2013 was the year that the cupcake's crown was stolen. Instead of sweet treats that have been done to death we looked for a new twist on desserts and snacks. Here are five highlights...
Credit: Food 52 blog
The rise of the Cronut
The doughnut-croissant hybrid became an internet sensation, but is it just a fad? Time will tell. These started out life in New York when a baker called Dominique Ansel launched the product in his bakery. Many have since imitated but not many have enjoyed quite the same level of success as the original cronut (which is trademarked by the way). It's like the new Krispy Kreme.
Recipe: Cronuts, made at home (Food 52)
Credit: Channel 4
Gourmet Marshmallows take over
The gourmet marshmallow has been around for a while, but 2013 was the year that they properly took off in the UK. Forget flumps and camp fires, it's now all about infusing marshmallows with fabulous flavours. I remember a few years ago going to Fortnum and Mason for their versions, but more and more restaurants and retailers are jumping on this bandwagon.
Further reading: The Independent
Recipe: Passion fruit marshmallow snowballs (Channel 4)
Credit: BBC Good Food Magazine
A twist on the eclair
This food phenomenon arrived from across the Channel. In Paris the eclair has outdone the humble cupcake and the latest twist is to update the classic choux pastry delight with fabulous coloured icing and newfangled flavours. Try making them miniature or adding fruits or other extra fillings to the cream or custard centre.
Recipe: Mini Eclairs (BBC Good Food)
Further reading: Eclairs with flair by Rosa Jackson
Credit: Yumly
Popcorn gets posh
This is one sweet treat that's been seen everywhere, and it's far easier to package and sell in stores than some of the other trends mentioned. Joe & Sephs have a plethora of different flavoured varieties, including salted caramel, gingerbread and even gin & tonic. The great thing about popcorn is that it is a lot healthier than other snacks, depending, of course, on what you add to it. Give it a go next movie night.
Recipe: Party Popcorn (Once Upon a Chef on Yumly)
Further reading: Popcorn Grows Up
Credit: Red Online
The friand, your new best friend
A closer cousin of the cupcake, the friand is a relative newcomer to the mainstream but is popping up on afternoon tea menus. One company leading the pack is The Friand Cake Company from Scotland who launched in 2013 and are already proving successful in Edinburgh. These little cakes are actually really easy to make at home though, and a lot less expensive. Plus, they use egg whites and ground almonds which makes them a lighter alternative to stodgier cakes.
Recipe: Blueberry and almond friands (Red Online)