This summer, many students and faculty took the opportunity to adventure to different places around the globe. I, however, went on a bit of a baking adventure. From experimenting with plantain bread to making my first cheesecake, I repeatedly encountered five distinct, trending flavors. Below, I share the summer flavors my taste buds could not get enough of, as well as recommend delicious baked goods to try under each category!
Citrus
When I think of the perfect summer dessert, I crave a refreshing dish that is light and sweet. I also love when a dessert has a subtle tangy and acidic aftertaste; it adds a touch of brightness to its flavor profile. Citrus flavors are synonymous with summer and have been recently trending beyond the familiar lemon, lime and orange staples. Ingredient-wise, pink and white grapefruit, passionfruit, yuzu and meyer lemon have found their way into our summer staples. Oh — and don’t forget the copious orange variations, such as blood oranges, mandarins, tangerines and clementines. They’re best enjoyed as citrus curds in cake fillings, grapefruit sorbet, blood orange panna cotta or yuzu ice cream. Citrus is so versatile, offering bold flavors and a hint of tartness to our favorite summer desserts.
Floral
When it comes to getting our fix of delicate, aromatic floral notes, we’re no longer confined to our Starbucks Honey Lavender Espresso Shakers or or Iced Lavender Cream Matchas. Not only is lavender on the rise, but rose, elderflower, chamomile, chrysanthemum and hibiscus flavors have also gained popularity. Consumers are drawn to floral notes in food and beverages because botanical ingredients are often associated with health and sustainability and flowers offer subtle flavors that elevate any dish with an element of sophistication. On your next trip to the bakery, treat yourself with a lavender-infused macaron or a rose-flavored panna cotta.
Global
From Caribbean rum cupcakes to Italian ricotta rolls, international recipes add an exciting sweet twist to everyday life. Globally inspired desserts are on the rise because they offer unique flavor combinations. Many baked goods seen at the bakery Paris Baguette blend Asian and French influences. Ever-evolving Korean bakery concepts also exemplify global trends. In particular, fusion between sweet and spicy notes, aptly called “swicy,” is gaining popularity in pastries and chocolate. Examples of these “swicy” fusions are mango with chili, orange with ginger and strawberry with pepper. A mango chili macaron’s sweet, refreshing elements complement the warm, spicy chili notes to create the perfect summer dessert.
Tropical
It isn’t surprising that tropical fruits are on the rise. Tropical flavors are sweet, tangy and refreshing; they’re reminiscent of sandy beach trips and long, sunny days. Among the list of tropical flavors, two combinations have trended in the dessert world. Tangy and sweet passionfruit complements the mild and aromatic guava to create a refreshing combination. Coconut offers creamy and nutty notes that pair well with the tartness and vibrant sweetness of the pineapple. Tropical-flavored baked goods are often topped with white chocolate. The chocolate’s buttery and rich flavor combines well with the tangy notes of tropical fruits to create a perfectly balanced dessert.
Coffee & Tea
Coffee and tea are no longer confined to just cups. From chai-spiced cookies to espresso brownies, these flavors add a sophisticated touch that have made its way into upscale bakeries. Coffee adds boldness and richness to chocolate desserts; mocha is an unstoppable flavor for a reason. Dark chocolate chip cappuccino cookies and mocha cheesecakes with cacao nibs are only a few examples of this iconic duo. Earl Grey, matcha and chai are also finding their way into cakes, scones, muffins and cookies. Earl Grey, specifically, has a citrusy and zingy flavor palate that adds an elevated touch to basic baked goods. In contrast, matcha’s earthy flavor and bright green color give sweets vibrant complexity, while chai’s warmth adds a soothing coziness to any desserts.
