We find dessert pretty hard to say no to, especially when it’s an eye-popping showstopper. Here we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite absolutely gorgeous showstoppers and if you’re not hungry by the end of this article, we’ll eat our hats. Or, more probably, one of these puds.
Lychee and Raspberry Tart
If we’re talking showstoppers, we couldn’t not kick things off with a Bake Off recipe. This fruit tart truly is a thing of beauty, finished off with praline jewels, fresh raspberries and pastel pink macarons. If you’re looking to impress with homemade sweet pastry, crème patissière, praline and miniature macaroons to boot, you’ve got to give this tart a go.
Chocolate Celebration Cake
A layer cake never fails to impress and this recipe from Jamie’s Comfort Food looks extra special, sandwiched together with a crunchy chocolate layer and nougat frosting. Plus if additional sparklers don’t say ‘showstopper’, what does?
Strawberry and Rose Mess
After a showstopper that doesn’t require hours of work in the kitchen? Try this Strawberry and Rose Mess from NOPI. A simple British pudding that’s been given an Ottolenghi twist and served elegantly with drops of pomegranate syrup and a scattering of rose petals.
Mille Crêpe Stack
Serve this Mille Crêpe Stack from Chocolate up to unsuspecting guests and watch them marvel as the first slice is served. Not only do the layers make this dessert look incredible, but they also show off a certain level of pastry skill. It’s a tricky bake, but well worth it for the results.
Chocolate Sunken Soufflé Cake
Impressive doesn’t have to mean elaborate, as this recipe from The Violet Bakery Cookbook proves. Even without all the bells and whistles, this outrageously rich Sunken Souffle Cake will draw gasps from anyone you serve it to.
Croquembouche
Justin Gellatly’s Croquembouche is a showstopper worthy of the name. A tower of light choux profiteroles, stuffed with creamy crème patissière and topped with sweet caramel, this is a real occasion dessert and would make the perfect alternative to a wedding cake.
