Cheesecake Wedding Cake: A Unique Dessert Option?

Cheesecake wedding cakes are a fun and creative way to surprise your guests and put a personal stamp on your wedding ceremony. While some couples prefer not to have a wedding cake, instead opting for brownies, cookies, donuts, or pies, cheesecake wedding cakes are a unique alternative for those who do not have a sweet tooth. A traditional stacked cake can be achieved by preparing tiered cakes made from wheels of cheese, which can be decorated with seasonal fruits and flowers. Cheesecake wedding cakes come in a variety of styles, such as rustic terracotta, gothic, and burnt orange, and can be tailored to fit any couple's tastes.

Pros and cons of cheesecake as a wedding cake

Cheesecake is a less traditional option for a wedding cake, but it is a fun and creative way to showcase the couple's style and tastes. Here are some pros and cons of choosing cheesecake as your wedding cake:

Pros:

• Cheesecake is a unique and unexpected choice that can make your wedding stand out. It adds a creative and personal touch to your big day.
• Cheesecake can be a good option if you or your guests are not fond of traditional cake. It offers a different flavour profile and texture.
• Cheesecake can be dressed up or down to fit any wedding theme, from rustic to elegant. You can add flowers, fruits, or other decorations to make it fit your style.
• Cheesecake wedding cakes can be simple or extravagant, depending on your preference. A simple cheesecake with minimal decoration can be just as impressive as a grand 4-tier cake.
• Cheesecake is a versatile option that can be served in different ways. You can have a traditional tiered cheesecake, individual cheesecakes for each guest, or even a cake with layers of cheesecake and regular cake.

Cons:

• Cheesecake can be divisive, and some guests may not enjoy it. It is a strong flavour that not everyone appreciates, so it might be a good idea to offer an alternative dessert option as well.
• Cheesecake is more temperature-sensitive than traditional wedding cakes. It needs to be kept cool until serving time and has a shorter safe room-temperature window, usually around 4 hours. This can make it more challenging to manage at an outdoor wedding or an event with a long gap between the ceremony and reception.
• Cheesecake can be more expensive to have custom-made, especially if you want a large or elaborate cake. Some caterers may use pre-made cheesecakes, which could affect the quality.
• Cheesecake may not be suitable for all dietary restrictions. For example, it may not be safe for pregnant women due to the risk of listeria, and it contains dairy and gluten, which some guests may be allergic or intolerant to.
• Cheesecake can be challenging to cut and serve neatly. It is a softer dessert, and creating a tiered cheesecake that holds its shape can be tricky.

How to cut and stack a cheesecake wedding cake

If you're planning on having a cheesecake wedding cake, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it's a showstopping success. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut and stack a cheesecake wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Cheesecake:

Baked cheesecakes are sturdier and better suited for stacking than set cheesecakes. Opt for a recipe that suits the size of your tin to ensure accurate cooking times and temperatures. Take your time and avoid rushing the bake to prevent cracking. Aim for a good proportion of sizes—consider making three layers in 26cm, 20cm, and 16cm tins for a stable structure.

Flavour Combinations:

Get creative and experiment with complementary flavours. Try a fruity trio of blueberry, raspberry, and lemon cheesecakes, or indulge in a tiramisu-style stack with double chocolate, boozy Kahlua, and New York-style vanilla. If you're a fan of Black Forest flavours, pair double chocolate with cherry, or even add a Bakewell layer for a surprise twist.

Supporting the Stack:

Just like a traditional wedding cake, your cheesecake tower will need internal support to prevent collapsing. Use cake rods, also known as dowels, to provide vertical pillars of support. You can purchase these rods from speciality cake decorating shops or online. For the base layer, insert six or seven rods, and then reduce to three or four rods for the middle layer.

Placing the Cheesecakes:

Start by placing the largest cheesecake on a thick cake board that matches the size of your tin. This provides a stable base for your tower. Use a metal skewer to break through the biscuit base, then insert a cake rod through the centre. Mark the rod where it reaches the top of the cheesecake, remove it, cut or snap it to size, and reinsert it, ensuring it doesn't poke out of the top. Repeat this process, adding five or six more rods around the central one, evenly spaced to distribute the weight.

Stacking the Layers:

As you move to the second and third layers, repeat the process of measuring, cutting, and inserting the rods. Place each cheesecake on a thin cake board, with the smallest cheesecake on top. Carefully stack the layers, ensuring each tier rests on the area supported by the rods underneath.

Serving Tips:

Before serving, remove the rods by carefully taking apart the cheesecakes. Inform anyone else who will be cutting the cake about the presence of the rods. Decorate your cheesecake tower with fresh fruits, edible flowers, or a drizzle of chocolate for a rustic or elegant finish.

Flavour combinations and recipes for a cheesecake wedding cake

Cheesecakes are a great alternative to traditional wedding cakes, offering a unique and fun option for couples. They can be styled to suit any taste and wedding theme, from chic designs with flowers and fruit to rich flavours with chocolate and sauces. Here are some flavour combinations and recipes to consider for a cheesecake wedding cake:

Flavour Combinations:

• Multi-flavoured cheesecake: Offer a variety of flavours such as raspberry, Nutella, and Kinder to cater to different tastes.
• Eton Mess cheesecake: A playful and delicious combination of meringue, cream, and strawberries, inspired by the classic English dessert.
• Fig and honey cheesecake: This flavour combination pairs the sweetness of honey with the succulent flavour of figs, creating an elegant and tasty dessert.
• Ice cream cheesecake: By adding frozen berries to the mixture, you can achieve a creamy, ice cream-like consistency with a pretty pink hue.
• Chocolate drip cheesecake: Take your cheesecake to the next level by adding a smattering of chocolate, creating a trendy and indulgent dessert.
• Vegan rose cheesecake: Pink dragon fruit, rose, and coconut oil come together to create a creamy, tropical-tasting cheesecake, perfect for a destination wedding.
• Baked vanilla cheesecake: A classic option decorated with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, red berries, and pink roses, making it a fail-safe choice.
• Vegan salted caramel cheesecake: Adorned with frozen blackberries, nuts, and seeds, and dripping with salted caramel sauce, this cheesecake is a beautiful option for an autumn wedding.
• Raspberry cheesecake: Add a splash of colour and a touch of sweetness to your cheesecake with hot pink raspberries and compote.
• Summer fruit cheesecake: Bursting with peaches, strawberries, and raspberries, this hybrid between a pie and a cheesecake is perfect for a summer wedding.

Recipes:

• No-bake cheesecake: A great option if you want to avoid the hassle of baking. Try a no-bake Key lime cheesecake or a no-bake cherry cheesecake.
• New York-style cheesecake: A classic choice that can be made with a cookie crust or a traditional graham cracker crust.
• Italian-style ricotta cheesecake: For a unique twist, opt for an Italian-style cheesecake made with ricotta cheese.
• Blueberry-cheesecake icebox cake: A unique take on the traditional cheesecake, combining the flavours of cheesecake and ice cream.
• Triple-chocolate cheesecake: Indulge your sweet tooth with this rich and decadent chocolate cheesecake.
• Strawberries-and-cream cheesecake: A perfect choice for a summer wedding, combining the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy cheesecake base.
• Margarita cheesecake: Bring a touch of tropical flavour to your wedding with this margarita-inspired cheesecake.
• Passion fruit cheesecake tart: If you're looking for something a little different, this passion fruit cheesecake tart is sure to impress.
• Gingerbread cheesecake: A festive option that combines the spices of gingerbread with a creamy cheesecake filling.
• Mini cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes are a great option for an intimate wedding, ensuring that each guest has their own special dessert.

Creative ways to decorate a cheesecake wedding cake

Cheesecakes are a great alternative to traditional wedding cakes, and there are many creative ways to decorate them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Fruit

Add a pop of colour by decorating your cheesecake with fresh flowers and fruit. This could be anything from raspberries and pink roses to figs, berries, apricots, and sprigs of greenery. You could also use edible flowers to add a unique twist.

Chocolate

Drizzle chocolate over your cheesecake for a simple yet effective decoration. For an extra touch of luxury, try a chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake with a chocolate glaze.

Nuts and Seeds

For a bit of crunch, add nuts and seeds to your cheesecake. This works especially well with a vegan salted caramel cheesecake, where the nuts and seeds complement the luxurious sauce.

Colourful Contrasts

If you're going for a multi-tiered cheesecake, why not use different colours for each tier? You can also add cute little markers to each tier so guests know what they're getting.

Simple and Elegant

Sometimes less is more. A few sprigs of greenery or a couple of blooms that match the bridal bouquet can be all you need to make a lovely design.

Individual Treats

Surprise your guests with individual, bite-sized cheesecakes. This adds a touch of customisation and makes serving easy.

Rustic Charm

For a rustic wedding, a cheesecake made from wheels of cheese is a perfect choice. Decorate the layers with fruit and crackers, and perhaps add a cake topper for a fun touch.

Tiered Cheesecakes

Make a statement with a tiered cheesecake, available in three, four, or five tiers. This creates a clever floating cake illusion and is sure to impress your guests.

Alternative Flavours

Get creative with your flavours! Try something different like an Eton Mess cheesecake, a Funfetti cheesecake with sprinkles and Oreos, or a White Lindt cheesecake for a nod to a traditional white wedding cake.

Remember, it's your wedding, so choose decorations that reflect your style and personality. Enjoy creating a cheesecake that's both delicious and visually appealing!

Alternative cake options for those who don't like cheesecake

While some couples opt for a traditional wedding cake, others prefer to break from tradition and choose alternative desserts. If you don't like cheesecake, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are some alternative cake options for those who don't favour cheesecake:

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular choice for weddings, as they can be displayed creatively and offer a variety of flavours to suit different tastes. They can also be decorated to match any colour scheme and can be served as individual treats or alongside a small cake.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a classic treat that can be displayed in a unique way for a wedding. They can be stacked in a mini-tower, decorated with blooms and flags, or even used to deck out a cake for a sweet look. Doughnuts can also be served on dessert tables for a striking and tasty display.

Macarons

Macarons are a crowd-favourite French pastry that can be displayed elegantly. They can be arranged in a custom stand, creating a cohesive and stylish display. Macarons also come in a variety of colours, making them a great way to incorporate your wedding colour palette.

Pies

Pies are a delicious alternative, especially for late summer weddings when fresh fruit is in season. They can be decorated with a fun cake topper, and you can offer a variety of flavours to suit everyone's tastes.

Cookies

If a towering cake isn't your style, consider opting for a batch of your favourite cookies. Cookies can be decorated in various ways, such as with a heart shape to symbolise your love. Stacking cookies in a tower can also create a unique and tasty display.

Waffles

For a unique twist, consider stacking waffles on a beautiful cake stand and dressing them up with blooms and greenery. Don't forget to serve them with maple syrup for an extra special touch!

Brownies

Brownies are a great choice for a wedding cake alternative and can be cut into individual portions for guests. They can also be served with ice cream, making them a budget-friendly option.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

For a fun and refreshing treat, especially during summer weddings, consider serving ice cream sandwiches. Offer a few different flavours to create a personalised touch.

Cake Pops

Cake pops are a portable and versatile option, as they can be crafted to match any colour scheme. They are a great addition to a stunning dessert table.

Mini Cakes

Mini cakes are a great way to provide individual treats to your guests while still offering a variety of flavours. They can also be decorated simply and charmingly, making them a cute alternative to a traditional tiered cake.

Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favourite that can be dressed up for a wedding. You can mix in Fruity Pebbles or other creative ingredients to make them even more special.

Savoury Options

If you don't have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of savoury options to choose from. A cake made from stacked wheels of cheese is a unique and elegant option. You can also opt for a pork pie wedding cake or a savoury "naked cake" made from ingredients like olive, sundried tomato, cheddar, and apple.

Frequently asked questions