9 ways to pair ice cream and preserves for easy summer desserts

Summertime cooking is all about simplicity — and there's nothing easier than ice cream topped with perfectly paired preserves for dessert. With the right combinations, you can enhance this everyday treat to create something downright gourmet.

When choosing jams, jellies, curds, marmalades and more, whether store-bought or homemade, opt for those on the looser side so that they can flow over the ice cream for maximum coverage. If yours are a little stiff, they can be gently warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.  

Below are some of my absolute favourite flavours to enjoy together. And although a bowl of ice cream and preserves is really all you need for a spectacular summer dessert, I've included topping ideas as well in case you want to level up your combos into sundae territory. 

Vanilla ice cream, canned peaches and raspberry jam

This is an easy take on peach Melba, French chef Auguste Escoffier's iconic creation that consists of vanilla ice cream with poached peaches and raspberry sauce. 

For a sundae, add: vanilla-scented whipped cream, toasted sliced almonds and a few fresh raspberries.

Coffee ice cream and blueberry jam

When I started infusing my blueberry jam with coffee, it was revelatory; the bitter, caffeinated bean gives a complexity to mellow blueberries that I never want them to be without. This ice cream and jam combo skips the infusion process and heads straight into dessert. 

For a sundae, add: candied walnuts and coffee whipped cream (just add some instant coffee to lightly sweetened cream before whipping).

Coconut sorbet and pineapple jam

For a tropical drink-inspired treat you can't go wrong with this classic pairing — tastes like sunshine in a bowl. And if you like pina coladas, you might want to add a shot of rum.

For a sundae, add: passion fruit pulp and/or diced tropical fruits, coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.

Butter pecan ice cream and orange marmalade

Sweet, rich candied pecans benefit from a bright pop of marmalade with a little bitterness to balance the sugar. Paddington would approve.

For a sundae, add: whipped cream, candied pecans and a fresh or candied whole cherry.

Mint chip ice cream, fig preserves and amaro

Many amaros, which pair so well with earthy figs and bitter chocolate, use mint, so a shot of amaro on sweet mint-chip ice cream paired with fig preserves creates a complex and sophisticated (but easy) end to a meal.

For a sundae, add: whipped cream, crystallized mint leaves, a caramelized fresh fig half and chocolate shavings.

Pistachio ice cream and lemon curd

Rich, nutty pistachios are made even better by a bright dose of citrus — and the colours really pop together. 

For a sundae, add: whipped cream, crushed shortbread cookies and chopped toasted pistachios.

Vanilla ice cream and chili crisp

People love the heat that this combo brings, but its spice is not for the faint of heart. If you love chili crisp, you'll be amazed at how well it complements the cold, mellow ice cream.

For a sundae, add: chopped salted peanuts or macadamia nuts and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

Chocolate ice cream and cherry preserves

The most iconic chocolate and cherry pairing is Black Forest cake, but this one is even better for a hot summer day.

For a sundae, add: kirsch-spiked whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a fresh or candied whole cherry.

Strawberry ice cream and strawberry freezer jam

Does it get any better than a double dose of strawberries? Freezer jam isn't cooked, so it has a super-fresh strawberry flavour that will amplify the flavours of the cool strawberry ice cream.

For a sundae, add: milk-chocolate sauce and whipped cream for a Neapolitan ice cream vibe.