For bakery owners, fall and the holiday season open the door to fresh inspiration and increased sales opportunities.

According to Melissa Trimmer, CPEC® AAC, Corporate Executive Chef and Senior Director of Culinary at Dawn Foods, success this season comes from blending nostalgia with innovation.

Trimmer recommends starting with classics like pumpkin and apple but giving them new life through creative applications.

Dawn Foods’ Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix, Apple Crisp Cake Donut Mix, and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling offer simple ways to refresh menus with trending formats such as cake rolls, cupcakes, and bars.

Bakers can also reinvent Dawn’s Yule Log cake roll year-round by using seasonal flavors from its Baker’s Request line.

“Pear is still in its early stage trend-wise,” says Trimmer, “but it’s definitely one to watch. Expect to see more of it this fall.”

Meanwhile, salted caramel continues its winning streak, especially with Dawn’s launch of the Royal Steensma Salted Caramel Filling, perfect for adding indulgence to any dessert.

On the format side, single-serve desserts and bar cakes are booming.

Consumers value convenience, variety, and visual appeal—qualities that boost both sales and social media engagement.

Trimmer also notes a renewed interest in classic European confections like Opera and Princess cakes, modernized for American tastes.

As the holidays approach, mini desserts—from bite-sized brownies to mini shooters—dominate festive tables.

With Dawn Foods’ product lineup and creative insights, bakeries can deliver seasonal offerings that stand out and drive customer excitement all season long.

To view current Dawn Foods Jobs and Careers, visit: https://www.careersinfood.com/dawn-foods-company-5302.htm

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