The year 2024 has become a haven for dessert lovers and baking enthusiasts alike. A quick scroll of hashtags such as "Foodstagram" reveals a treasure trove of viral videos showcasing food influencers talking about these irresistible delights. From the satisfying simplicity of honey toast to the artful disassembly of delicate pastries, the world of desserts has never been more exciting. If you're a dessert enthusiast, you can't miss the trends that captured everyone's attention this year. From the indulgent crookie to the cloud coffee and the decadent Hong Kong French toast, let’s dive into the desserts that took 2024 by storm.

　　Magic Cake

　　Magic cake, or gâteau magique, is a dessert from Southwestern France that has overtaken the world this year. What makes this French dessert so special? One simple batter transforms into three delightful layers: a rich, fudgy crust, a luscious custard, and a light, fluffy cake top. The creation process involves a low oven temperature which allows the baking to slow down, letting the starch settle at the bottom to create a decadent crust. At the same time, air bubbles from whipped egg whites rise to form a spongy cake atop a creamy custard layer nestled in between. When you slice into this cake, the experience is nothing short of magical—it's like indulging in multiple desserts all at once!

　　The Crookie

　　Much like the earlier mash-ups of cruffin and cronut, the crookie is an exciting fusion of two classics: the croissant and the cookie. This delectable creation, born at Maison Louvard bakery in Paris, features a flaky, buttery croissant generously filled with rich chocolate chip cookie dough, baked to a delightful gooeyness and golden perfection. No wonder people were flocking to their local bakeries to stock up on croissants and cookie dough to try making this irresistible treat at home. Online reviews rave that it’s absolutely worth all the buzz.

　　Tanghulu

　　Tanghulu has taken the internet by storm as a food ASMR trend of 2024. This delightful dessert, rooted in traditional Chinese street food culture, has won the hearts of social media enthusiasts with its irresistible combination of sweet, juicy fruit and a crunchy candied shell. You can create a delectable sugary coating that elevates any fruit by simply boiling water and sugar on the stove. The creativity doesn’t stop there—folks on TikTok are experimenting with an array of fruits, inviting you to join in on this delicious trend.

　　Olympic Chocolate Muffins

　　Google Trends recently released its 'Year in Search 2024' report, highlighting the most searched topics. In the food and drink category, one dish that went viral on social media was the Olympic Chocolate Muffin. These super moist, cake-like muffins are jumbo-sized and filled with dark and milk chocolate chunks, featuring a dark chocolate ganache in the centre. Their popularity skyrocketed after Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, an Olympian, shared his love for them on TikTok while at the Olympic Village.

　　Cotton Candy Coffee

　　The viral sensation of cotton candy coffee is a magical fusion of flavours. The "cloud coffee" is a treat for taste buds and a feast for the eyes. Imagine a fluffy cloud of cotton candy floating above a steaming cup of rich espresso. As the warm steam rises, it delicately dissolves the cotton candy, allowing a rain of sugar to cascade over your drink.

　　Mirchi Ka Halwa

　　December marks the vibrant wedding season in India, and this year, amid the lavish feasts, one remarkable dessert is stealing the spotlight. Mirchi ka halwa is a daring yet delightful fusion that blends green chillies with sweet flavours, captivating the curiosity of many. A viral video showcases a woman's astonishment as she discovers this innovative dish at a wedding, and it’s no surprise that the clip has taken off, racking up over 1 million views.

　　Hong Kong French Toast

　　The Hoko Hong Kong Café gained popularity for its delicious Hong Kong French toast. This unique dish comprises a triple-decker sandwich made from milk bread and peanut butter. The sandwich is dipped in egg and deep-fried until it reaches a crisp, golden texture. It is then topped with condensed milk and butter. The soft and fluffy sandwiches quickly became a favourite among foodies.

　　Dubai Chocolate Bar

　　Another talked-about dessert highlighted in this year's Google Trends report is the Dubai Chocolate Bar, an irresistible sensation which took over TikTok by storm. As its name implies, this delectable treat hails from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sarah Hamouda, an innovative entrepreneur and the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, is said to be the mastermind behind this creation. She shared on Instagram that her inspiration came from her cravings during pregnancy. Dubbed the "Dubai Chocolate Bar" by enthusiastic TikTok users, this luscious milk chocolate delight is generously filled with crunchy pistachios and layers of knafeh (or kunafa), a delightful crispy shredded phyllo pastry.