Traditionally the wedding cake has always been a centrepiece of the reception and a symbol of the union of love between the bride and the groom. The ceremonial cake cutting, feeding each other the first bite and sometimes even getting a little silly, is all part of the fun with this traditional wedding dessert.
These days, however, wedding traditions are changing and many couples are looking for new and exciting ways to personalize their big day. One way you can do this is by forgoing the traditional wedding cake and instead opting for a more unique dessert, or one that represents the favourite flavours of the happy couple.
If you’re looking to mix things up on the big day, here are six alternative wedding dessert ideas you might want to consider.
1. Pies
With so many couples favouring a more relaxed, rustic approach to their wedding celebrations, pies make a perfect dessert alternative to the traditional wedding cake.
They can make a beautiful display when they’re made with fancy lattice, crumb, or cut out tops and can be set up using varying heights of pedestals. Another benefit of choosing pies is that you can offer an assortment of flavours such as traditional apple, cherry, and strawberry rhubarb, or go for some more creative offerings like chocolate silk, ginger pear, or Quebec sugar pie.
2. Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a favourite dessert for many people, so naturally it makes a great wedding dessert idea. Elegant cheesecakes make a lovely dessert display table and an assortment of flavours will satisfy the unique taste preferences of your guests.
It’s also a great way to offer both a decadent rich chocolate option along side a lighter fruity-flavoured cheesecake.
3. Cheese ‘Cake’
This next option in our wedding dessert ideas is definitely outside the box but will suit any serious cheese lovers.
Instead of a traditional cake, go for something a little more savoury by using wheels of cheese to form a magnificent towering cheese ‘cake’ that will resemble a traditional wedding cake in shape, but satisfy all your cheese-loving guests. It also works well if you have a variety of wines available, creating an elegant wine bar feel to your reception.
4. Donuts
While cupcakes had had their time to shine, they’re making way for a doughier delight to enter the wedding dessert scene.
Donuts can be made in almost any flavour combination you can think of and they can also be decorated in any way you could ever imagine. This can make for a show-stopping presentation that will have all your guests talking and waiting to sample with great anticipation.
5. Cake Pops
Everyone likes food on a stick, so why not choose wedding dessert ideas that reflect this fun trend?
Cake pops are a fun alternative to a traditional wedding cake but still provide that delicious cake flavour with a slightly different texture. Cake pops can also be decorated to match any wedding theme or colour scheme you can dream up. They can also be stood up straight making for a picture perfect presentation.
6. Macarons
This classic French pastry makes for a beautiful alternative wedding dessert idea. Macarons not only look amazing with their rainbow of colours and finishes, but they can be made with any flavour of filling you desire, from fruity jam fillings to creamy caramel and decadent chocolate, the sky is the limit with these little gems.
Macarons can also be arranged into a spectacular tree or topiary that’s sure to be the centrepiece of any wedding reception.
