The Surprising Secret Ingredient in This Gourmet Chocolate Dessert

When it comes to desserts, most of us can't pass up the opportunity to imbibe a sweet confection, that penultimate after-dinner treat that leaves us fully satisfied after a meal. Desserts are typically always delicious – there isn't much to not like when it's made with chocolaty goodness or lemon or ice cream – and there usually isn't much you can add that will make an already perfect dish even better.

Enter alcohol – that one addition that actually can elevate your dessert, taking it to previously unchartered heights, and if it often seems that desserts and alcohol are the perfect pairing, a match made in dessert heaven, it's because they are. The possibilities are endless – from sipping champagne with a raspberry tart and Irish coffee with a bowl of chocolate mousse, or a late-harvest Riesling with flan. There are even chocolate and wine, and cookie and wine pairing charts. If you prefer something a bit more robust, choose bourbon with a slice of pecan pie. (These are the best bourbons in the U.S. right now.)

But you don't have to enjoy them separately. These two indulgences can also be combined into one and can elevate your dessert by adding a variety of flavor notes, as is the case with rum or brandy which can add notes of caramel and vanilla to confections that have nutty or chocolaty flavors, and dark beer or stout which can add richness to plum pudding or chocolate cake. Wine can feature in lighter desserts, like frozen sangria or a wine-soaked granité.

In addition to providing flavor, alcohol can also improve the texture of both baked goods and frozen desserts. Alcohol can lower the freezing point of the latter, leading to a smoother final product, and can also add moisture and a tender crumb to cakes. Some recipes will call for alcohol to be baked into desserts, while others may require soaking them in liqueur or an alcohol-infused simple syrup. Just be sure to use a spirit that is good enough to be enjoyed on its own by the glass, as inferior liquors can lead to bitter or off-putting flavors. (Here's a list of the most valuable liquor brands in the world.)

To assemble a list of irresistible desserts infused with alcohol, 24/7 Tempo reviewed numerous culinary websites, including Delish, Eat This Not That, Taste of Home, and Food & Wine. Like all recipes, those for desserts vary widely, and not all will include the same (abbreviated) list of ingredients we offer.

If desserts or alcohol, or desserts with alcohol, aren't your thing, get yourself to the newest eatery in San Francisco's Chinatown to check out Rice Roll Express, a restaurant that pays homage to one of China's most popular street foods.

Here are irresistible desserts infused with alcohol.

• Main ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, cocoa, Guinness stout
• Country of origin: United States (cake); Ireland (Guinness)

• Main ingredients: Yeast cake, rum syrup, pastry cream
• Country of origin: France

• Main ingredients: Savoiardi cookies (ladyfingers), eggs, mascarpone, cocoa, coffee, Marsala wine or coffee liqueur
• Country of origin: Italy

• Main ingredients: Sponge cake, sherry, custard, fruit jelly, fruit, whipped cream
• Country of origin: England

• Main ingredients: Egg yolks, egg whites, Grand Marnier
• Country of origin: France

• Main ingredients: Cookie crumbs, butter, chocolate, condensed milk, rum, cocoa
• Country of origin: Denmark

• Main ingredients: Stale bread, milk, eggs, sugar, dried fruit, spices, butter beaten with rum or brandy (hard sauce)
• Country of origin: England

• Main ingredients: Egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, rum-soaked raisins
• Country of origin: Sicily

• Main ingredients: Breadcrumbs, eggs, sugar, butter, dried fruit, spices, brandy and/or stout
• Country of origin: United Kingdom

• Main ingredients: Frozen mixed berries, sugar, red wine
• Country of origin: Italy (granita)

• Main ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, cream, coffee, Irish whiskey
• Country of origin: United States (New Orleans)

• Main ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, rum or brandy
• Country of origin: England (eggnog); United States (cake)

• Main ingredients: Fresh or frozen strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, prosecco
• Country of origin: United States

• Main ingredients: Bosc pears, red wine, orange zest, sugar
• Country of origin: France

• Main ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, espresso, Kahlúa
• Country of origin: Italy (affogato); Mexico (Kahlúa)

• Main ingredients: Oranges, strawberries, peaches, sugar, red wine
• Country of origin: United States (New Orleans)

• Main ingredients: Crêpes, butter, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, Grand Marnier or triple sec
• Country of origin: France