For dessert, most people tend to crave something that satisfies their sweet tooth. I put together this small guide of pastries in order to lead you to a dessert you will love. These pastries are some of the best-tasting desserts you will ever try and achieve their status by utilizing seasonal flavors and ingredients. 

Spring

The sun shines once again upon a sea of green, lilacs give off the sweet redolence of honey as clouds of pollen are swept across the land, it is a period of rebirth and reawakening that will define the coming year.

 In the spring, people want to eat something invigorating that inspires them to continue their baking journey throughout the year. A pastry that represents the spring very well is the Coconut Layer Cake; it is a light and sweet cake that combines the flavors of vanilla and coconut. It is often topped with functional decorations such as coconut shavings or chopped pecans in order to add a bit of texture.

The cake has received universal praise for its lightness and low difficulty level. Food Network goes as far as saying that the cake is “impossibly light” and “majestic in its height” while Martha Stewart, who rose to fame as a celebrity chef, says that the cake is “a coconut lover’s dream.” This cake is a must-try and a great way to start off your yearly baking journey.

Summer

A warm breeze sweeps through fields of gold, the sound of nature can be heard in the distance, and the sun has brought the world into a period of growth and prosperity. 

In the summer, happiness is at an all time high, but many are often constrained by the high temperatures. People want to eat something sugary and refreshing that will bring them their long needed relief from the heat. A pastry that fits these needs is the Japanese Strawberry Shortcake. This cake is medium-density and combines seasonal fruits such as strawberries and blueberries in order to create a rewarding flavor.

This cake is well known in East Asia for having light and creamy frosting that contrasts well with the bursting flavor of the strawberries. Omnivore’s Cookbook says that “You’ll feel like you’re biting into a cloud as you enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.” This cake is a bit more difficult to make than the Coconut Layer Cake; however, its fresh flavor provides the perfect escape from the heat on a mid-summer day.

Autumn

Leaves flow through the streets like a river as raindrops cascade into the world below, a crisp scent fills the air, the world has unconsciously transitioned into a period of tranquility.

Autumn marks the beginning of the end, much of the summer happiness has worn off and people seek a deep, rich flavor in their food. The Kabocha Pie achieves this flavor by combining sweet and mellow squash with seasonal spices. This pie is medium-density and is commonly used as a gift or for an offering at a family gathering. 

Although the Kabocha Pie looks very similar to the Pumpkin Pie, they are slightly different. Kabocha is known for retaining a similar sweetness to pumpkin while being more flavorful. Kabocha Pie has a relatively low difficulty level, probably the easiest to make on this list. Although the flavor of the pie speaks for itself, The Produce Pack still wanted to add that “you’ll want a larger than normal slice!”

Winter

A howl can be heard as fierce winds send snowflakes to invade the barren land, comfort from the piercing cold glows brightly in the hearth, it is a period of rest and resolution heading into the new year. 

In the winter, people want to eat something lavish and indulgent to celebrate the year and create a sense of happiness in the midst of the harsh weather. A pastry that fits this category very well is the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, a traditional German dessert found in the Bayern region. This thick cake uses rich chocolate that works hand-in-hand with the sour cherry topping to deliver a truly unique flavor. 

Hailing from Bonn, this century-old pastry is well known across Southern Germany for its bold flavor. The BBC called it “the king of Kuchen” while Red Currant Bakery claims that it is “perfect for any celebration.” Although the Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte can be difficult to bake, it is a very rewarding dessert. 

Afterword

Food’s contribution to overall happiness is often understated. In a mundane world where people spend over eight hours studying or working every day, a simple pastry can be enough to lighten someone’s mood. This article is not solely about food, its purpose is to help better the days of those who read it. With that being said, I hope you were able to get something out of this article, whatever it may be.