Creating Delicious Wedding Sweets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making sweets for weddings can be a fun and creative process, adding a touch of personality and sweetness to the celebration. From simple desserts to unique creations, there are endless options to choose from. Whether you're looking for traditional sweets, cake alternatives, or interactive treats, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a table overflowing with colourful candies, chocolates, and tasty treats, creating a delightful feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. In this guide, we'll explore different ideas for wedding sweets, including DIY options and ways to incorporate your cultural heritage. Get ready to indulge in a world of mouth-watering treats that will make your special day even more memorable.

How to make a sweet table for a wedding

A sweet table is a delightful addition to any wedding, adding a touch of fun, personality, and nostalgia to the reception. It's a feast for the eyes and taste buds, offering a variety of sweets, chocolates, and treats to satisfy your guests' cravings. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning sweet table for your wedding:

Choose Your Arrangement:

Visualise the space you're working with and consult your venue to find the best location for the table. Consider adding wedding signage, bunting, or foliage to enhance the presentation. You can also look for props, such as glassware or vintage carts, to create a charming display.

Determine the Quantity of Sweets:

As a rule of thumb, provide at least 100-150g of sweets per guest. For a guest list of 100, you'll need around 10-15kg of sweets in total. Mix and match premium options with more affordable treats to manage costs, and don't forget to refill containers as needed.

Select a Variety of Sweets:

Offer a mix of retro classics like Drumsticks, Refreshers, and Flying Saucers, along with traditional favourites such as jelly beans, marshmallows, and cola bottles. Include chocolate options like Maltesers, M&Ms, or Ferrero Rocher, but remember to keep them cool to avoid a melty mess!

Choose the Right Containers:

Opt for traditional jars, vases, or stands that suit your theme and fit on your table. To make your containers look full, place an upturned glass inside larger containers to push the sweets to the edge. Clearly label any sweets containing allergens, and provide vegetarian or vegan options to accommodate different dietary needs.

Provide Scoops, Tongs, and Bags:

Ensure hygiene by providing enough scoops and tongs for each sweet type, with extras on hand. Provide paper bags, personalised with your wedding date, initials, or themed stickers, so guests can take treats home.

Decorate and Personalise:

Incorporate your wedding colours, themes, and creative touches to make your sweet table stand out. Use tablecloths, ribbons, jars, or crates in your chosen colours. Add height with cake stands or tiered platters for a stunning visual display. Include cute signage, such as 'Love is Sweet', and don't forget to add flowers, fairy lights, or bunting for that extra wow factor!

Your sweet table will be a delightful focal point, offering a variety of treats to satisfy all taste buds. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, you can create a sweet table that will leave your guests with a sugar rush and fond memories.

How to make wedding cake pops

Homemade cakes and small cake alternatives like cake pops are a great way to celebrate your wedding. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make wedding cake pops:

Ingredients:

• 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ White Cake Mix
• 1 tub (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting
• 16 ounces white-chocolate candy (as for almond bark)
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (for tux coats on grooms)
• 48 sucker sticks (found in craft stores)
• 48 small plastic bags (found in craft stores, for packaging)
• Ribbon for packaging
• Food glitter and mini chocolate chips as sprinkles for decorating as desired
• Large Styrofoam block to hold pops upright while drying

Method:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 350° F. Prepare a 9x13 cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions (using egg whites to make the cake as white as possible). Bake as directed, removing the cake from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean and the cake springs back to the touch.

Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into 12 big pieces. For a perfectly white interior, skim off the golden tops and bottoms of the cake pieces with a sharp knife. Finely crumble the remaining white cake into a large bowl.

Add 3/4 of the tub of frosting to the cake crumbs and mix with the back of a big spoon. Reserve the remaining 1/4 tub of frosting for another use. Do not add it to the crumbs, or the mixture will become too moist.

Roll the cake mixture into 48 balls, each about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a wax-paper-lined tray or baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to cool in the refrigerator for an hour.

Melt 16 oz of white chocolate candy in the top of a double boiler (or microwave). Keep the chocolate warm and fluid while you work. Dip about 1/2 inch of the end of a stick into the melted chocolate, then push it about 1/3 of the way into a cake ball. Set the ball upside down on the wax-paper-covered tray. Repeat until all cake balls are done. Allow the sticks to set so they are secure in the cake balls. (Set the tray in the fridge to chill if necessary.)

Holding the end of each stick, dip the cake ball quickly and completely into the melted chocolate. Tap the stick gently on the side of the pan or bowl to allow the excess chocolate to drip off, then poke the stick into a styrofoam block and allow the cake pop to set upright until hard.

Decorating:

For the brides: pipe white chocolate onto the cake pop in any pattern you desire, then immediately sprinkle with food glitter or white sugar so the design pops like lace. Add dots to the top to look like a necklace.

For the grooms: melt 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler. Dip each side of the cake pop into the chocolate to form the tux coat. Decorate with piped chocolate or mini chocolate chips for the bow tie and buttons.

When the cake pops are completely set and dry, place them in small plastic candy bags and tie with ribbon or beads.

How to make chocolate-covered strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a delightful treat for weddings, whether as gifts, appetizers, party favors, or even as a stand-in for a wedding cake. Here is a guide on how to make chocolate-covered strawberries:

Ingredients:

• Strawberries
• Chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
• Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, nuts, etc.)

Instructions:

• Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Ensure they are completely dry before dipping, as any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize and become clumpy.
• Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Hold the strawberries by the stem and dip them into the melted chocolate, covering about two-thirds of the berry. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the strawberries on the prepared baking sheet.
• If desired, sprinkle on toppings such as nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut while the chocolate is still wet.
• Place the chocolate-covered strawberries in the refrigerator to set the chocolate. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
• Enjoy your chocolate-covered strawberries! They are best served the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider drizzling the set chocolate with additional melted chocolate or dusting with edible gold or silver leaf. You can also get creative with the type of chocolate and toppings used to match your wedding colors or theme.

How to make a chocolate fountain

A chocolate fountain is a great addition to any wedding and is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Step 1: Choose a Location

Select an indoor location for your chocolate fountain, away from wind, rain, and direct sunshine. These elements can cause issues with the fountain and affect the quality of the chocolate.

Step 2: Level the Fountain

Ensure that the surface you place the fountain on is completely level. This is crucial for the stable operation of the fountain. Use a paper towel or similar item to stabilise any wobbly tables.

Step 3: Read the Manual

Different chocolate fountain models may have specific instructions, so it is essential to read the manual provided with your fountain. This will guide you on the setup, operation, and safety precautions.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate

The type and quality of chocolate you use will impact the taste and flow of your fountain. It is recommended to use high-quality dark chocolate or milk chocolate. You will also need to add a thinning agent like heavy cream or oil to achieve the desired consistency.

For a 24oz fountain, measure out 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream per 20oz of chocolate. If using oil, you will need 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons. For a larger 36oz fountain, use 2 cups of heavy cream or 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of oil.

You can melt the chocolate using a microwave, stovetop, or Instant Pot method:

• Microwave Method: Place chocolate and cream/oil in a silicone or glass bowl. Heat for 1 minute on high, then stir and return to the microwave for 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Repeat this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
• Stovetop Method: Use a double-boiler setup by heating water in a large pot and placing a glass bowl on top. Ensure no steam escapes. Add chocolate and cream/oil to the bowl and stir until well combined and lump-free.
• Instant Pot Method: Add water to the Instant Pot liner and place a glass bowl on top to create a seal. Add chocolate and cream/oil, then set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on Normal. Stir the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Fountain

Take your chocolate fountain out of the box and wipe down the main parts: the tower, the auger, and the base (which contains the bowl). Follow the instructions in the manual to properly assemble the fountain, ensuring all parts are secure.

Step 6: Heat the Fountain and Chocolate

Plug in your chocolate fountain and turn it on to 'heat' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Meanwhile, if you haven't already melted your chocolate, do so now following the instructions in Step 4.

Step 7: Combine Chocolate and Fountain

Once the fountain is heated, pour a small amount of chocolate over the top of the fountain, just enough to drizzle a little over the entire machine. Then, pour the remaining chocolate directly into the bowl at the base of the fountain.

Step 8: Operation and Troubleshooting

Turn on the motor, and your chocolate fountain should start cascading down the tower. If you encounter any issues, such as uneven flow or clogging, adjust the levelling, ensure the chocolate is at the correct temperature and consistency, and check for any food particles or liquid in the reservoir.

Step 9: Clean Up

It is important to clean your chocolate fountain immediately after use. Turn off the machine and scrape down the tower, auger, and base to remove excess chocolate. Store the unused chocolate in an airtight container; it can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Wash the removable parts with warm water and soap, and gently wipe down the base and bowl with a damp cloth, being careful not to submerge it in water.

How to make a gelato cart

If you're looking to make sweets for a wedding, why not try a gelato cart? Here's how to make one:

Step 1: Choose Your Gelato Cart

You can purchase a gelato cart from a specialty retailer or design a custom cart with a company like Equipment and Concepts. Carts can be customised with your logo, colours, and unique features like an umbrella. If you're handy, you could also consider building your own cart, though you'll need to ensure it meets food safety standards.

Step 2: Choose Your Gelato Flavours

The beauty of a gelato cart is that you can offer a variety of flavours to suit different tastes. Classic options include vanilla, chocolate, and fruit-based flavours like raspberry or blueberry. You can also get creative with flavours like pistachio, cherry ripple, or even rose. Consider the theme and colours of the wedding and try to incorporate these into your gelato! For example, a pink wedding theme could inspire flavours like strawberry, dragonfruit, or even beetroot!

Step 3: Make Your Gelato

To make gelato, you'll need an ice cream maker, a probe thermometer, and a hand blender. The basic ingredients are milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks, though you can add various flavourings like vanilla beans, fruit purees, or nut butters. For a lower-fat option, use skimmed milk and cornflour instead of cream and egg yolks. There are also vegan options available, substituting lactose-free milk and cream or using soy cream.

Step 4: Set Up Your Cart

Ensure your gelato cart is set up in a visible, easily accessible location at the wedding venue. Decorate the cart to match the wedding theme, and consider adding signage with flavour options and descriptions. You may also want to add some toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips to give your gelato that extra wow factor!

Step 5: Serve Your Gelato

Bring your gelato to room temperature about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure a soft, silky texture. Have a variety of cone and cup options available, as well as spoons and napkins. You could even offer to make gelato sandwiches using cookies or brownies!

A gelato cart is a unique and delightful way to offer sweets at a wedding, and with these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable dessert experience for the happy couple and their guests!

Frequently asked questions