Easy Apple Compote Perfect TextureEasy Apple CompotePerfect Lemon Curd in jar with spoon.Perfect Lemon CurdEasy Blueberry Sauce overhead on spoonEasy Blueberry Sauce

Dessert Sauce Recipes

These are your use-anywhere, add-extra-flavor-to-anything sauce recipes! As a pastry chef, I challenge you to find a dessert that can’t be elevated by the right sauce. Anyone who has dipped a thick chewy chocolate chip cookie in a bowl of vanilla anglaise knows what I’m talking about.

Whipped Cream

Choose a whipped cream, grab a whisk and make the easiest topping ever.

Lemon Whipped Cream in blue bowl with spoonLemon Whipped CreamLemon Whipped Cream with lemon curd foldingLemon Curd Whipped Cream RecipeHomemade whipped cream swirl detailHomemade Whipped Cream

What Desserts Go Well with Whipped Cream?

The answer, in my professional opinion, is all desserts. Get whisking!

Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake unsliced wood backgroundClassic Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped CreamFlourless chocolate cake on black plateFlourless Chocolate CakeCaramel Pudding in blue glass with whipped creamCaramel PuddingA slice of chocolate pound cake with whipped cream dolloped on top.Chocolate Pound CakeLemon Berry Trifle in Large Pedestal Dish.Lemon Berry TrifleLemon Pound Cake Strawberry Icing on vintage chinaLemon Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberry Icing

Add a Crunch

Adding texture to a dessert is an easy way to make a dish feel complete. Sometimes a dessert already has the crunch built in like with classic pecan pie, but other desserts, like custards or pumpkin pie, can use that added layer.

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake on vintage glass cake stand
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How to Use Vanilla Anglaise

Vanilla anglaise is an easy custard sauce that is essentially vanilla ice cream base before it’s spun. Use it for dipping warm cookies or topping pies, cakes and brownies.

Caramel Apple Tart with cinnamon streuselCaramel Apple Tartbrownies on parchment with anglaise on top.Fudgy Browniesapple hand pie broken open on parchment paper.Apple Hand Pies

Alternatives to Caramel Sauce

The Best Salted Caramel Sauce goes with almost anything like the perfect LBD, but sometimes you want to mix it up.

Butterscotch Sauce Dripping SpoonButterscotch SauceSalted Maple Caramel SauceSalted Maple Caramel Sauce

All Dessert Toppings & Sauces