Chef Dina's Guide to Holiday Desserts

Seasonality in Pastries and Desserts

Seasonality plays a crucial role in the world of pastry and confectionery for foodservice establishments. It encompasses seasonal flavours and ingredients that can vary across different cultures in Canada. This adds a touch of excitement and novelty to the culinary experience, driving customer interest and loyalty.

One way to leverage seasonality is by offering branded limited-edition variations of popular seasonal desserts. For example, Nestlé Confectionery brands like Turtles are associated with nostalgic holiday memories in Canada. Imagine taking the classic buttery crusted pecan pie, loved by many, and giving it a branded twist with "Made with Turtles" Pecan Pie. This not only taps into the hearts and minds of consumers who adore Nestlé's famous Turtles chocolates but also creates a unique and memorable dessert experience.

But why stop there? By adding another layer of seasonality, such as incorporating cranberries harvested in October, you can create something truly exceptional. The "Made with Turtles" Cranberry Pecan Pie becomes a one-of-a-kind creation that sets your establishment apart from the competition. This combination of seasonal flavours, branded desserts, and unique ingredients not only delights customers but also fosters a sense of loyalty and keeps them coming back for more.

How to Increase Sales during the Holidays

1. Leverage branded dessert offerings: Incorporating branded desserts into your holiday menu can be a game-changer. Customers often have nostalgic connections to certain brands, so offering traditional holiday desserts with a branded twist can create a sense of familiarity and excitement. Consider adding unique variations of popular desserts using branded ingredients. For example, imagine a classic apple pie made with KitKat®-infused caramel sauce. This not only adds a delightful twist to a traditional dessert but also taps into the hearts and minds of customers who love KitKat®. 

2. Incorporate festive flavours from across cultures: The holiday season is a time of celebration and diversity. Embrace this by incorporating festive flavours from different cultures into your dessert menu. For instance, instead of the usual cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate, consider using cardamom for a unique and exotic twist. This will not only cater to a wider range of tastes but also add an element of surprise and intrigue to your offerings.

3. Make your desserts visually appealing: In the age of social media, visual appeal is more important than ever. Customers are drawn to desserts that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Take the time to create desserts that are visually appealing and Instagram-worthy. Play with colours, textures, and presentation to make your desserts stand out. Consider adding edible decorations, garnishes, or even experimenting with different plating techniques. Remember, a picture-perfect dessert is more likely to catch the attention of potential customers and increase sales.

How to Make Your Holiday Desserts Stand Out Visually

Incorporate vibrant seasonal garnishes like fresh berries or edible flowers to add a burst of colour and freshness to your desserts. Experiment with decorative elements such as chocolate shavings or powdered sugar dusting to elevate the presentation and texture. Play around with different plating styles, textures, and heights to create visually captivating desserts.

To add an extra twist, center your dessert offerings around a specific holiday theme. For instance, take inspiration from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and explore the trend of incorporating vegetables into desserts. Create unique green vegetable-based holiday treats like a Coconut Avocado Mousse with KITKAT® Apple Crumble for a thematic and standout dessert experience!

The information presented here offers a general industry perspective and may not directly apply to your specific business operations. Consult with the appropriate subject matter experts before making any business decisions.