Pizza and dessert - name a more satisfying combo. Go on, we’ll wait...

There’s something perfect about finishing a pizza night with a sweet ending. Maybe it’s the balance of savoury and sugar, or maybe it’s because when you’ve already had the best slice of your life, the only logical next step is dessert. Either way, pizza dessert pairings are a match made in food heaven.

And if there’s one country that does both brilliantly, it’s Italy. The birthplace of pizza, gelato, and countless other classics. So, let’s take a trip through some of the best desserts to pair with your pizza. From iconic Italian treats to other classic pairings, you’ll soon discover which desserts are a match made in heaven for your favourite Papa Johns pizzas.

Italy doesn’t do average when it comes to dessert. From creamy to crunchy, every spoonful is crafted to be savoured, a philosophy we can definitely get behind. Here are a few favourites that have stood the test of time:

• Tiramisu - Layers of espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa. It’s rich, indulgent, and just the right kind of pick-me-up after a cheesy pizza feast.
• Panna Cotta - Silky and delicate, this creamy dessert wobbles toward perfection. A drizzle of caramel or berry coulis turns it into the perfect light finish after a loaded pizza.
• Gelato - Cool, creamy, and smoother than traditional ice cream, gelato’s dense texture makes it the ultimate palate cleanser. Bonus points if it’s chocolate or pistachio.
• Cannoli - Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate chips, or candied fruit. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside - the definition of indulgence.

Just like toppings, dessert pairings are personal. There’s no single right answer. But when it comes to balancing savoury pizza with something sweet, certain combos just work.

So, whether you’re in the mood for something classic, cool, or straight from the Papa Johns dessert menu, here are a few combinations worth saving room for:

All The Meats™ + Brownie or Chocolate Fudge Cake

Big flavours deserve a big finish. A rich, dense brownie or a soft slice of chocolate fudge cake pairs perfectly with all that meaty goodness. Bonus points if it’s served warm with melting ice cream on top.

BBQ Chicken Classic + Giant Choc Chip Cookie

Sweet meets smoky. The tangy BBQ sauce and creamy cheese balance beautifully with a warm, gooey cookie fresh from the oven. Crispy edges, soft centre, chocolate chips - perfection.

We’re not saying dessert is mandatory… but we’re also not saying it isn’t.

Of course, sometimes pizza is the dessert. Dessert pizzas are the rule-breaking, oven-baked proof that sweet and savoury can share the same slice, and it just works.

Think of them as the rebel cousins of your usual order: all the fun, none of the boundaries. There’s a whole world of creative combinations out there to discover. Here are a few of our favourites to try:

• Chocolate & Marshmallow 

Melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a drizzle of caramel - a campfire classic turned oven masterpiece.

• Cookie Dough Crust 

Because why should crusts always be savoury? Gooey, golden, and outrageously good.

• Fruit & Caramel Drizzle 

Melted chocolate, fresh strawberries, banana, and caramel sauce on warm dough - sweet, sharp, and surprisingly sophisticated.

At Papa Johns, we’re devoted to the dough and have never been afraid to get creative with it. After all, the only thing better than pizza for dinner, is more pizza for dessert.

There’s a reason pizza nights are a ritual. They bring people together, make every meal feel like a celebration, and always end with someone claiming that “just one more slice” moment.

But if you really want to make it a night to remember, make room for dessert too. Whether it’s an Italian classic like tiramisu, a scoop of creamy gelato, or a slice of warm dessert pizza, there’s always space for something sweet after your pizza.

So next time you’re browsing the Papa Johns menu, don’t stop at the mains. Order your favourite pizza, line up your dessert, and settle in.

Because pizza first and dessert second isn’t just a rule - it’s a lifestyle.