THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DESSERTS FOR CATERING EVENTS

by Abby Woloss

Desserts are an essential component of any catering event, and it's important to get them right. Whether you're catering for a wedding, corporate event, or private party, there are a few things you need to consider when planning your dessert menu. In this ultimate guide to desserts for catering events, we'll cover everything you need to know to create an unforgettable dessert experience for your guests.

1. Consider Your Audience

The first thing you need to consider when planning your dessert menu is your audience. Are you catering for a wedding, where you'll have guests of all ages? Or are you catering for a corporate event, where the guests are primarily adults? This will influence the type of dessert you choose to serve. For example, if you're catering for a wedding, you may want to include desserts that are more kid-friendly, like cupcakes or cookies. If you're catering for a corporate event, you may want to include more sophisticated desserts, like macarons or tartlets.

2. Choose a Variety of Desserts

When planning your dessert menu, it's important to choose a variety of desserts that will appeal to everyone's tastes. This means including a mix of chocolate, fruit, and nut-based desserts, as well as some gluten-free and vegan options. You should also consider including some lighter desserts, like fruit salad or sorbet, for guests who may not want something too heavy after a meal.

3. Don't forget the classics

While it's great to offer a variety of desserts, don't forget the classics. Everyone loves a good chocolate cake or a slice of apple pie. Make sure you include a few traditional desserts that everyone will recognize and love.

4. Consider the venue

When planning your dessert menu, consider the venue. If you're hosting an outdoor event, make sure your desserts can hold up in the heat. If you're hosting an event in a small space, consider offering bite-sized desserts that are easy to eat.

5. Consider the Season

The season can also influence the type of dessert you choose to serve. For example, if you're catering for a summer event, you may want to include desserts that are lighter and fruit-based, like strawberry shortcake or peach cobbler. If you're catering for a winter event, you may want to include richer, more indulgent desserts, like chocolate truffles or bread pudding.

6. Keep it Simple

When it comes to desserts, sometimes less is more. Instead of offering a wide variety of desserts, consider offering a few simple, high-quality options that are sure to please. For example, a classic chocolate cake or homemade ice cream can be a hit with guests.

7. Display Your Desserts Creatively

The way you display your desserts can also make a big impact on your guests. Consider creating a dessert table or station with different levels and heights to showcase your desserts. You can also add some decorative elements, like flowers or candles, to make the display more visually appealing.

8. Don't Forget About Beverages

In addition to dessert, it's important to consider the beverages you'll be serving. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are all great options to pair with dessert. You may also want to consider offering a dessert cocktail or wine pairing to really take your dessert experience to the next level.

9. Offer a Dessert Bar

One fun idea for catering events is to offer a dessert bar, where guests can create their own desserts. This can include a variety of toppings, like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruit, that guests can add to a base dessert, like a brownie or ice cream sundae.

10. Offer mini desserts

Mini desserts are a great way to offer a variety of options without overwhelming your guests. They are also perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything. Consider mini cupcakes, macarons, and cheesecake bites.

11. Use seasonal ingredients

Using seasonal ingredients is a great way to add flavor and freshness to your desserts. In the fall, use pumpkin and cinnamon. In the summer, use fresh berries and citrus. Not only will it add flavor, but it will also make your desserts feel more special and unique.

Creating the ultimate dessert experience for your catering event requires careful planning and consideration. By keeping your audience in mind, choosing a variety of desserts, and considering the season and dietary restrictions, you can create a dessert menu that will please everyone. Display your desserts creatively, offer a variety of beverages, and consider offering a dessert bar to really take your dessert experience to the next level. With these tips, your dessert menu is sure to be a hit with your guests.

At Eddie Deen & Company Catering, we offer guests the option to customize their dessert menu or select one of the many existing menu theme options listed on our website. The East Texas BBQ menu is our most popular menu that has made Eddie Deen famous for serving up tasty, never-disappointing dishes. We also offer themed menus and holiday menus. If you are on the lookout for a caterer, click the link here to learn more about our catering services, bar services, and venue locations.