Weddings are a joyful occasion where delicious food and sweet treats play a major role. However, not everyone loves cake, and traditional wedding cake may not match the theme or style of the wedding. Luckily, there are plenty of dessert options that are just as delicious and fun, if not more so!
Cupcakes are a versatile and popular dessert option that can be decorated to match any wedding theme or color scheme. They can be displayed on a tiered stand or arranged in a unique way to make them stand out. Another fun option is to set up a DIY s'mores bar, complete with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Guests can roast their own marshmallows and create their own s'mores.
If you're looking for something a little more interactive, an ice cream sundae bar or frozen yogurt bar are perfect options. Guests can choose their favorite flavors and toppings to create their own unique desserts. Mini fruit tartlets are a light and refreshing option that is perfect for summer weddings. They can be made with a variety of fruit fillings and can be arranged to match the wedding decor.
A candy buffet is another fun and sweet dessert option that guests of all ages will enjoy. Set up a table with different types of candies and let guests help themselves to their favorites. For those who love pie, a pie bar with different types of pies is a classic option that can be displayed beautifully.
For a trendy and stylish option, macarons are a perfect choice. They come in a variety of flavors and colors and can be matched to any wedding theme. Finally, cookies are a simple and classic option that is easy to personalize by offering a variety of flavors and shapes.
Whatever option you choose, these alternative wedding dessert ideas are sure to surprise and delight your guests, making the big day even more special.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes have become a popular dessert option for weddings, especially for those looking for an alternative to traditional wedding cake. There are many benefits to serving cupcakes; they're easy to serve, versatile, and can be customized to match any theme or color scheme.
When it comes to decorating cupcakes, the possibilities are endless. You can use different frosting colors, patterns, and designs to create a unique and eye-catching display on your dessert table. Cupcakes can also be adorned with edible flowers and other fun accessories to make them stand out even more.
If you're looking for a classic and elegant option, consider decorating your cupcakes with buttercream frosting and a single rosebud on top. For a more playful and festive look, use bright colors and playful designs such as polka dots or stripes. Cupcakes can even be decorated to look like mini wedding cakes, complete with tiers and fondant decorations.
Another benefit of serving cupcakes is that you can offer a variety of flavors. Set up a cupcake tower with different flavor options, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. You can also serve specialty flavors like red velvet or lemon for those who want a more unique option.
In summary, cupcakes are a versatile and customizable dessert option for any wedding. They can be decorated to match any theme or color scheme and offer a variety of flavor options for guests to enjoy. Consider adding cupcakes to your dessert table for a memorable and delicious treat.
S'mores Bar
A traditional wedding cake may not be everyone's cup of tea. To switch it up, consider setting up a DIY s'mores bar for your big day. It's a fun and interactive way to serve dessert and is sure to delight your guests. To create an eye-catching display, place the ingredients on a rustic wooden table or on top of a decorated cart. Include a sign with instructions on how to assemble a s'more to avoid any confusion.
To set up the perfect s'mores bar, you will need to gather a few essentials. Start with a variety of chocolate bars, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even white chocolate. Then, add some graham crackers and marshmallows to the mix. To elevate the experience, try offering some unique additions like peanut butter cups, caramel sauce, or even bacon bits.
One of the best parts about a s'mores bar is that guests get to roast their own marshmallows. To create a safe and controlled environment, consider setting up a small fire pit or using a portable s'mores maker. If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, this is a perfect activity to have near a campfire. It's not only a fun dessert option, but also a great way to gather guests for a cozy evening of warm treats and good conversation.
A s'mores bar is a great way to keep guests entertained and fed throughout the night. With a little creativity and preparation, you can easily set up a DIY s'mores bar that guests will love. Try putting your own unique spin on it by including different toppings and memorable decorations. You'll be sure to have a wedding dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
An ice cream sundae bar is a delightful dessert option for weddings that is sure to impress your guests. This interactive dessert setup involves providing an array of different ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces for guests to mix and match to create their own customized sundaes.
The possibilities for ice cream sundaes are endless. You can provide classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry as well as more unique options like mint chocolate chip or butter pecan. Adding vegan and non-dairy options to your ice cream bar is also a thoughtful touch for guests with dietary restrictions.
For toppings, consider providing a variety of options like hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and whipped cream. Separate them into different bowls or using a tiered stand, making it easier for guests to choose their favorites.
For a fun twist, consider adding unique and unexpected toppings such as fresh fruit, cereals, cookies, or even candies. Your guests will love these creative additions, and it's an excellent way to personalize your sundae bar to match your wedding's theme or color palette.
To make things even more interactive, you can create a mini station where guests can craft their own cones or ice cream bowls using different waffle cones or mini bowls. This extra twist is sure to wow guests and make it an unforgettable dessert experience.
In conclusion, an ice cream sundae bar is an excellent alternative to traditional wedding cakes. With its variety and creativity, it's sure to be a hit among your guests. Use your imagination and creativity to provide guests with a desert experience they will never forget.
Donuts
Looking for a wedding dessert alternative to cake that's both trendy and delicious? Why not try donuts? They're a fun and modern twist on the traditional wedding cake. Displaying them on a tiered stand or stacked in a pyramid is a great way to incorporate this tasty treat into your big day.
Donuts come in a variety of flavors and can be decorated to match your wedding's theme or color scheme. You can even have a donut bar with different toppings and fillings for guests to create their own donut concoctions. From classic glazed to chocolate frosted with sprinkles, there's a donut for everyone!
A donut display at your wedding is not only visually stunning, but it's also a unique and memorable dessert option. Your guests will love the playful and whimsical touch that donuts bring to your special day.
- Provide different flavors of donuts such as classic glazed, filled, and frosted.
- Decorate the donuts with colors that match your wedding's theme.
- Consider having a donut bar with toppings and fillings for guests to create their own donut creations.
- Display the donuts on a tiered stand or stacked in a pyramid for a modern twist.
Donuts are becoming a trendy and delicious alternative to wedding cake. They offer endless possibilities and can be displayed in a unique and modern way that's sure to impress your guests. Consider incorporating donuts into your wedding dessert options for a fun and memorable twist on the traditional.
Fruit Tartlets
Fruit tartlets are a great alternative to heavy wedding cakes. They are a refreshing and light dessert option that guests will love. These mini tartlets are not only delicious, but they are also cute and colorful and can be made with a variety of fruit fillings.
To create the perfect fruit tartlet, start with a buttery crust. This can be made with flour, sugar, salt, butter, and a little bit of ice-cold water. Once the crust is made, press it into mini tartlet pans and bake until golden brown.
Next, choose your fruit filling. Some popular options include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and peaches. To create the filling, mix together the fruit with some sugar and a little bit of cornstarch. This will create a delicious and gooey filling that will set perfectly in the tartlet.
To assemble, simply fill the cooled tartlet shells with the fruit filling and top with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a small piece of fruit on top for decoration.
- Ingredients needed: Flour, sugar, salt, butter, ice-cold water, fruit (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches), sugar, cornstarch, whipped cream.
- Instructions:
- Make the buttery crust.
- Press the crust into mini tartlet pans and bake until golden brown.
- Mix together the fruit with some sugar and cornstarch to create the filling.
- Fill the cooled tartlet shells with the fruit filling and top with whipped cream.
- Add a small piece of fruit on top for decoration.
Fruit tartlets are perfect for a summer wedding or a wedding with a fruity or floral theme. They are a light and refreshing dessert option that will leave your guests feeling satisfied but not too full. Consider serving these delicious little treats at your next wedding event.
Candy Buffet
A candy buffet is a fun and colorful alternative to wedding cake that is perfect for guests of all ages. Setting up a candy buffet is easy and can be customized to match your wedding theme and color scheme. All you need are some glass jars, scoops, and a variety of candies.
The first step to creating a candy buffet is to source your candies. Start by choosing a variety of different types of candy, including gummies, chocolates, hard candies, and lollipops. You can purchase candy in bulk from a wholesale supplier or visit your local candy store to select individual candies. Make sure to choose candies that are visually appealing and will look great displayed in jars.
Next, decide on the display for your candy buffet. You can use a table or a series of smaller tables to create a visually appealing display. Use tiered stands, cake plates, or even wooden crates to create height and interest. Be sure to provide scoops and tongs for guests to use when serving themselves candy. You can also provide small candy bags or boxes for guests to fill up with their favorite sweets.
Add a personal touch to your candy buffet by including custom labels or tags for each type of candy. You can also include a sign that explains the candy buffet and encourages guests to help themselves. And don't forget to take some colorful photos of your candy buffet for an instagram-worthy wedding memory!
- Choose a variety of candies, including chocolates, gummies, and hard candies
- Create a visually appealing display using tiered stands or cake plates
- Provide scoops and tongs for guests to use when serving themselves
- Add custom labels or tags for each type of candy
- Include a sign to encourage guests to enjoy the candy buffet
Pie Bar
Pies are a crowd-pleaser dessert option that never go out of style. Whether you prefer classic apple, creamy pumpkin, or tangy lemon meringue, there's a flavor for everyone. Setting up a pie bar is a fun and interactive way to let guests choose their favorite flavors.
When planning your pie bar, consider offering a variety of flavors to accommodate different tastes. You could include traditional flavors like apple, cherry, and blueberry, along with more unique options like pear ginger, key lime, or chocolate silk.
To make your pie bar even more exciting, provide a variety of toppings for guests to customize their slices. Whip cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, and nuts are all great options. You can also create a beautiful display by stacking the pies on a tiered stand or displaying them on a rustic wooden table.
A pie bar is also a great way to incorporate a personal touch into your wedding. If you're known for your baking skills, why not make a few pies yourself to add to the selection? Or consider sourcing locally made pies from a bakery in your area.
No matter how you choose to display and serve your pies, a pie bar is sure to delight guests and leave them with a sweet memory of your special day.
Macarons
If you're searching for a sophisticated and elegant dessert option for your wedding, macarons are the perfect choice. These delicate and colorful confections are sure to impress your guests with their delicate texture and taste. Whether you opt for traditional flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or pistachio, or go for more unique flavors like lavender, rose, or Earl Grey tea, macarons can be customized to match any theme or color scheme.
Pair your macarons with a beautifully decorated tiered stand or display them on a table with other desserts for a sweet and stylish statement. You can also add additional visual interest by adding edible decorations such as gold leaf, edible flowers, or colorful sprinkles.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider creating a macaron tower instead of a traditional wedding cake. Stacked high with a variety of colors and flavors, guests can choose their own macarons to enjoy.
- Stylish and elegant dessert option
- Customizable to match any theme or color scheme
- Can be paired with a decorative tiered stand or table display
- Edible decorations can be added for visual interest
- Macaron tower can be used instead of a traditional wedding cake
With their delicate texture, sophisticated appearance, and endless flavor options, macarons are an excellent choice for a modern and elegant wedding dessert.
Cookies
If you're looking for a simple and delicious alternative to wedding cake, cookies could be the perfect option. Not only are they easy to make, but they come in a variety of flavors and styles that are sure to delight your guests. From classic chocolate chip to more exotic options like lavender shortbread or ginger snaps, the possibilities are endless.
One way to incorporate cookies into your wedding dessert menu is to provide a variety of different types. Set up a cookie bar or table where guests can take their pick from an assortment of flavors and textures. Include classics like oatmeal, sugar, and peanut butter, as well as more creative options like snickerdoodles and lemon bars. You could even provide gluten-free or vegan options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
To make the cookie display even more visually appealing, consider adding some decorative elements. Use tiered cake stands or platters to create different levels and heights, and add some fresh flowers or greenery for a pop of color. You could also include some labels or signs to identify the different types of cookies and give guests a chance to learn more about each one.
Another fun idea is to provide cookie jars or favor bags for guests to take home. This gives them a chance to enjoy their favorite cookies later on and serves as a sweet reminder of your special day. You could even include a recipe card or note with each jar or bag, sharing your favorite cookie recipe or a special message of thanks to your guests.
Overall, cookies are a delightful and versatile option for any wedding dessert menu. Whether you choose to serve them on their own or as part of a larger spread, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Frozen Yogurt Bar
If you're looking for a fun and refreshing dessert option for your wedding, consider setting up a frozen yogurt bar. Guests will love being able to create their own sweet treats and cool off in the summer heat.
When setting up your frozen yogurt bar, make sure to provide a variety of yogurt flavors to choose from. Popular flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but feel free to get creative and offer unique flavors such as coconut or mint. It's also a good idea to include a few dairy-free and vegan options for guests with dietary restrictions.
| Flavors to consider for your frozen yogurt bar: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Chocolate | Strawberry |
| Coconut | Mint | Green Tea |
To make the frozen yogurt bar extra special, provide a variety of toppings for guests to add to their yogurt. Fresh fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are a great option for guests looking for a healthier topping. Granola, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies are great options for guests with a sweet tooth.
- Fruit toppings to consider:
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Sweet toppings to consider:
- Granola
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel sauce
- Crushed cookies
- Whipped cream
By offering a variety of flavors and toppings, guests can create their own unique frozen yogurt creations. It's a fun and interactive dessert option that everyone will enjoy.