2025's wildest dessert trends: From towel cakes to viral cookies

The year 2025 brought a wave of quirky and creative desserts that captured public attention. From viral social media treats to bakery sell-outs, sweet innovations dominated food trends. Some became instant favourites, while others reinvigorated classic flavours with a modern twist.

One standout was the towel cake, a delicate crepe filled with cream and rolled to mimic a folded towel. It gained massive popularity after mukbang creators and influencers featured it online. The playful presentation turned it into a must-try dessert.

Another hit was cup bingsu, a single-serving shaved ice treat. Major coffee chains sold millions of cups as customers enjoyed it after meals. Its convenience and refreshing taste made it a go-to choice throughout the year.

In August, convenience store chain GS25 expanded its fruit-shaped sorbet line by adding strawberry to the existing mango, peach, and lemon options. Strawberry and mango quickly outsold peach and lemon by 25%, while lemon saw a slight decline in demand.

Meanwhile, Dubai jjonddeuk cookies became a phenomenon. At a bakery in Bangi-dong, all 400 cookies sold out by 10:30 a.m. on a Wednesday—before the shop even opened at 11 a.m. Long queues and rapid sell-outs made it one of the year's most sought-after treats.

The Chocopongdang yogurt ggul-tteok also won over dessert lovers. Created by YeosuUnnie's brand Happy Bomnal, it featured a frozen rice cake wrapped around yogurt ice cream, with a honey centre and a thin chocolate coating. Its unique texture and flavour combination made it an instant success.

These desserts reflected a year of bold experimentation in the food industry. From viral sensations to reinvented classics, each treat found its audience. Their popularity highlights how creativity and convenience continue to shape what people crave.