Dessert Buffets are the new and upcoming way to serve the delightful goodies we always have room for after a meal. Buffets and grazing tables are a trend that have come to stay, with amazing charcuterie boards, to a potluck dinner with your friends and family or even small dessert trios that are just the right amount to have anyone asking for more. All of these trends are just different ways of serving the same idea. Dessert Buffets.
Dessert Buffets may seem simple from the outside eye but a lot of planning goes into this craft. Whether you’re a professional pastry chef or someone who just likes to get creative with your dinner parties, below, is where you will find tips and tricks to curating a dessert spread that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but becomes the absolute peak of your event.
1. Create a diverse selection:
Diversity is the absolute pinnacle of life and dessert buffets are no different. When creating a dessert buffet think of a selection that will cater for any type of person. This includes the sweet taste of Jelly and Ice Cream for Children, a healthy option for your fitness fanatics, something a little more fancy (Like Petite Fours) for the more esteemed individuals and a classic dessert like a sticky toffee pudding for a traditional pallet.
2. Do you have a theme?
A theme is a great way to create an aesthetically pleasing look to your dessert buffet. This can be done through inspiration on season, colour pallets, or drawn from a specific culinary influence (European is one we love and suggest!). Creating a unified looks adds a touch of sophistication and coherence to your presentation.
3. Height and depth for Visual Impact:
Transform your dessert spread into a visual masterpiece by playing with height and depth. Utilize an assortment of cake stands, tiered trays, and decorative boxes to create different levels, drawing attention to specific items and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your display. We have some great suggestions for where to buy these. We love our Lazy Susan for a particularly fun way to serve dishes, buy it HERE . Try our favourite cake stand HERE , this one is even detachable so you can use it as a singular cake stand. Having trouble finding ways to keep up vege cones? buy our Multi Aperol Display stand from HERE.
4. Diversify your textures and flavours:
Harmony is key when it comes to dessert buffets. Achieve a delightful balance by combining rich chocolates with refreshing fruits, creamy textures with crunchy elements, and bold flavours with subtle undertones. The result? A symphony of tastes that leaves a lasting impression. Need some ideas? Use our crunchy Danishes in conjunction with our Beautiful soft Pop Dots that are filled with Custard or Chocolate.
5. Incorporate fresh elements:
Fresh fruits not only add a burst of colour but also provide a refreshing contrast to indulgent desserts. Elevate the vibrancy of your dessert buffet by including a selection of seasonal fruits that complement and enhance the overall experience. Another one of our fresh elements that we personally love to ruse in our dessert tables are Fresh EDIBLE flowers (Please make sure these are food grade flowers) and herbs. These add a beautiful colour to your table and also add a touch of elegance.
6. Quality ingredients Matter:
Ensure the success of your dessert buffet by investing in high-quality ingredients. Emma-Jane’s Foodservice offers a premium range of products crafted to elevate the taste and presentation of your creations, guaranteeing a delightful culinary experience for your guests.
7. Signage!
Guide your guests through the tantalizing array by incorporating thoughtful signage and labels for each dessert. Consider adding brief descriptions or indicating dietary information to cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions. Our favourites are linked HERE.
8. Consider Dietary Requirements:
Cater to the diverse dietary needs of your guests by including a selection of gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options. Thoughtful consideration of dietary restrictions ensures that everyone can indulge in the sweet experience without compromise.
9. Consider Placement!
Ensure the seamless flow of your dessert buffet by strategically placing items. Make each dessert easily accessible while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that enhances the overall visual appeal. Do not ever put a water based food (Like cucumbers, tomatoes, frozen products that are still defrosting), next to a bread based product. This will eventually turn your bread soggy! This is not what you want.
10. Half and Half: Homemade or premade?
This is a pinnacle question for a lot of food connoisseur. Everyone wants to showcase their pastry making skills when presenting a dessert buffet, whether that is making your own Danishes or creating a beautiful chocolate fondant that will impress any guest. Remember that making everything is just not possible, especially for those catering over a more than 10 people. Its always great to have your own touch on anything you make, but, in the long run this wont help you. Consider buying some premade goodies for around half of your dishes that you are serving, the Emma-Jane’s Range can help you out with this from large logs that will create height and depth in your spread, or some smaller petite fours that show intricacies and details guests will appreciate.
BONUS: Interactive Elements
Have you ever considered having interactive details in your buffets to create some inclusivity for your guests? A beautiful DIY Ice cream stand is a great way to incorporate elements of fun into your spread.
In summary, crafting a memorable dessert buffet or grazing table transcends the realm of sweet treats; it’s about creating an immersive experience that engages the senses. Armed with these comprehensive tips and the exquisite products from Emma-Jane’s Foodservice, you’re well-equipped to embark on a journey of sweet success. Indulge in the art of dessert mastery, and watch as your creations become the talk of the town, leaving a sweet imprint on every occasion.