Top 10 Wedding Desserts That Aren’t Cake

So, I’m gonna be honest with you. I LOVE dessert. Literally all desserts. You know how some people like sweet and others like salty? Well, I’m sweet. I mean, I’m sweet in the nice way, but what I’m saying is that I am a lover of sweets. Like, if I go out to breakfast, I get a chocolate milk to go, which my husband calls my breakfast dessert. I think all meals should have a dessert. Heck, maybe all snacks should have a dessert? Right? If you are also a sweets person, then we are now BFFs. If you are a salty person, I’ll still like you, but we’ll just be regular friends, not besties!

So when it comes to weddings, I always get excited for the dessert. Up until a few years ago, it was always cake, which I’m great with. I love me some cake. I had a wedding cake that was amazing. It was lemon, btw (my favorite). But wedding desserts have evolved. It’s not just wedding cake alone anymore. Today, pretty much anything goes. If it’s a dessert, it’s fair game! Cue ALL the desserts! So let’s talk about some of the most popular alternatives, shall we?

Wedding Desserts That Aren’t Cake

1. Cookies

From icing monograms to state cutout shapes and, even designs with the bride and groom’s faces printed on them, wedding cookies are a great way to personalize your dessert table. Serve them with shots of milk for the ultimate cute factor.

2. Candy Bar

A candy bar is an adorable way to add something fun, interactive, and yummy to your wedding! There is something about standing in front of a whole display of candy that immediately makes you giddy. And even better…you don’t have your mother standing over you saying, “just one piece!” 🙄 Whether you have this displayed with your other wedding desserts or let it shine on its own, guests will love creating a custom bag of their favorite sweets. And..bonus: this can also serve as a wedding favor for your guests! Pick your favorites and let your guests go crazy!

 

3. Donuts

Donuts. For me, the holy grail of foods. It’s like the Bubba Gump Shrimp list: you can have donut walls, donut cakes, donut towers, donut shelves, donut centerpieces, donut favors, donut trucks, donut horse d’oeuvres, donuts on hooks, donuts on a stick, well…you get the picture. I mean, you better after that list!  As one of America’s most beloved foods, they are bound to be a hit at your reception. Not only are wedding donuts easy to eat, they’re easily customizable too. Get them iced in your wedding colors or topped with your favorite topping. Regardless of the way you display them, your guests will devour your wedding donuts.

4. Cheesecake

If this delicious treat is your go-to, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s rising in popularity as a modern wedding dessert. With so many flavor options, there is a cheesecake for everyone on your guest list! Whether you opt for a tiered wedding cheesecake or mini bites that guests can take on the dance floor, this confection will be sure to please.

 

5. Cupcakes

I feel like from a young age, we are destined to fall in love with cupcakes. Growing up, it was the standard bring-to-school birthday treat. There is something so fun about a cupcake; they’re like a little present that you get to unwrap! They are little and cute, and best of all, they leave you wanting more, unlike a huge piece of cake that you just gorged yourself on! It’s like giving all of your guests their very own little cake. But be careful, because cupcakes can quickly become more expensive than a wedding cake, depending on how much individual decoration each requires!

6. Cake Pops

You guys! Here is my close 2nd to the donuts! Cake pops are so adorable! Your guests won’t feel guilty having more than one, so you can have multiple flavors for them to try! You can match your wedding colors and theme. If you like the idea of a wedding cake but want to give it a fresh upgrade, consider having cake pops either instead of or in addition to your cake!

 

7. Pies

Thanksgiving-lovers, this one’s for you. Substitute wedding cake with a variety of different pie flavors for a personal, homestyle-feeling wedding reception menu. Whether your go-to flavor is apple, cherry, boston cream, or pumpkin, having wedding pies instead of cake is such a great way to make your guests feel like they are in your home with your warmest welcome. Did you know that Lauren Conrad baked 50 apple pies for her 2014 wedding? Luckily, you don’t have to do all the baking with so many fabulous bakers here in West Michigan!

8. S’mores Bar

What about late night? Having a S’mores bar is such a fun idea for filling your bellies later in the night! While you might want to forgo a bonfire (unless that’s totally up your alley), give your guests a surprise treat by offering a S’mores station – a gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate is everyone’s favorite combo, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser.

 

9. Ice Cream Bar

I scream, you scream, we ALL scream for ice cream. This is why a build-a-cone station at your wedding is an absolute must. Not only is a wedding ice cream bar a great interactive experience for you and your guests, it’ll be a treat to remember.  Be sure to offer a variety of unique flavors, and make it even more fun by having an extravagant topping table as well.

10. Pastries

The possibilities are endless: from darling berry tarts to cinnamon rolls to cream puffs, wedding pastries are such a great way to offer additional options for everyone’s sweet tooth! These can be offered on their own or in addition to a traditional wedding cake.

So there you have it. We’ve now discussed my favorite subject: dessert. I’m going to go eat something sweet now…