As we make our way into the new year, Domino Sugar is sharing an insider look into the hottest 2024 baking trends consumers can expect to see in their kitchens.

Covering everything from the boom of mocktails to support for New Year’s goals and flour alternatives that will rise to the occasion, the brand’s top trends include:

Make it a Mocktail

“Over the years, stemming from the pandemic, there has been a growing trend towards health and wellness, with many consumers choosing to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption as part of a healthier lifestyle. Crafted from a mixture of fruit juices, syrups, and other natural or less processed ingredients to create a flavorful and refreshing drink. A popular option for people who want to enjoy the taste and experience of a cocktail without consuming alcohol.”

Domino Sugar’s suggestions for memorable mocktails include sparkling homemade lemonade or blueberry lemonade.

Baking with Browns

“Brown sugar will continue to grow in popularity due to its delicious warm flavor featuring notes of caramel and butterscotch adding a rich and nutty flavor to baked goods. Commonly used in cookies, cereals, and cakes its versatility is also responsible for the growth of this trend.”

Domino Sugar’s suggestions for baking with brown sugar include pecan pie cheesecake and strawberry chocolate cake.

Globally-Inspired Flavors 

“Sweet treats that are influenced by flavors and ingredients from different countries and cultures around the world. These desserts offer an exciting taste experience and are becoming increasingly popular as consumers are more curious to seek out new and interesting flavors.”

Domino Sugar’s suggestions for recipes from around the world include rugelach and flan.

Sustainable Sweetness

“In 2024, expect to see an increased emphasis on sustainable practices in the kitchen, including the use of energy-efficient appliances and cookware, choosing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of meals, and growing herbs and vegetables in an at-home kitchen or garden.”

Domino Sugar’s suggestions for sustainably sweet picks include its Granulated Sugar Easy Baking Tub or Golden Sugar Easy Baking Tub.

Nostalgic Desserts 

“Nostalgic desserts are sweet treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia and remind people of their childhood or fond pastimes.”

Domino Sugar’s homemade nostalgic picks include oatmeal crème pie and fudgy brownies.

Bite-Sized Bakes

“These desserts are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without overindulging. This trend has been rising in popularity over the years with the introduction of dessert and buttercream boards.”

Domino Sugar’s suggestions for bite-sized bakes include mini dark chocolate bundt cake or mini cinnamon sugar pretzels.

Flours that "Rise to the Occasion”

“Alternative flours are made from grains, nuts, seeds, or other sources different from wheat. These flours are often used as substitutes for wheat flour in recipes for people with dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance. The use of alternative flours is not limited to dietary restrictions, the delicious flavors, and textures they impart in baked goods, are attracting more consumers.”

Domino Sugar’s recipes that rise to the occasion include gluten-free apple hand pies and robin’s egg macarons.