Hot and fresh out the kitchen, here are 2024’s most popular pastries
The Re-Reinvention of Croissants
It’s been over 10 years since Dominique Ansel’s invention – the ‘Cronut’ – introduced the world to the concept of a viral pastry. Since then, a plethora of pastries have continued to trend in and out of extreme popularity on Instagram and, more recently, TikTok.
Whilst some creations come and go just as quickly, the croissant has remained ever-popular year after year. The universally loved, buttery, flaky pastry keeps lending itself to new adaptations, each with the potential to regain that first level of virality launched by the Cronut.
The latest trending croissant creations have been the ‘Cube Croissant’ from Le Deli Robuchon in London, the ‘Croissant Suprême’ from New York’s Lafayette Bakery, Korea’s 2-D flat croissants and ‘Le Crookie’ invented at the Paris boulangerie, Maison Louvard.
So, the question is, what’s next for the much-loved croissant?
Free-From & Plant-based
Demand for healthy eating and diet-restriction-friendly baked goods will keep on rising. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sugar, low-carb, minimally or completely unprocessed products will continue to gain popularity. Alongside this, pastry chefs will have to get creative with the use of plant-based alternatives for baking staples, such as dairy and eggs. The challenge will be to recreate the signature textures, flavours and aromas of animal-based ingredients with vegan ingredients.
Unusual Flavour Combos
Sweet and salty, citrusy and spicy, soft and crunchy, creamy and layered… Contrasting and complementary flavour, and texture combinations require chefs to strike a unique balance when formulating their pastries and desserts. It’s a mix of art and science, and consumers continue to seek combinations that will surprise and delight them.
Trending flavours this year include florals: honeysuckle, violet, lavender and cherry blossom, often paired with vanilla, peach, berry, and citrus flavours. Sweet and spicy – or ‘sweet heat’ – combinations are always popular and ‘hot honey’ is currently having its moment in the spotlight. Going forward we’ll see more fruit pairings with chillies, for example: mango habanero and pineapple sriracha.
To see more of the latest trends and discover the best products for your business, visit Gulfhost from 5 – 7 November at Dubai World Trade Centre.
