Beef wellington is a British classic, and it’s certainly a showstopper when you’re catering for a special occasion.
The meal of fillet steak covered in pate, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, and baked in the oven until golden is good enough for even the pickiest dinner guests, so you should think carefully about what dessert you’ll serve afterward.
Also, don’t forget to read my guide to the best potato sides for beef Wellington!
Beef Wellington is a beloved dinner party showstopper. The tender filet mignon blanketed in mushroom duxelle and puff pastry is indulgement at its finest. But after savoring the savory decadence of Beef Wellington, the palate craves a little something sweet to round out the meal. With so many dessert options available, what are the best picks for pairing with this classic dish?
When deciding on the ideal dessert to follow Beef Wellington, the goal is to find something that provides contrast in flavors and textures while not overpowering the complex tastes of the main course By thoughtfully complementing the Wellington, the dessert can provide the perfect capstone to a special dinner. Here are some winning ways to satisfy the sweet tooth after Beef Wellington
Fruit-Based Desserts
Fruity desserts offer brightness and acidity to balance Beef Wellington’s rich savoriness Sweet-tart flavors paired with creamy textures make fruit a foolproof option Consider these fresh ideas
Baked Apples
Warm, soft baked apples are a homey classic. Filled with walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and brown sugar, they make a comforting finish. For added richness, top with vanilla ice cream.
Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream
Nothing says simple elegance like a bowl of juicy strawberries, raspberries or blackberries topped with billows of freshly whipped cream. The light sweetness lets the Beef Wellington flavors shine.
Poached Pears
Pears poached in a red wine sauce take on a lovely deep flavor and crimson hue. Served chilled, they provide an elegant final note to dinner.
Citrus Salad
Pink grapefruit or blood orange segments lend bright pops of flavor and visual appeal. Toss with mint, a touch of honey and toasted pistachios for a lively finish.
Creamy & Dreamy Desserts
Luscious creamy desserts complement Beef Wellington’s richness. Their smooth textures contrast the flaky puff pastry wonderfully. Consider:
Crème Brûlée
This classic custard dessert has an elegant vanilla base topped with a crispy burnt sugar crust. It provides a luxurious yet portion-controlled indulgence.
Pots de Crème
These individual chocolate custards have a truffle-like intensity. Topped with whipped cream and sea salt, they make an upscale finale.
Panna Cotta
Silky smooth Italian panna cotta sprinkled with raspberries lends sophisticated understated sweetness after the opulence of Wellington.
Cheesecake
New York style cheesecake is a natural pair for Beef Wellington. For a twist, try swirled pumpkin or salted caramel cheesecake.
Chocolate Delights
Rich chocolate desserts complement Beef Wellington’s complexity. The interplay of cocoa’s bitterness and the dish’s umami is magical.
Molten Lava Cakes
Individual warm chocolate cakes with oozing centers provide textural contrast to the flaky Wellington.
Chocolate Mousse
Light yet deeply chocolaty mousse served in a martini glass makes an elegant single-serve dessert.
Chocolate Soufflés
Towering soufflés offer dramatic presentation with their airy interior concealed by a crusty exterior. Serve immediately for maximum rise.
Chocolate Truffles
Bite-size chocolate ganache truffles dusted in cocoa make a decadent after-dinner treat. Offer a tray for guests to sample.
Creative Options
For a novel dessert choice, think outside the box:
Sticky Toffee Pudding
This British classic of moist sponge cake made with Medjool dates drizzled in toffee is a marvelous match for Wellington.
Maple Crème Brûlée
This creamy custard gets a fall flair from maple syrup. The burnt sugar topping echoes Wellington’s crispy puff pastry.
Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart
Buttery shortbread crust filled with silky caramel and dark chocolate makes a sophisticated counterpoint to Wellington’s flavors.
Drunken Cherries & Mascarpone
Cherries soaked in brandy or bourbon become an elegant sauce when served over mascarpone cheese or ice cream.
Dessert & Wellington Pairing Tips
Follow these handy hints when pairing desserts with Beef Wellington for perfect results:
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Mirror Wellington’s richness with equally decadent chocolate or creamy desserts.
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Seek out complementary textures, like a crisp crust or crunchy nuts.
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Cleanse the palate with light, bright citrus or fruit flavors.
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Contrast Wellington’s uniform texture with varied components like mousse or soufflés.
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Add a pinch of salt to sweets to echo Wellington’s savory umami flavors.
A Sweet Finish
After indulging in Beef Wellington’s meaty, mushroomy splendor, capping it off with a luscious dessert is essential. Whether your tastes run toward fruit, chocolate or custard confections, the options for fantastic finale pairings are plentiful. Pick your favorite recipe that complements the main dish to delight dinner guests with the perfect sweet ending.
Apple crumble and custard
Apple crumble and custard is an autumn favourite that’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Imagine apples that are nice and soft, with a beautiful crumbly topping made of sugar and oatmeal, and lots of creamy vanilla custard on top.
You can make it ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to eat it. Baking it in the oven will make your whole house smell great.
It’s a great choice for what dessert goes with beef wellington when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is another indulgent dessert that can be served after beef wellington.
This traditional British dessert is made with a sweet toffee sauce, dates that melt in your mouth, and a moist sponge cake. It’s usually served with custard or ice cream.
Brandy snaps are another fun and retro choice.
These light biscuits are like Italian cannoli, and they’re great if you want a sweet treat that won’t make you feel too full.
For a fancier look, you can dip them in melted chocolate and roll them in your favorite nuts.
You can also make them into cute bowls and fill them with fresh fruit and whipped cream if you’d rather.
(If you’re planning a special meal, check out desserts that go with wine and cheese for more ideas!)
CHRISTMAS RECIPE: Christmas Beef Wellington
What goes with Beef Wellington?
The perfect dessert to pair with beef Wellington is a warm apple pie or a warm apple crisp. Both of these desserts are simple to make, and they go well with the rich flavors of the beef Wellington. Read Also: What Wine Goes With Beef Wellington? (10 Best Wines)
What goes well with a Wellington?
Meanwhile, the sweet and umami flavours will also pair excellently with the wellington. This is because the umami will reflect the mushrooms in a unique way whilst the sweetness will contrast with the flavours of the entire dish. Last but certainly not least on the spud theme is the wonderful roasted potato.
What vegetables go well with Beef Wellington?
Another vegetable that goes well alongside Beef Wellington is broccoli. This recipe coats the vegetables with garlic powder for a pleasant savory finish. Don’t be afraid to grill the broccoli too much! A little charred touch will make the broccoli taste even better.
What does Beef Wellington taste like?
The outside pastry is wonderfully crispy and slightly buttery, meanwhile, the mushroom duxelles provides a delicious umami flavour whilst the beef tenderloin at the dish’s heart is tender, juicy and oozes that delicious beef flavour. What Goes With Beef Wellington?