In 2015, cake pops and cupcakes turned small bakeries into a booming industry.  If your bakery was one of the ones lucky enough to get in on the ground floor of these crazes, you surely saw an enormous uptick in sales and revenue.  As the owner of a small business, it’s important that you take advantage of trends in your industry.  This is especially true when it comes to baked goods.  Customers tend to remain loyal to bakeries and sweet shops, so having the latest trends available is of the utmost importance.  You will want to take the time to perfect your recipe and ensure you are providing a quality product and also get theses treats on your shelves as soon as possible. Here are some great new dessert trends causing a stir in the market.

1. Eclairs

Eclairs of course are a traditional dessert offered by many bakeries and have been a staple of consistent revenue for decades.  The reason these are gaining in popularity now is their ability to hold all types of fillings.  This is where you can capitalize.  Coming up with new and creative ideas to fill your éclairs is what will separate your bakery from the competition.  Create several recipes and then product-test them with your customers.  Find out which ones are a hit and start producing them on a daily basis.  People love éclairs, adding your own personal touch is what will drive business.

2. Kouign-Amann

Pronounced “queen aman”, which means butter cake in French, this dessert item has been around for centuries but has recently started to take off in bigger cities on the east coast.  Who doesn’t love butter and sugar?  Not many bakeries offer these, so there is still an opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

3. Shortbread

These are becoming extremely popular in small tea and coffee shops.  If your bakery happens to distribute to these types of businesses, it’s certainly worth adding this to your selection.  Shortbread can be tweaked many different ways by adding subtle ingredients like honey or cocoa powder.  

4. Smaller Desserts

Creating bite-sized versions of popular desserts is one trend that is already starting to take off.  Consumers are no longer looking for a giant slab of cake or pie.  Creating mini strawberry shortcakes, pecan pies or even cannolis is a great way to bring in new customers.  Their smaller size also represents an opportunity for greater profit margins.

5. Alcohol Desserts

Desserts that contain alcohol have started to take off as those throwing dinner parties and wedding receptions are looking for a fun way to spruce up their desserts.  Adding high end rum, vodka and whiskey is a great way to increase sales on traditional desserts and drive revenue.  Be sure you have the proper permits to offer these items as laws can vary state to state.

6. Healthy Desserts

On the opposite end of the spectrum, many consumers have become increasingly focused on health.  Developing desserts that are organic, gluten free and lower calorie can help to bring back customers that have decided to ditch sweet treats.  This opens you up to a whole new revenue stream and could establish you as an innovator in your local market.

7. Artistic Desserts

Consumers these days want food that looks as good as it tastes.  Traditional designs will always have classic appeal, but adding an artistic touch to make your desserts appear original is necessary to stand out.  Experiment with different designs and even hold contests for your customers to submit their own designs.  This can be a fun exercise and with the right designs, your bakery will appear to be high end and original.

Quikstone Capital Solutions Can Help

Once you’ve perfected your sweet treats and updated your menu, it’s time to get the word out.  Quikstone Capital Solutions can provide you with a merchant cash advance to help promote your bakery and provide you with safe guards against unexpected expenses. In need of extra ingredients, equipment upgrades or other improvements? Quikstone Capital Solutions can help increase your bakery's profitability and sweeten your bottom line.