Nothing brightens a day at the office quite like the surprise of dessert catering. An unexpected sweet treat is the perfect way to liven up meetings, celebrate milestones, and help beat that dreaded afternoon slump. And here’s the cherry on top: science says that enjoying desserts in moderation can reduce stress levels, increase overall happiness, and create a mental health boost.
If you really want to make an impact, go the extra mile with some creative dessert ideas for a crowd. We’ve got eight delicious options that are sure to turn break time into an event to remember.
The best dessert ideas for a crowd
1. Cake pops
Cake pops are easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for meetings or celebrations where you don’t want to disrupt the flow of the day. These individually portioned desserts come in a variety of flavors and can be customized to match your event theme or company colors. You can also easily add some low-sugar, gluten-free, or vegan options to accommodate a range of dietary requirements, ensuring everyone in the office can join in on the fun.
2. Mini cheesecakes
With flavors ranging from classic New York style to raspberry swirl or chocolate peanut butter, mini cheesecakes come in options to please any palate. These small but mighty desserts offer a rich, creamy bite that’s just the right size for a midday indulgence. Adding some dairy-free and keto-friendly cheesecakes into the mix will create an inclusive dessert spread that caters to a range of needs.
3. Build your own sundae or parfait bar
A build-your-own sundae bar offers a DIY experience. With several flavors of ice cream and toppings like hot fudge, caramel, crushed cookies, candy, nuts, sprinkles, and chocolate chips, each team member can create a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Parfaits can be a great alternative if you’re worried about ice cream melting too quickly. They’re easy to customize with lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and fresh fruit, making them an option for health-conscious colleagues.
4. Macaron tower
For a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious, consider a macaron tower. These colorful French confections come in a rainbow of colors and flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like lavender, pistachio, or salted caramel. A memorable grab-and-go treat, macarons add an elegant touch to celebrations and are a sweet token of appreciation for your team’s hard work.
5. International dessert sampler
Take your team on a culinary world tour with a selection of bite-sized international sweets. Consider popular hits like Italian cannoli or tiramisu, Thai mango sticky rice, French madeleines, Mexican tres leches cake, and Chinese sesame balls. It’s a way to celebrate diversity and explore global flavors without leaving the office.
6. Gourmet donut and coffee station
Pairing desserts with coffee is nothing new, but you can take it to a whole new level with a gourmet donut display featuring an assortment of artisanal flavors like maple bacon, matcha green tea, salted caramel, and lavender honey. Pair it with a selection of gourmet coffee blends and flavored creams. Don’t forget to add a few non-dairy options and some decaf coffee for those who prefer their desserts without the caffeine buzz.
7. Breakfast dessert spread
Treat your team to a morning of indulgence with a spread of breakfast desserts like cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, strudels, scones, Danish pastries, and fruit tarts. They’ll pair nicely with a hot cup of coffee or tea and make the morning feel extra special. Add a bit of balance by offering some lighter options like yogurt parfaits, fruit salad, or individually wrapped energy bars.
8. Chocolate fountain
A chocolate fountain is a great way to get your team talking and snapping photos. This impressive dessert centerpiece allows everyone to dip their favorite snacks — like fresh fruit, marshmallows, or bite-sized cookies — into a cascading flow of warm, decadent chocolate. It’s an interactive experience that encourages mingling and creates a social atmosphere.
Tips for serving dessert catering in the workplace
We’ve got more than just dessert ideas for a crowd, we’re offering catering tips too.
Ordering workplace dessert catering can range from a simple setup to interactive DIY stations. No matter which option you choose, a few best practices can help ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Opt for bite-sized portions: Choose small, easy-to-eat desserts to avoid excessive workday distractions.
- Stock up on napkins: Desserts can be messy — make sure you have plenty of napkins and maybe even some wet wipes to make clean-up easy.
- Provide plenty of small plates: Have extra plates on hand so team members can help themselves to seconds — or thirds — enjoying a variety of desserts throughout the day.
- Label everything: Clearly label each dessert so those with allergies or food preferences can easily make informed choices.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Place gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options in a specific area to avoid cross-contamination, and be sure each item has its own serving utensils.
- Focus on presentation: Creating a photo-worthy dessert display makes the occasion feel extra special and will keep the team buzzing long after the desserts are gone.
Sweeten up your workday with dessert catering from ezCater
Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or something fun like a Pi Day party, desserts at work are always a good idea. When you’re ready to sweeten up your team’s day, ezCater is here to help. Explore our platform to find the perfect dessert catering company for your next event.