A Decade Of Desserts: The Most Popular Dessert Recipes From 2023

2023 was the year of desserts; from the revival of Bridgerton-style high tea to the introduction of mini mirror cakes, malt ice creams, funfetti dips, the year was full of surprises. However, very few social media trends actually bring about real business in real-time. Something that’s viral on social media may not be popular in your local patisseries. But they can manage to engage foodies, chefs and content creators alike to come up with creative versions. 2023 was the year for culinary innovations in home kitchens, not just by experts or chefs but by savvy foodies who don;t mind getting their hands greasy for a recipe that’s worth it. Here are some of the most popular dessert recipes of 2023

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Hailing from the Basque region of Spain, the Basque Burnt Cheesecake got its moment under the sun this year. Despite being a cheesecake, it’s the perfect contrast to the classic cheesecake with its signature smokey golden surface. It has an elegant but rustic quality and the delicate, caramelized dessert has become a social media sensation as home bakers and pastry chefs from across the globe tried their best at achieving the perfect balance of creamy and burnt flavors.

Mochi Desserts

Mochi emerged as the trend people could not get enough of. The Japanese sticky rice flour confection expanded its global footprint with the widely popular mochi ice cream. Foodies simply wanted more in-depth information into what mochi is and what it is made of. The chewy and delightful Japanese rice cake is slowly emerging as a signature across fine diners across the world. From traditional daifuku filled with sweetened red bean paste to contemporary, flavored mochi ice cream, the Japanese dessert has captured the curiosity of dessert enthusiasts globally.

Matcha Desserts

Matcha has been steadily gaining popularity across mainstream food culture. The visually striking green hue of matcha desserts is what makes them stand out in a crowd of pastel and chocolate-colored confections. Moreover, matcha is a superfood; it’s rich in antioxidants, including catechins, which are believed to have various health benefits. So most foodies believe matcha-based desserts are a healthier alternative to regular options. Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves which has a unique and earthy flavor. It’s signature balanced bitterness and sweet aftertaste helps it blend in recipes which have a more potent aftertaste.

Plant-Based Desserts

The demand for vegan options is significantly impacting the pastry industry worldwide, prompting chefs and entrepreneurs to cater to plant-based foodies. Globally, the vegan dessert market is valued at $2.77 billion and is outpacing the growth of other dessert markets.

While traditional pastries, cakes, and pies often rely on butter for fat content and eggs for protein, plant-based dessert recipes use guilt-free alternatives which don’t rely on animal products. The growing availability of vegan ingredients like almond milk, oat milk, coconut cream, cashew cheese etc is a big reason why more and more people are now on the lookout for vegan recipes they can make at home at a limited cost

Edible Flower Desserts

Edible flowers, with their vibrant colors and delicate petals, elevate the visual profile of desserts. Floral infusions can enhance the taste and aroma of various sweets as well. Edible flowers like pansies, violets, lavender, rose petals, and chamomile can be crystallized, candied, or simply used as fresh garnishes.

They’re also an easy way to add a seasonal element to celebration desserts. The availability of different edible flowers changes with the seasons. This encourages chefs and bakers to adapt their creations based on the flowers in season, adding a seasonal and fresh element to the trend. They’re usually paired with herbs and botanicals. For example, lavender might be combined with lemon for a refreshing twist, or rose petals may be infused with vanilla for a delicate sweetness.

Upside Down Cakes

If the 2010s were about the naked cake, the 2020s may very well be about the upside down cakes. The trend of adding a deconstructed component or radically changing the classic silhouette of a cake is still a popular one. Upside-down cakes involve arranging fruits, often slices or halves, at the bottom of the cake pan before pouring the batter over them. During baking, the cake is flipped upside down after being removed from the oven, which reveals its beautifully caramelized and fruit-studded top.

Seasonal fruits like figs, strawberries, oranges, pears, peaches etc caramelise well and are ideal for this recipe. The cake batter is typically buttery and moist, which is a delicious contrast to the sweet and caramelized fruit topping. The choice of batter can also complement the selected fruit and add different dimensions to the dessert.