Amber Dias finds out why sweet treats with a spicy kick are setting taste buds ablaze.
Fancy a little spice in your sweets? Well, you’re not the only one. Though not a new concept, sweet and spicy or ‘swicy’ desserts are emerging as a must-eat trend this year. And when we say spicy, we mean hot – think cayenne, habanero and chipotle. This unique blend of heat and sugar takes classic desserts to a new level as the warmth of the spices beautifully contrasts with the comfort of sweetness. ‘Swicy’ desserts promise a fusion of flavours that’ll have adventurous palates swooning in their favour.
A ‘Swicy’ Twist
Adding a dash (or more) of spice to sweets goes back centuries. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were known for incorporating spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves into their sweet dishes. And with the flourishing of the spice trade during the Middle Ages, this tradition spread to Europe and beyond. Spices are also a staple in several Asian desserts as well. While some of these spices have become commonplace in desserts, the contemporary take believes hotter is better, marrying the complexity of pepper, habanero, and chipotle with sugar (or other sweeteners) to create unique, bold flavours. Imagine the rich, velvety taste of chocolate enhanced with the smoky warmth of chipotle, or the tropical sweetness of mango paired with the fiery kick of habanero. These combinations are not only delicious, but also offer a unique sensory experience that is thrilling and satisfying.
Choose Your Spice
There are so many different spices you can play with to give desserts that little extra kick. Cardamom is a huge favourite in Nordic and South Asian sweets with its pungent, citrusy profile that adds complexity to flavour. Warm, sweet, and slightly woody, cinnamon is a versatile spice that pairs well with fruits and nuts. Ancho chilli powder is often used in chocolate desserts to impart a subtle smokiness, while cayenne pepper is used to infuse treats with a palatable heat that simultaneously accentuates the sweetness. Other favoured spices include ginger, star anise, nutmeg and cloves, and let’s not forget the wide range of chilli peppers that really take the heat up a notch.
A Balancing Act
The secret to a delicious ‘swicy’ dessert is finding the right balance of sweet and spicy, they must work together harmoniously and not overwhelm each other. The trick is to remember that spices should complement the dominant flavours in your dessert – be it chocolate or fruit. Sweeteners, on the other hand, provide a counterbalance and must be adjusted according to the intensity of the heat. They neutralize the heat while teasing out the underlying flavours, so that while the dessert packs some heat, it is still pleasurable to eat.
Psst… adding a pinch of salt is a great way to enhance the sweet and spicy notes.
Bring On The Spice
From cookies to ice creams to cakes and even pies, species have found their way into many classic sweet treats. And it’s not just gourmet chefs who are experimenting with new ways to add a spicy touch to their desserts, home chefs are joining in on the fun too with creations that deliver quite the punch.
A classic chocolate cake can be elevated with just a teaspoon (or more, if you’d like) of ground chipotle, giving it a smoky, spicy twist. Brownies with a dash of cayenne or guajillo chilli offer a surprising burst of heat with every bite. Or just add a pinch of chilli powder and some fresh raspberries to your brownie mix for firey results. Cayenne also works beautifully with simple vanilla cupcakes, just be sure to balance it out with a sweet frosting – honey vanilla, for example.
Classic pies like peach or apple take on a new avatar when complemented by spices. A sprinkle of ginger, nutmeg, or cinnamon can elevate the fruit’s natural sweetness. Ice creams are jumping on the trend with offerings like cinnamon, chilli chocolate, vanilla infused with chipotle and spicy guava. The spices complement the sweet, creamy base well, balancing it out with a well-rounded kick.
Dig In
One of the most exciting aspects of this trend is the sense of theatre it brings to desserts. This visual and sensory appeal can turn any meal into a memorable experience. Whether you’re infusing a delicate cream, sprinkling a finishing touch, or boldly pairing spices with chocolate, the result is a dessert that’s not just sweet but deeply flavourful.
‘Swicy’ Treats To Try
- Mango Habanero Cheesecake
- White Chocolate & Cashew Brittle With Sichuan Peppercorns
- Salt and Pepper Caramels
- Hot Honey Peanut Butter Cookies
- Mint & Green Chilli Granita
Tricks To Incorporate Spices In Desserts
- Infuse spices in liquids like milk or cream.
- Add ground spices directly to batter or dough when baking.
- Top off desserts with a sprinkle of ground spices.
- Make sauces or syrups that can be drizzled over desserts or used to poach fruits.