desserts for a crowd?

[wowimadog]

what are your go-to desserts for a crowd of around 30 guests? i want to avoid the ubiquitous cupcake if possible.

[roxlet]

I feed about 100 on New Year's Day, and I offer a variety of different desserts including a classic cheesecake, a pumpkin pecan cheesecake, and about 5-6 different varieties of cookies, including some chocolate ones or brownies. Some people don't feel they've had dessert unless they've had chocolate, so that's absolutely necessary. I find that for a crowd, it's great to offer different choices...

[sarah galvin]

Apple or pear crostadas. Make 2 or 3. They are a snap.

[greedygirl]

Trifle!

[lrostron]

I second the trifle, maybe with some caramelized apple layers and a cinnamon bourbon sauce along with the pound or sponge cake layers.

[Emme]

my only issue with trifle is that there are some rude individuals out there... the ones that will scoop out a "serving" of trifle, but pick out the layers they want and leave what they don't. if you're not serving it yourself, it can end up as a soupy mess...

[jsaimd]

They are very easy to do in individual servings and then you don't need to worry about the selective servers. I usually do it in small glasses.

[Emme]

i agree individual servings would eliminate the problem, but that assumes the OP has or is willing to buy 30 glass serving glasses... i can't imagine doing trifle in a disposable cup of some sort.

[geminigirl]

yep good idea, another suggestion is a tray of Ina's brownies, you can make ahead and they store very well in the fridge...

[Chocolatechipkt]

Plus that recipe for brownies is huge!

For a group that size I like doing a selection of things, like a variety of cookies and brownies and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Tiny cheesecakes would work well too (or a few regular-sized ones). Like these: http://areyouhungryyet.blogspot.com/2...

[fourunder]

Bread Pudding....Either

with Cranberries and Orange or Banana with a Chocolate Sauce

[GRobin]

Apple cranberry crisp - two large pyrex dishes should do the trick for 30.

[Emme]

tiramisu is easy to make in mass quantities, and i like that it's no bake, so you don't have to worry about multiple baking times and orchestrating oven use.

i do also like to make a few loaves of the gramercy tavern gingerbread, then served warm with vanilla ice cream

this might seem trite, but a consistent winner is something like an ice cream bar with usual and unusual toppings (sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, cereals, cone pieces, cookies, fudge, butterscotch, strawberry sauce, etc.)

[katecm]

Tiramisu is a good idea, since it can be made in a big dish. Maybe also do an apple crumble in a 9x13, and that could be enough.

[DanaB]

I was going to suggest tiramisu as well. This recipe for tiramisu from Tante Marie's Cooking School is excellent:

http://www.tantemarie.com/recipes/des...

[mcel215]

This recipe looks great, I think I will try it. Thanks.

BTW, whata brand of lady fingers do you use?

[DanaB]

Most places I shop only carry one brand of lady fingers, but I haven't noticed a difference between brands.

I hope you like this recipe as much as I do! I think it produces one of the best tiramisus I've ever tasted, including those served in restaurants :-)

[mcel215]

Well my Stop & Shop has soft lady fingers, and I believe I should get the hardened ones, correct?

Thanks.

[DanaB]

I've made it with both, and both work fine.

[todao]

Orange Zeppole with chocolate sauce
Apple or Peach Galette
Chocolate-filled Ravioli with whipped cream and chopped nuts
Banana and Chocolate Ravioli with Chocolate Rum Sauce