The Food Channel  presents its “Top Ten Dessert Trends for 2011,” sponsored by MARS Foodservices. By partnering with CultureWaves, the International Food Futurists, and Mintel International , The Food Channel has been able to identify the most significant food trends in dessert for 2011, from the evolution of the ever popular cupcake to the new raw food movement.

“When we took a look at how people are consuming dessert, one thing became clear: our tastes are evolving and becoming more educated,” said Kay Logsdon, editor of The Food Channel. “We see society trending toward a more casual—and less stuffy—lifestyle. One on hand, we demand less processed foods and cleaner labels, but we still allow ourselves to indulge in sweet little rewards that get us through the day.”

The Food Channel Top Ten Dessert Trends in 2011

1. Ta-da!! The Next Cupcake Is…—the cupcake movement is more around its evolution than its dissolution 
2. Sweet, Heat, Salty and Tart—desserts don’t always have to be sugary sweet
3. Wedding Cake Off the Guest List—an overall trend toward a more casual, and less stuffy, lifestyle 
4. Behold the Power of Protein—people are looking for more than a sugar buzz from desserts today
5. Desserts for Grownups—the maturing of America’s sweet tooth
6. Whole Grains and No Grains—a food trend that’s all about health
7. Desserts in the Raw—the demand for foods, desserts included, that are far less processed
8. A Touch of Sweetness All Day Long—sweet little rewards that help get us through the day
9. A Hint of Floral—subtle hints of floral have begun to sprout up in the dessert category
10. Dessert Theatrics—a little tableside theater adds drama to a fine dining experience
11. (Bonus) The End of Shareable—going in with the same spoon for bite after bite has gotten old

Dessert e-Cookbook

Since desserts are some of the more highly-searched items on the website, The Food Channel released a new e-cookbook full of 100 great dessert and beverage recipes. The eBook is available for the Apple iPad and iPhone, Amazon Kindle and smart phones for $9.99.

“Our own dessert recipes, created in the Test Kitchens of The Food Channel, are great demonstrations of dessert trends,” said Logsdon. “There is nothing like going directly to the source! And, I might add, it makes a great gift.”

The new eBook features recipes such as:

Black Forest Trifle

Peach Petal Tart with Rum Infused Glaze

Dublin Mudslide Brownie Sundae

Read the complete Top Ten Dessert Trends in 2011.

Also check out the Top Ten Foods to Watch in 2011. They include sausage, moonshine, grits, fin fish and the latest in antioxidant-heavy fruit.