Dessert Recipes

Slice of lime pie with whipped cream

These are the desserts that belong after a steak or seafood dinner: tangy key lime pie, a tall New York cheesecake, molten chocolate lava cakes, caramelized grilled pineapple and old-fashioned strawberry shortcake with cream biscuits.

Several of them are made ahead, which makes entertaining easier: cheesecake needs to chill overnight and key lime pie for at least three hours. For ideas on matching dessert to the meal, see our guide to desserts for steak and seafood dinners.

5 dessert recipes

  • Key Lime Pie3 hr 45 min total | 1 (9-inch) pie, 8 servings

    A tart, creamy key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and a filling of lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream. Serves 8.

  • Classic New York Cheesecake9 hr 35 min total | 1 (9-inch) cheesecake, 12 servings

    A dense, creamy New York-style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, baked low and slow and cooled gradually to prevent cracks. The steakhouse classic; serves 12.

  • Chocolate Lava Cakes28 min total | 4 cakes

    Individual chocolate cakes baked in ramekins until set outside and molten in the center, turned out warm and served with whipped cream or ice cream. Serves 4.

  • Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon18 min total | 6 servings

    Fresh pineapple spears brushed with brown sugar, cinnamon and butter and grilled until caramelized, served warm with vanilla ice cream. Ready in 20 minutes; serves 6.

  • Strawberry Shortcake1 hr 10 min total | 8 servings

    Tender homemade cream biscuits split and filled with juicy sugared strawberries and softly whipped cream. A summer classic; serves 8.

Common questions

What is a good dessert after steak?
Something bright or light balances a rich steak: key lime pie, grilled pineapple or strawberry shortcake. For a classic steakhouse finish, New York cheesecake or chocolate lava cakes.
What dessert goes with seafood?
Citrus and fruit desserts such as key lime pie, grilled pineapple and strawberry shortcake pair naturally with seafood.
Which desserts can I make a day ahead?
Cheesecake and key lime pie both need to chill and are best made the day before. Lava cake batter can be held in the ramekins overnight.

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