Feature Photo: Ibrahim Boran
Wedding cakes are beautiful, classic and never go out of style. While they are a long held tradition, and many couples love keeping this custom alive, not all couples want to stick to the conventional path. So, if you’re looking for something new and unique for your special day, consider one of these wedding cake alternatives that will satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth! From new types of cakes to completely different dessert options, we’re breaking down all of the tasty treats for you to discover.
Donuts
Quite frankly, who doesn’t love a classic glazed or sprinkled donut? Not only is a donut wall a delicious addition, but it can serve as a decorative centerpiece. Mix and match a variety of flavors. A few of our favorite donut companies in the Rockies include, The Donut Haus, Guru Donuts and Pandemic Donuts.
Cheesecake
Can you ever go wrong with cheesecake? If your wedding guests have a serious sweet tooth, this sweet dessert consisting of one or more layers is the perfect way for them to get their fix. Top your cheesecake with beautiful seasonal favorites such as; berries, fresh fruit, florals, and greenery, or add a chocolate or caramel drip for an edgy look. This isn’t only about taste here!
Photo by Rox and San
Naked Cake
The naked wedding cake is the latest trend in weddings all over the world. No toothache-inducing icing, here! Just visible layers of cakey goodness. If a naked or semi-naked cake sounds like your slice of cake be sure to check out Sweet Ride Bakeshop in Colorado.
Cannolis
Mamma Mia! In lieu of a wedding cake, serve your guests a mountainous pile of this Italian pastry consisting of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet, rich creamy filling. Cannolis are the ultimate chef’s kiss for couples wanting to play up their Italian heritage or that just love a good cannoli. And, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Photo by Kevin & Aly Photography
Macarons
Macarons are a sophisticated and delicious sweet meringue-based confection. This French dessert will bring both elegance and flair to any reception and look absolutely show stopping displayed as a tower. With hundreds of flavors and fillings, really make them pop in colors that coordinate with your wedding palette! These lovely dainty treats will also photograph beautifully.
Photo by Molly + Co
Cookies
Come on, everyone loves cookies! More often than not, if we see cookies at a wedding, they’re also displayed with another sweet. You could totally do a cookie table with nothing else though! We love the idea of having an assortment of chocolate chip cookies and personalized sugar cookies with frosted detailing. You can also put the cookies in individual boxes or clear bags.
Bundt Cake
Nothing Bundt Cakes is sweeping the nation with full size and mini bundt cakes. Perhaps it’s their homemade rustic appeal or all that yummy icing that artfully drips down the sides? One thing we do know though, is if you’re wanting to do something different, but you’re still an avid cake lover, this dessert gives you the best of both worlds. You still get to have the moist, gooey cake taste that we all love, topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. Check out their flavor options here!
Photo by Victoria Johansson Photography
Ice Cream Cake
A summertime wedding calls for ice cream. Indulge your inner little kid and treat your guests to ice cream cake! Provide one or two different flavors for a guaranteed fun time.
Photo by Rockwell Ice Cream Company
Candy Bar
There’s a reason candy is a universal guilty pleasure. These sugary spreads evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia, and guests young and old will enjoy grazing on this dessert selection!
Cinnamon Rolls
There might be a new trend on the rise, breakfast food at weddings. Serving warm gooey cinnamon buns dripping with frosting is something we’re totally on-board with this wedding season. They work perfectly for rustic themed weddings, boho weddings, fall weddings, well, any wedding really! Just be sure to provide lots of napkins!
Photo by Jenny Williams Photography
Parfaits
These adorable single serving treats make an amazing display and great wedding cake alternative! They’re usually filled or topped with bright fruits, which are perfect for guests that are over the usual menu of chocolate and calorie-laden treats. Yvonne’s Delightful Cakes created this super cute display of dessert parfaits!
Photo by Kayla Lynn Photography
Mini Pies
Make your dessert selection sweet as pie by actually serving pie! The great thing about pies is that they can be displayed just as artistically and beautifully as a wedding cake. Mini pies are perfect for the quintessential home-grown, rustic inspired wedding. A favorite pie company of ours is Elle’s Belles!
Photo by Orange Photographie
Cupcakes
Sure, cupcakes are essentially mini cakes in theory, but they’re a darling and delicious option to serve at any wedding. Mix up the flavors so there’s something for everyone, even the pickiest guest.
Churros
One of our favorite wedding cake alternatives? Churros! If you are looking for a fun and unique dessert idea look no further. Who doesn’t love a piping hot churro? Covered in cinnamon and sugar, and served with your dipping sauce of choice! Never underestimate the power of sugar and spice!
Cake Pops
Cake pops are the new cupcake for weddings, this trend is totally worth investigating! I mean, who doesn’t love food on a stick? The best part about these sweet balls of goodness is that they can be made in many flavors, including cheesecake and cookie dough. Yum!
Sundae Bar
Ice cream is always a great treat on summer nights! If you’re having an outdoor ceremony go for an ice cream bar instead of cake at your wedding. You can choose different flavors and go wild on the toppings. Fill decorative jars with sprinkles, nuts, and candy. Don’t want to organize all the ice cream yourself? Recruit the help of an ice cream food truck or company.
Ice Cream Truck
Did someone say ice cream truck? Reminisce on your childhood by bringing an ice cream truck to your wedding reception. What better way to show your guests that you’re still a kid at heart? It doesn’t get much better than this!
Photo by Eleanor’s Ice Cream
For more inspiration on wedding cake alternatives, check out our Pinterest Board!