Baking Trends That Foodies Must Try This Year
Are you ready to take your baking skills to the next level? Every year, the baking world experiences new trends that make it even more exciting to get in the kitchen and experiment with fresh ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or a beginner, this year’s trends are definitely worth trying. Let’s explore the baking styles, flavors, and techniques that are setting kitchens on fire (figuratively, of course!).
1. The Rise of Artisan Sourdough
If you thought sourdough was just a passing trend, think again. This year, artisan sourdough is making a serious comeback, but with a twist. Bakers are playing around with different types of flour, from whole wheat to rye, and experimenting with varying hydration levels to achieve unique textures and flavors. What was once reserved for professional bakers is now something anyone can try at home.
Take, for example, a recent trend in sourdough pancakes. The slow fermentation process not only gives these pancakes a tangy depth of flavor, but it also helps to create a super fluffy texture. Baking sourdough bread with a starter that’s been passed down through generations or bought from a local bakery makes the entire experience more special. If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own bread, this is the year to dive in!
2. Colorful, Fun Bakes with Natural Dyes
Who says baked goods have to be boring? One of the most exciting trends this year is the use of natural dyes to color cakes, cookies, and pastries. From beetroot to spirulina, bakers are using ingredients that not only add vibrant hues but are also healthier than synthetic food coloring. Plus, they add a subtle flavor that can enhance your baked goods.
Imagine a rich, purple velvet cake made with natural purple sweet potatoes. Or lemon cookies tinted with turmeric, giving them a gorgeous golden glow. These natural colors are popping up everywhere, and they’re just as eye-catching as they are delicious.
3. Plant-Based Baking for Everyone
It seems like everyone is trying plant-based baking this year, whether out of dietary preferences, environmental concerns, or simply out of curiosity. But here’s the thing: plant-based doesn’t mean flavorless or dry! In fact, it can mean the complete opposite. From rich, vegan chocolate cakes to dairy-free croissants, plant-based baking is becoming more refined and more accessible than ever before.
Brands are developing plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of traditional butter, milk, and eggs, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite treats turning out flat or crumbly. You can still make that flaky pie crust or moist banana bread, but with ingredients that align with your lifestyle. It’s not just for vegans anymore – plant-based baking is for anyone looking to experiment with more sustainable ingredients and flavors.
4. Show-Stopping Layer Cakes with Unexpected Fillings
Layer cakes are still a fan favorite, but this year, bakers are upping the ante by filling them with surprising ingredients. Think beyond the typical frosting. You’ll see everything from whipped honey mascarpone and tangy lemon curd to salted caramel and even edible flowers as cake fillings. The fillings aren’t just a fun surprise, they also bring out exciting flavor combinations.
One popular take is the “rainbow surprise cake,” where each layer hides a different color or flavor, keeping guests guessing. Or how about a carrot cake filled with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream cheese? The fun of digging into a multi-layered cake with a new surprise in each bite is one of the hottest trends this year.
5. Nostalgic Bakes with a Modern Twist
Who doesn’t love a good nostalgic bake? This year, we’re seeing a resurgence of classic desserts like Whoopie pies, Pop-Tarts, and old-fashioned coffee cakes, but with new flavor profiles or ingredients that give them a fresh spin.
Take, for example, the beloved Whoopie pie. This year, we’re seeing them filled with more adventurous flavor combinations, like matcha and white chocolate, or salted caramel and pretzels. These nods to the past are comforting but also inspire curiosity and creativity, making them the perfect way to reminisce while trying something new.
6. Baking with Alcohol: It’s a Thing!
Is there anything better than dessert and a cocktail? Well, bakers have figured out how to combine the two by incorporating alcohol into their baked goods. Whether it’s a rich bourbon-soaked pecan pie, rum-infused chocolate cake, or even wine-based fruit tarts, alcohol is playing a starring role in many delicious new recipes this year.
Not only does the alcohol add depth of flavor, but it can also help balance out sweetness and add a bit of unexpected richness to your treats. If you’re a fan of boozy desserts (and who isn’t?), get ready to experiment with your favorite spirits in your baking this year!
Conclusion: A Year of Sweet Surprises
The baking trends of 2025 are full of possibilities, from exploring ancient techniques like sourdough to getting creative with colorful, natural dyes and plant-based options. There’s never been a better time to embrace your inner baker and experiment with some new flavors and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these trends are sure to inspire you to try something new this year.
So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake something fun, unexpected, and absolutely delicious!
