Milwaukee is known for its rich brewing history and thriving craft beer scene. With local breweries producing everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich, malty stouts, beer lovers have plenty of options to explore. But while beer is often associated with savory foods like bratwurst and cheese curds, it also pairs surprisingly well with desserts.

Whether you’re enjoying a night out at a local brewery or hosting a beer tasting at home, pairing craft beer with sweet treats can enhance both the beer and the dessert. Here’s how to match some of Milwaukee’s best craft beers with complementary desserts for a unique and memorable experience.

The Basics of Beer and Dessert Pairing

Pairing beer with dessert follows the same principles as pairing beer with savory foods. Consider these key factors:

• Balance: A sweet dessert can mellow out the bitterness of certain beers, while a tart or citrusy dessert can contrast with malt-heavy brews.
• Complement: Matching flavors, such as a caramel-flavored beer with a caramel-based dessert, can enhance the tasting experience.
• Contrast: Sometimes, opposites attract. A rich, creamy dessert can balance the sharpness of a sour beer, creating a more dynamic flavor profile.

Now, let’s explore some of the best craft beer and dessert pairings you can try in Milwaukee.

Stout and Chocolate Cake: A Decadent Duo

A classic pairing, chocolate cake and stout are a match made in heaven. Milwaukee is home to some excellent stouts, like the ones found at Lakefront Brewery or Raised Grain Brewing.

• Why It Works: Stouts are known for their rich, roasted malt flavors, often featuring notes of coffee, cocoa, and caramel. These flavors naturally enhance the deep chocolate flavors of a moist chocolate cake.
• Best Local Beer: Try Lakefront Brewery’s Fuel Café Stout, which has smooth coffee notes that add depth to a chocolate dessert.

For an even more indulgent experience, consider a chocolate lava cake or a flourless chocolate torte with a side of vanilla ice cream. The stout’s roasted malt and creamy texture will blend seamlessly with the dessert’s richness.

IPA and Citrus Tart: A Bright and Refreshing Pair

IPAs (India Pale Ales) are known for their bold hop character and citrusy notes, making them a great match for tart and fruity desserts. A lemon tart or key lime pie provides the perfect balance to the bitter and floral notes of an IPA.

• Why It Works: The bright acidity of a citrus tart complements the citrus-forward hops in an IPA, preventing either from overpowering the palate.
• Best Local Beer: MKE Brewing Co.’s Hop Freak is a great choice, with its vibrant hop aroma and citrus undertones.

For those who love a little extra contrast, a fruit sorbet—such as mango or passionfruit—can also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the beer’s bitterness.

Porter and Caramel Bread Pudding: A Warm, Comforting Match

Porters are similar to stouts but often have a slightly lighter body and more pronounced caramel or toffee notes. These qualities make them ideal for pairing with a warm dessert like caramel bread pudding or sticky toffee pudding.

• Why It Works: The caramelized sugars in the dessert enhance the porter’s toasty, malty backbone, creating a comforting and well-rounded pairing.
• Best Local Beer: Try City Lights Brewing Co.’s Coconut Porter, which adds a hint of tropical sweetness to the pairing.

For an added layer of complexity, serve the dessert with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to bring out the beer’s subtle spice notes.

Belgian Tripel and Cheesecake: A Creamy, Balanced Pairing

Belgian Tripels are golden, slightly sweet, and often feature notes of spice and fruit. Their high carbonation and complex flavor profile make them a great match for creamy desserts like cheesecake.

• Why It Works: The effervescence of a Belgian Tripel cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, while its subtle sweetness complements the dessert without overwhelming it.
• Best Local Beer: Raised Grain Brewing’s Paradocs Belgian Tripel has a mix of fruit and spice notes that elevate a classic New York-style cheesecake.

For a unique Milwaukee twist, try pairing a raspberry cheesecake with a Belgian-style beer that has berry or stone fruit undertones.

Barrel-Aged Beer and Pecan Pie: A Bold, Nutty Pairing

Barrel-aged beers, particularly those aged in bourbon barrels, bring deep flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel. These qualities make them a perfect companion for a sweet, nutty dessert like pecan pie.

• Why It Works: The bourbon barrel aging process gives the beer warming characteristics that enhance the pie’s toasted pecans and brown sugar sweetness.
• Best Local Beer: Central Waters Brewing Co.’s Bourbon Barrel Stout is a standout choice for this pairing.

For a variation, try this pairing with a maple pecan tart or even a bourbon-spiked bread pudding. The beer’s depth of flavor will complement the richness of the dessert beautifully.

Where to Experience the Best Beer and Dessert Pairings in Milwaukee

If you want to explore beer and dessert pairings beyond your own kitchen, Milwaukee has plenty of spots to check out. Many breweries, such as Good City Brewing and Third Space Brewing, offer seasonal and limited-edition beers that work exceptionally well with sweets.

For those interested in a guided experience, Bartender Milwaukee provides expert bartending services that can help you craft the perfect beer and dessert tasting menu for any event. Whether it’s a private party, wedding, or corporate gathering, their knowledge of craft beer and mixology can elevate your pairing experience.

Conclusion

Pairing craft beer with dessert is an exciting way to experience new flavors and appreciate Milwaukee’s thriving beer scene. Whether you prefer a dark, roasted stout with chocolate cake or a crisp Belgian Tripel with cheesecake, there’s a perfect combination for every palate.

Next time you’re exploring Milwaukee’s breweries or hosting a tasting at home, consider adding a dessert pairing to the mix. With so many incredible craft beers available, the possibilities are endless.