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The Caramel Lover’s Guide to Luxe Food Pairings
Sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of bitter, that distinctive caramel flavor has a rich history and has stood the test of time. With National Caramel Day on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to indulge in all its delicious possibilities. It pairs beautifully with a surprising range of ingredients, from the tried-and-true—chocolate, sea salt, and vanilla—to more unexpected combinations. At Magnum, we know this well.
Our Double Caramel Ice Cream Bar explores caramel’s full potential, pairing it with a velvety Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream and a chocolatey coating.
But caramel flavors are shapeshifters. They can also adapt to other bold pairings—some amplify its nutty notes, others perfectly cut through the richness.
So, which flavor combo will be your new favorite? Let’s dive into the most mouthwatering pairings so you can discover the one that truly speaks to you.
7 Irresistible Caramel Food Pairings
Gone are the days when caramel was just a sweet, buttery treat. Today’s caramel trends are all about bold, inventive twists that surprise and delight the taste buds. Discover the ultimate flavor combinations (that also pair well with Magnum’s caramel-flavored ice cream bars) that will take your dessert experience to new heights.
1. Caramel + Fruit
Fresh, juicy fruits provide a perfect contrast to caramel’s rich flavor. Apples are the classic go-to—their crisp texture and tartness balance caramel’s sweetness beautifully. But don’t stop there. Pears, bananas, and even figs also pair deliciously, each bringing its own unique twist to the combination.
Try it: Chop up your favorite fruits and toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. For some extra zing, add a scoop of sorbetto on the side—something bright and tangy, like Talenti’s Roman Raspberry.
2. Caramel + Cheese
Cheese and caramel might seem like an unlikely duo, but together, they create a flavor experience that’s nothing short of magical. The creamy texture of cheese balances caramel’s buttery depth, while salty and tangy notes add contrast.
Try it: Build the cheese and dessert board of dreams by pairing a sharp cheddar or an earthy blue cheese with Magnum Mini Double Caramel Bars. Add in some crisp apple slices, toasted nuts, and dark chocolate for the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
3. Caramel + Coffee
If you love a caramel-swirled latte, then you already know—this duo is a match made in flavor heaven. The bold, bitter edge of coffee perfectly balances caramel’s rich sweetness, creating a pairing that’s smooth, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.
Try it: Keep it classic with a creamy cappuccino and a Magnum Double Caramel Bar on the side—an effortless way to elevate your coffee break. Want to take it up a notch? Try a caramel affogato: a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with hot espresso for a warm-meets-cold dessert that’s pure bliss.
4. Caramel + Bacon
The savory, smoky flavors of bacon create a bold contrast to caramel’s rich sweetness. Its crisp texture and salty bite balance caramel’s buttery depth, making for an indulgent pairing that’s perfect for those who love a sweet-savory twist.
Try it: Crisp up bacon with a caramel glaze or toss bacon bits into caramel popcorn for the ultimate crunchy, salty-sweet snack.
5. Caramel + S’mores
S’mores are already the ultimate gooey indulgence—but add caramel, and you take them to a whole new level. The rich, buttery sweetness of caramel melts into the smoky, toasted marshmallow and velvety chocolate, creating a next-level twist on the classic campfire treat.
Try it: The quickest way to enjoy this? Drizzle some caramel sauce over your toasted marshmallows and graham crackers. Or, if you want something extra indulgent, try making Campfire S’mores Bars featuring our Double Caramel Ice Cream Bars. Find the recipe here.
Looking for more lip-smacking dessert ideas? Find all our recipes here. Caramel lovers will also adore these Pecan Pie Ice Cream Bars.
6. Caramel + Wine
We’ve explored some delicious caramel food pairings, but for those who enjoy a glass of wine with their dessert, caramel is an equally delightful match.
A buttery Chardonnay can enhance caramel's depth, while a sweet Riesling or Sauternes perfectly complements its rich flavor. The key is choosing wines with the right balance of acidity and sweetness. For something sparkling and fun, Moscato d'Asti provides a light, refreshing contrast.
Try it: Pair a glass of Chardonnay, sweet Riesling, Sauternes or Moscato d'Asti with the decadent Magnum Double Caramel Ice Cream bar for the ultimate post-dinner treat.
7. Caramel + Pineapple + Chili
Imagine the tropical sweetness of grilled pineapple, sprinkled with chili flakes, and paired with velvety sea salt caramel ice cream. Sounds delicious, right? The smoky, spicy kick complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the caramel ice cream in all the right ways.
Try it: Grill slices of pineapple until caramelized and lightly charred, then drizzle with warm caramel sauce and a pinch of chili flakes. Pair it with a scoop of Dulce de Leche ice cream or a sea salt caramel gelato for a dessert that’s both bold and satisfying.
Discover Magnum’s full range of frozen delights in our guide.
Redefining Caramel Luxury
Whether it’s paired with rich chocolate, tangy fruit, or even a dash of chili, caramel’s versatility is unmatched. By elevating this classic flavor with unexpected combinations, you can create indulgent experiences that are anything but ordinary.
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