In the year 2013, dessert trends went beyond mere gustatory pleasures; they became a form of edible art, enticing both the eyes and the taste buds on a journey of culinary exploration. As a realm of food that everyone loves, there’s so much to explore in the world of desserts with each city, state and country having its own favourites. But sometimes, there are dessert trends that emerge which sweep the world off its feet and become more than mere dishes, they become cultural phenomena.
2013 was a landmark year for desserts with many trends taking off that would go down in dessert history, many of which have become staples of the bakery and dessert world even today.
There have been few dessert crazes that were as intense, or as memorable as the Cronut. This cross between a croissant and a donut was made by the French pastry chef Dominique Ansel in 2013 and immediately became a worldwide obsession. Its flaky layers and sugary glaze created a sensation, prompting dessert enthusiasts to queue up for this delectable hybrid. It also prompted patissiers and bakers the world over to start experimenting with their own hybrid creations.
Dessert jars became the epitome of sweetness in 2013, offering layers of indulgence neatly stacked in a compact jar. There was something so appealing about getting a multitude of famous desserts in a brand new format that everyone immediately fell for. From creamy cheesecakes to fruity parfaits, these portable delights provided a charming visual appeal and a convenient way to savor multiple flavors in one sitting and take your sweet treats on the go. .
Though it dates back to the 17th century, it was in 2013 that this dessert hit the peak of its popularity. Initially the red color was due to a chemical reaction between the cocoa powder and the acids in buttermilk were believed to cause the red color, however using food dye is the more common approach today Red velvet, with its velvety texture and rich cocoa undertones, emerged as a timeless classic of the modern age with the flavor combination and cream cheese frosting finding its way into many spinoff desserts as well.
In 2013, you could walk into any bakery and find a salted caramel dessert, or more likely, dozens! It was truly the flavor of the hour and a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness to a myriad of desserts. This sophisticated flavor profile found its way into ice creams, brownies, and even beverages, creating a harmonious blend that continued to delight dessert fans for many years to come.
Aesthetics won the day with these bite-sized treats on a stick, offering a playful twist to traditional cakes. These miniature delights, adorned with colorful coatings and toppings, became a charming addition to parties and gatherings. They quickly became the favorite for kids and adults alike and were a favorite for gifting. In 2013, a cake pop bouquet was the height of luxury.
Another crossbreed creation that came shortly in the wake of the cronut but had its own wave of popularity, this delightful mix of muffins and doughnuts, gained popularity with their soft, cake-like texture and sugary coatings. These hybrid delights provided a delightful alternative to the usual bakery offerings and offered audiences who were beginning to get weary of the cronut something new to explore.
In 2013, the need of the hour was subverting expectations, and for many chefs, deconstruction was the way to do it. Famous and popular desserts were stripped back to their basic components, creatively reimagined and then artfully rearranged. This trend added a touch of creativity to the desert landscape, enticing food enthusiasts to appreciate the complexity of flavors in a visually appealing manner.
These 7 desserts shaped the culinary landscape of 2013 and set the wheels in motion for more trends over the coming decade. How many of these iconic trends have you tried?