Did you know 41 percent of consumers are very interested in global-inspired desserts?
And yet only 55 percent of operators currently offer them, per Datassential. After a savory meal, customers generally want something sweet to follow.
When surveyed for the Datassential Desserts report, 93 percent of consumers had eaten dessert within the past week. Younger consumers tended to look for a signature dessert at a restaurant than older generations. Why not make your mark with a confection that takes its cues from across the Atlantic?
Memorable Macarons
Rumor has it King Louis XIV of France ate macarons at his 1660 wedding reception; they’ve only recently begun to gain traction on U.S. dessert menus, however. The French macaron has increased 13 times in menu penetration over the last 10 years—and that growth appears to be continuing.
Macarons are pretty to look at, with a wide array of colors to choose from based on flavor, and inherently gluten-free. Be aware macarons (mack-ah-rohn) are very different from macaroons (mack-ah-ROON).
A macaroon is a sweet, chewy coconut dessert coated in chocolate. A macaron is comprised of two delicate almond cookies sandwiched with a delicious filling inside, like buttercream, jam, or even lemon curd.
Salted caramel macarons are one of the more popular trending flavors, as salted caramel itself has grown 73 percent in the last four years. The flavor possibilities are truly endless—and offering several flavors to sample, even as a dessert sampler small plate, is a great way to go for the sweet-inspired guest.
Brilliant Baklava
Baklava is a sweet, flaky pastry traditionally made with layers of phyllo dough, honey, and chopped pistachios or walnuts. While many Middle Eastern countries have some version of this dessert, baklava is often associated with Greek cuisine; it is generally believed the recipe for baklava was perfected in the court of the Ottoman Empire and historically has been a luxurious food associated with the wealthy in society.
Baklava is currently only seen in three percent of U.S. menus—but it’s the perfect offering to bring some global prestige to your pastry listing. Anything drenched in honey is a good idea, right?
Adding additional honey drizzle, or even some vanilla bean ice cream to warmed-up baklava, could make a ready-made dessert all the more special.
Your Sourcing Solution
Ready to say bonjour to macarons? Geiá sou to baklava? Dot Foods is your sourcing solution. Share your creations with us, using #DevourByDot on Instagram.