There is no sweeter way to celebrate World Baking Day on May 17 than with a fresh batch of inspiration. From college campuses to cafés around the globe, Aramark is showcasing desserts baked with creativity, craftsmanship, and care.
Fresh from the oven, here are the recipes our teams are sharing in celebration of World Baking Day:
Cheesecake Cups
IN2WORK Students | Aramark Correctional Services
Yields: 10-12 cheesecake cups
What began as a simple challenge at Rockville Correctional Facility grew into something much larger. IN2WORK students set out to create a dessert made entirely in-house and met the challenge with creativity and pride.
Through hands on testing and refinement, they developed a cheesecake that exceeded commercial standards, then introduced cheesecake cups for easier service without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Today, these cheesecake cups are a staple across Indiana Department of Correction facilities and a popular choice for catering events statewide. They have even been served to former governors and DOC commissioners, showcasing the skill, confidence, and potential of the IN2WORK students behind them.

Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs softened cream cheese
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream or Cool Whip
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 Tbl vanilla extract
Crust*:
- 2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2/3 cup melted butter
*Press firmly in bottom of 9” pan and bake 3-5 minutes at 250 degrees
Directions
- Whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Spoon or pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crumb crust.
- Refrigerate until the filling is set and the cheesecake is firm.
- Finish by customizing each cup with fresh fruit, a drizzle of sauce, or your favorite sweet topping.
Cinnamon Buns
Chef Robin Trudel | Aramark Canada
Yields: About 12 cinnamon buns
At the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Chef Robin Trudel’s cinnamon buns are a beloved favorite in the North Cafeteria. The recipe carries deep personal meaning.
Inspired by the baking traditions of his mother and grandmother, Chef Robin has been making these cinnamon buns for years. What began as a family recipe has evolved into a crowd-pleasing staple that delivers warmth, nostalgia, and comfort to thousands of guests.

Ingredients
Cinnamon Bun:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp dry activated yeast
Cinnamon Bun Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 cup butter
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3oz packaged cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt for taste
Directions
- Place the warm milk and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until the yeast is bubbly or foamy. This step confirms the yeast is active.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly moist. If it feels very sticky, add a small amount of additional flour.
- Take the dough and knead gently into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size. This should take about 2 hours.
- Once the dough is doubled in size, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 16 x 21-inch rectangle.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 rolls and place in a greased or parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cover and let the rolls rise again until doubled in size. This should take about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the rolls for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. Beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, salt, and icing sugar, and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve.
Coconut Bites
Pastry Chef Tobias Vieregge | Aramark Germany
Yields: About 117 pieces
At Aramark locations in Walldorf, Germany, the baking team asked a simple question: why not make popular candy bars themselves?
Led by pastry chef Tobias Vieregge, the team began producing house-made coconut bars inspired by classic treats. By making the desserts from scratch, they eliminated unnecessary additives and plastic packaging while ensuring consistent quality and flavor. These Coconut Bites are now produced for multiple restaurants across Germany, demonstrating how sustainability goals and craftsmanship can go hand in hand.

Ingredients
Coconut Paste:
- 625 g butter
- 1,000 g cream
- 125 g vanilla sugar
- 500 g sugar
- 1 g salt
- 1,400 g shredded coconut
Coating:
- 2,925 g dark chocolate couverture
Directions
- Melt the butter and mix it with the cream, vanilla sugar, sugar, and salt.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the shredded coconut and mix everything well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for several hours until the mixture is firm.
- Cut into bars (approx. 2 × 5 cm).
- Coat the pieces with tempered chocolate and let set.
Crema Catalana
Executive Chef Gorka Barahona | Aramark Spain
Yield: 5-7, depending on portioning
A beloved staple of Catalan cuisine, traditionally served during festive gatherings and regional celebrations, is being reimagined through a modern culinary lens.
This updated interpretation combines classic flavors with contemporary technique, transforming the dessert into a light, aerated experience using foam preparation. The dish begins with a rich lemon toffee base that captures the deep caramel notes central to the original recipe. It is then topped with a delicate Catalan cream foam, adding a smooth and airy contrast.
To finish, a layer of burnt sugar is carefully applied, creating the signature crisp caramel shell that defines the classic dessert while bringing a satisfying textural balance to its modern presentation.

Ingredients
Catalan Cream Foam:
- 300 g whole milk
- 200 g cream (35% fat)
- 80 g ≈ 4 yolks pasteurized egg yolk
- 100 g sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 10 g lemon and orange peel
- 1/4-unit cinnamon stick
- 2 g (2 sheets) gelatin sheets
Lemon Toffee (Creamy Sauce):
- 250 g white sugar
- 120 g unsalted butter (cold)
- 200 g cream (35% fat, hot)
- 90 g fresh lemon juice
- 3 g finely grated lemon zest
- 20 g glucose or mild honey
Directions
Catalan Cream Foam:
- Infuse the milk and cream with the lemon peel and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Once the cornstarch is fully incorporated, slowly whisk in the hot milk mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches 82–85°C (179–185°F). The texture should resemble a light pastry cream.
- Meanwhile, hydrate the gelatin in cold water. Drain and add it to the hot mixture. Blend with a hand blender, then strain through a fine sieve. Allow to cool to below 10°C (50°F).
- Transfer the mixture to a 0.5 L siphon and charge with one N₂O cartridge. Shake well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before use.
Lemon Toffee (Creamy Sauce):
- Heat the sugar and glucose over medium heat until a dark blond caramel forms, around 170–175°C (338–347°F).
- Remove from the heat, add the butter, and mix until fully incorporated. Return to the heat and gradually add the cream, then continue cooking until slightly thickened.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, and cook gently over low heat to balance the flavors.
- Finish by blending with a hand blender and straining. Cover with cling film directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and allow to cool.
Assembly:
- Serve the foam: Shake the siphon well. Dispense the Catalan cream foam into chilled glasses, filling about 2/3 full for a light texture.
- Add the lemon toffee: Spoon or pipe a layer of the lemon toffee sauce over or under the foam depending on presentation.
Knights Bites
Chef Tyrell Langhorne | Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Yields: 96 bites
The University of Central Florida is proudly known as Space U, with strong ties to NASA and the space industry. That identity inspired the UCF Culinary Team to create “Knight’s Bites,” a signature dessert that celebrates innovation, school pride, and a sense of wonder.
Inspired by the nostalgic Cosmic Brownie, the team reimagined the classic treat into a rich marbled brownie with cream cheese swirls resembling the Milky Way. Golden sprinkles scattered across the top mimic stars lighting the night sky. Knight’s Bites are more than a dessert; they are an edible tribute to UCF’s role in shaping the future of space exploration.

Ingredients
- 6 lb brownie mix
- 3 cups water
- 1 lb 8 oz softened cream cheese loaf
- 5 oz liquid whole eggs
- 4 1/2 oz extra fine granulated sugar
- 3 oz softened unsalted margarine
Directions
- Preheat convection oven to 300°F or standard oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix and water until fully incorporated to create the brownie batter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, liquid eggs, sugar, and softened margarine until smooth to create the cheesecake mixture.
- Coat a full sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread 7 lb 8 oz of brownie batter evenly into the pan.
- Using a scoop, evenly drop 2 lb 4 1/2 oz of cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
- Swirl the brownie and cheesecake mixtures together to create a marbled “galaxy” effect.
- Bake until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean: Convection oven: 35–40 minutes, Standard oven: 40–45 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
- Cut each pan into an 8 x 12 grid for a total of 96 portions.
- Top each Knight’s Bite with whipped cream and gold sprinkles to resemble stars in the night sky.
- Cover and hold at room temperature for service.
Peach Crisp
Senior Executive Chef Laura McMann | Aramark Student Nutrition
Yields: 24 portions
In Student Nutrition programs, scratch cooking is a priority, and Peach Crisp provides a freshly made sweet treat.
Using pantry staples like canned fruit and whole ingredients, this recipe allows teams to deliver a warm, comforting dessert while meeting K-12 nutritional requirements. It also offers a meaningful way to showcase culinary skill, creativity, and care in student dining.

Ingredients
Crisp Topping:
- 5 1/2 oz rolled oats
- 5 oz light brown sugar, divided
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 oz unsalted margarine, melted
Peach Filling:
- 4 lb 8 oz canned peaches, drained
- 3 oz light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
- Prepare the Crisp Topping:
- Preheat convection oven to 350 F or standard oven to 400 F.
- In a bowl, combine oats, 2 oz brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add melted margarine to the oat mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Spread mixture evenly on a half size sheet tray.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool until crisp.
Prepare the Peach Filling:
- In a bowl, combine drained peaches, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining 3 oz brown sugar. Mix gently.
- Transfer 4 lb 12 oz of peach mixture to a 2 inch full steam table pan.
- Cover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until peaches are soft, excess liquid has evaporated, and internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Serve warm topped with prepared crisp topping.
Vegan, Gluten-Free Black Forest Cake
Assistant Pastry Chef Yazmin Loeza | Aramark Sports + Entertainment
Yields: One four-layered cake
Developed by Assistant Pastry Chef Yazmin Loeza and served at the Seattle Convention Center, this Vegan, Gluten-Free Black Forest Cake proves that inclusive desserts can be just as refined and indulgent as traditional pastry offerings.
Inspired by the classic Black Forest profile, the dessert layers rich chocolate sponge with tart cherries and light vegan cream. Chef Yazmin’s goal was to create a plated dessert that feels luxurious and intentional, while welcoming guests with dietary restrictions. The result is a thoughtful, elegant cake that stands proudly among upscale dessert offerings.

Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Sponge:
- 210 g soy milk
- 15 g apple cider vinegar
- 317 g gluten-free flour
- 340 g sugar
- 92 g cocoa powder
- 12 g baking powder
- 9 g baking soda
- 6 g salt
- 95 g neutral oil
- 120 g unsweetened applesauce
- 13 g vanilla
- 192 g boiling water
Filling:
- 200 g cherry syrup
- 600 g vegan whipped cream
- 750 g cherries
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pans with parchment paper.
- Combine soy milk and apple cider vinegar and allow to sit briefly.
- Whisk together all dry ingredients.
- Add oil, applesauce, vanilla, and milk mixture.
- Mix until combined.
- With mixer on low speed, carefully add boiling water and mix until fully incorporated.
- Scrape bowl thoroughly to ensure batter is evenly mixed.
- Do not overmix, as the sponge can become gummy and tough.
- Divide batter evenly into four portions and spread into prepared sheet pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–18 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Do not overbake.
Cake Assembly*:
- Place a layer of gluten-free chocolate sponge.
- Brush with 50 g cherry syrup.
- Spread 150 g vegan whipped cream.
- Add 250 g cherries.
*Repeat until four layers are assembled.
Each dessert featured here carries more than flavor. It carries effort, learning, and intention shaped by the people who prepared it. Together, they offer a window into how baking continues to serve as a tool for expression, development, and connection across diverse environments.
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