The cake is synonymous with weddings! But the last couple of years many couples opt to eliminate cake from their weddings in favor of different desserts. It’s a fresh approach to the traditional sweet note of the wedding reception. I gathered, below, my favorite ideas for non-traditional wedding desserts.
Croquembouche
Originating in France, croquembouche towers are all the rage for finishing your sweet table with a touch of finesse. Each choux pastry is filled with cream before being stacked into a pyramid shape and secured with caramelized sugar. For your big day, you could adapt the recipe to feature your favorite flavored cream, colored icing or even have the pastry balls drizzled with chocolate.
Macaron Tower
Born in Italy as a single layer, the macaron was later filled in France to become the sweet treat we know today. You choose from the color of macarons to match with your bouquet, bridesmaids or decorations. The arrangement of macaron towers can vary to show the shiny top or to display the delicious fillings. Many towers also have a cake at the top or base of the stand so that couples can still cut the cake.
Cheese Cake
For those of us who don’t have a sweet tooth, cheese is the answer. Consider creating a cake completely out of cheese wheels. This trend is becoming more and more popular for brides and grooms. Be sure you taste the cheese before choosing the wheels for your cake and try to choose cheeses that balance each other out. You can decorate your cheese cake with flowers, foliage, grapes or apple slices to fit with your wedding theme.
Doughnut Tower
If you want your cake to be a departure from the norm, then a delicious tower of doughnuts could is a great option. This American classic is easy to serve and it’s an easy DIY cake option. You could have each doughnut decorated to enhance your theme. For a neat arrangement, order clear tiered trays and fill each level with your favorite donut flavors.
Candy Bar
Set up a bunch of different bowls filled with candy on a table at the reception and place little clear baggies next to them for guests to fill. It’s a fun activity for the guests and it can double as your party favor!
image source: Croquembouche // Macaron Tower // Cheese Cake // Doughnut Tower // Candy Bar
