully complements the soft texture of banana bread.

Offering a variety of nut options like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, each coated with a delicate sugar coating, these nuts enhance the dessert experience.

The interplay of textures and flavors adds a layer of sophistication, making each bite more enjoyable.

Espresso Shot

coffee shop exploration journey

Pairing banana bread with a robust espresso shot creates a harmonious balance between the bread's natural sweetness and the coffee's intense flavor. This delightful coffee pairing enhances your dessert experience.

For an added touch, enjoy some latte art with your espresso, making the presentation as impressive as the taste. This combination guarantees a satisfying and visually appealing end to your meal.