Peak Sweetness: The Best Peaky Blinders-Inspired Desserts For Your Holiday Party

Miss the Peaky gang and their shenanigans at The Garrison pub? Why not plan a holiday menu for your party featuring some sweet treats inspired by the show

Planning your Christmas party already? If you love quirky pop culture references in your food or favour themed desserts in general, give Peaky Blinders-inspired desserts a try. Not only is the British period drama widely loved by many, but it also gives you room to play around with a bunch of flavours. Why not curate a range of cupcakes around main man Tommy Shelby’s favourite drink or dedicate a dessert each to Watery Lane’s gangster clan?

Boozy desserts can be the highlight of your party since alcohol has been one of the most consistent themes on the show. However, you can be creative even if you’re planning a zero-proof Peaky Blinders menu. Recreate desserts from The Garrison or The Eden’s menu or browse through what was popularly served at Epsom Darby during the early to mid-1900s and you’ll find a host of ideas.

Instead of looking up old-school desserts, try thinking along modern lines. Consider a recreation of a popular Victorian dessert that can be played up to match the theme of the show, or maybe a new flavour resembling the layers in someone’s character; you can even highlight a whole series of fun toppings inspired by your favourites! Here are a few ideas to give you a head start on your Peaky Blinders-themed holiday dessert menu!

Birmingham Pudding

Develop a dessert inspired by Birmingham, the city which is not just the setting of the show but also a protagonist. But instead of the grimy, cobblestone paths and the factory smoke, focus on the classic elements. Maybe a traditional British pudding with a modern twist, such as a sticky toffee pudding with sea salt dressing or an old-school bread and butter pudding with chocolate swirls.

Apple Charlotte

Though this retro British dessert which also features in the official Peaky Blinders cookbook was created in the 19th century for Kinf George IV to finish a race day menu. So you know it’d be perfect for your Peaky party! It’s essentially a clever, economical take on apple pie and the best part is that it can be made for individual servings and served in single ramekins

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes

Gin was a particular favourite with the Shelbys, so much so that Thomas went into the business of making his gin. So gin and tonic cupcakes are the perfect way to pay homage to this iconic character. Infuse classic cupcakes with the flavors of a gin and tonic; you can add a splash of gin to the cupcake batter and incorporate tonic water into the frosting. Garnish with a small lime wedge for an extra touch.

Bourbon-infused Chocolate Truffles

Though Tommy himself is a fan of Irish whiskey, bourbon was a major favorite with his peers. Bourbon goes particularly well with chocolate and berries, so you can make some decadent and rich chocolate truffles infused with high-quality bourbon. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or crushed nuts or go for a raspberry drizzle

Alfajores

This South American dessert is commonly known as Alfies and just like Alfie Solomons it packs quite a punch! This dessert is quite simplistic in design and not difficult to assemble at all. Alfajores are basically Dulce De Leche sandwich cookies; they feature shortbread cookies and a delicate and luscious dulce de leche and are often rolled in shredded coconut

Cigar Box Cake

Craft a cake resembling a cigar box, paying homage to the many, many cigars smoked by the Shelby boys, Polly and Alfie. Use fondant or chocolate to create the intricate details of a cigar box, and consider adding edible images or decorations representing the Peaky Blinders gang. You can even consider mini versions of cigar boxes with fun toppings.

Whiskey Sour Muffins

No one loves a sharp whiskey sour as much as Tommy Shelby. Try recreating the flavour with a light and airy muffin to pass around before dinner. Your best bet is a lemon batter infused with a few splashes of whiskey and a light meringue-style lemon frosting so the intensity of the whiskey is complemented well

Chocolate Whiskey Loaf Cake

Remember how Alfie ran a bakery without a flour bag in sight? This dessert is a cheeky rendition of what Alfie would bake at his Regents Canal bakery if it wasn’t actually a front for his whiskey business. Besides whiskey, try adding a splash of Guinness to elevate its taste.