Baking world brimming with endless possibilities

For all the bakers out there, make 2023 a little sweeter by adopting sustainable bakery practices, with an aim to not only help the environment but also captivate and retain customers.

“As a professional baker and culinary instructor, I’ve watched the world of baking evolve over the years. Baking has always been a popular pastime, but it has become even more popular in the past few years as people have spent more time at home during the pandemic. As we look ahead to 2023, it’s clear that baking will continue to stand the test of time by incorporating new and exciting recipes and trends that emerge all the time,” said chef Rakhee Vaswani.

This year, there are a few trends that the chef thinks will continue to be particularly popular in the world of baking. “Firstly, the increasing popularity of plant-based and vegan baking versus traditional baked goods has led to the development of a wide range of innovative recipes that showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

Simultaneously, people are also seeking gluten-free options, which has led bakers to experiment with flours made from grains like oats, sorghum, millet, and quinoa, as well as nut flours like almond and coconut.These flours have added unique flavours and textures to baked goods and made them more nutritious,” she said.

The use of unusual and exotic flavours in baking is another trend that has satisfied and will continue to satisfy many people’s palates in the coming years. From matcha, turmeric, lavender, or a rare combination of sweet and savoury, bakers are experimenting with bold flavours in everything from cookies and cakes to bread and pastries. Not only do these flavours bring a unique twist to traditional baked goods, but they also offer health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.The chef suggests her personal favourite for baking fruit, spongy, cheesecakes, or even wedding cakes is the MasterClass Non-Stick Spring Form Loose Base Cake Pan on thinKitchen.in.

Classic baking recipes are also becoming popular again, with flavours like lavender, Earl Grey tea, and cardamom making a comeback. “As diabetes rates continue to rise worldwide, there has also been a trend toward using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. These classic flavours and ingredients are not only nostalgically satisfying but also offer healthier alternatives to traditional recipes.

The freshly baked honey muffins could be a perfect addition to a winter soiree,” added the chef.Sourdough bread, which has existed for centuries, became popular during the 2020 quarantine baking trend. According to her, it will continue to be a staple in the baking world because of people’s deep affection for its unique flavour and texture. Sourdough bread has become the first choice across the globe, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it is healthier, and contains more fibre than other types of bread.

A major trend that emerged after the pandemic in the baking sector is a shift toward more interactive and experimental baking in regional styles. From Middle Eastern pastries to Asian-inspired bread, there is always something for everyone to try. This trend involves a variety of options, from taking online baking classes or workshops to trying out DIY kits to simply looking up recipes from different parts of the world and attempting to recreate them at home.

All these trends show that the baking world is brimming with endless possibilities for creativity and innovation, especially after the outbreak of the pandemic.The world of baking is constantly evolving and embracing new flavours and techniques, so there’s always something new to discover, shake things up in the baking recipes, and try techniques that can be a potential trend in the coming years. Happy baking!