Creative Ways To Serve Wedding Cake As Dessert

Wedding cake is a significant part of the big day, with many couples choosing to make a special moment out of the cake-cutting ceremony. But what's the best way to serve wedding cake to your guests? While some couples opt for a dessert alternative such as doughnuts, cookies, or even a cake made of cheese, serving your wedding cake as dessert is a popular choice. This can be done in several ways, from a dessert buffet where guests can help themselves to cake served on platters, to a more formal plated dessert with a quenelle of fresh whipped cream or ice cream. If you're having a seated dinner, it's best to serve the cake immediately after the meal while guests are still at the table. For a more relaxed wedding, consider serving finger-size portions of cake during an evening buffet, or as canapes after the ceremony.

Serve with cream and berries in summer or custard in winter

If you're serving your wedding cake as a dessert, it's important to consider the time of year and the time of day. For a summer wedding, a light and refreshing cake could be the perfect way to round off the meal. A vanilla sheet cake topped with fresh berries and cream cheese frosting is a great choice for the warmer months. The brightness of citrus or the sweetness of berries can add a refreshing touch to a summer wedding.

For a winter wedding, you might want to opt for a richer, more indulgent cake. A vanilla cake with a custard filling and fresh berries could be a good choice here. The custard will provide a nice contrast to the lightness of the berries and cream, and the vanilla cake will provide a neutral base that won't overpower the other flavours.

If you're having an outdoor reception, be sure to have shaded spots for delicate cakes, and consider having an indoor cake-cutting ceremony followed by outdoor celebrations.

When it comes to timing, there are a few options. You might choose to have the cake-cutting ceremony before dinner and serve the cake after, ensuring that guests who leave early get to enjoy dessert. Alternatively, you could wait until after dinner, around 7:45 pm, to cut the cake, or even leave it until later in the evening, around 9 pm, to signal that the party is winding down.

Offer as finger food during the evening buffet

Offering wedding cake as finger food during the evening buffet is a popular choice for couples. This option allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavours and is a great way to ensure the cake gets eaten. Here are some tips to consider:

• Cut the cake into mouth-watering finger-size portions of approximately 1"x1"x6". This size is easy for guests to pick up and eat, and it ensures everyone can sample the cake without feeling too full.
• If you have multiple tiers, offer different flavours for each tier. This adds variety and lets guests choose their preferred option. It's a good idea to have elegant signs showcasing the different flavours and allergens to help guide your guests.
• To elevate the presentation, consider commissioning your wedding stationer to design and create elegant signs that not only showcase the flavours and allergens but also add a touch of sophistication to the buffet table.
• For an even more elegant touch, serve the cake with a quenelle of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side. This transforms the cake into a true dessert option and makes it feel more special.
• If you want to provide a more interactive experience, set up a DIY topping bar with various berries, nuts, or other toppings. This allows guests to customise their cake portions and creates a fun and engaging activity during the buffet.
• To ensure the cake is enjoyed fresh, consider cutting and serving it soon after the ceremony. This way, you can serve the cake as an evening treat, and any remaining portions can be served during the evening buffet.

Serve as canapes after the ceremony

If you want to serve your wedding cake as canapes after the ceremony, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to remember that not everyone likes sweets and some people might prefer something savory, so it might be a good idea to provide some savory options as well. You could consider a "jarcuterie", which is meat, cheese, veggies, and crackers served in clear plastic cocktail cups, or a simple cheese platter with crackers.

Secondly, the timing of the cake-cutting should be carefully thought out. Traditionally, the cake-cutting signals the end of the main reception events and indicates to guests that they are free to leave. If you cut the cake too early, your guests might be disappointed that they didn't get to see it. On the other hand, if you cut it too late, your guests might be too full from dinner to enjoy the cake. One option is to cut the cake between the two entrées, either just with immediate family or with all guests, and then serve it as canapes. Alternatively, you could cut the cake immediately before the first dance, which will give your guests an energy boost before hitting the dance floor.

Finally, if you're serving a large tiered cake, you'll need to consider logistics. Your venue will need time to cut and plate the cake, so make sure to coordinate with them in advance. You might also want to have a small cake for display and cutting, and then serve additional sheet cakes to your guests, which are easier to cut and serve.

Plate elegantly with whipped cream or ice cream

Serving wedding cake as dessert is a great way to ensure it gets eaten and not wasted. If you want to plate it elegantly with whipped cream or ice cream, here are some tips to make it a wonderful dessert experience for your guests:

Portion Size

For plated dessert portions, cut the cake slices into elegant rectangles of approximately 1"x2"x6". This size allows your guests to enjoy a taste of the cake without being too overwhelmed, especially if they have already enjoyed a full meal.

Cake Flavour

It is best to stick to one or two cake flavours for plated desserts. This simplifies the dessert course and ensures a more cohesive presentation. You can choose flavours that complement each other or offer a contrast, such as a light and fruity option alongside a richer, chocolatey cake.

Accompaniments

To elevate the dessert and make it even more indulgent, consider serving the cake with a quenelle of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. You could also provide a variety of toppings or accompaniments, such as berries or nuts, to add texture and flavour. For example, fresh strawberries and cream would be a perfect pairing for a chocolate cake, while a lemon cake might be enhanced by a raspberry coulis and a dollop of clotted cream.

Presentation

To create a truly elegant and memorable dessert, pay attention to the presentation. Use simple, stylish plates that showcase the cake and its accompaniments. You could also add a sprig of fresh mint or a delicate edible flower as a garnish. If desired, provide elegant little signs showcasing the cake flavours and allergens, so guests know what to expect.

Timing

Finally, consider the timing of serving the wedding cake as dessert. If you are having a plated dinner, it is best to serve the cake immediately after the main course while guests are still seated. This ensures a smooth flow to the meal and avoids interrupting the dancing or other activities later in the evening.

By following these suggestions, you can elegantly plate and serve your wedding cake with whipped cream or ice cream, creating a delightful dessert experience for your guests.

Present as a family-style sharing platter

Presenting your wedding cake as a family-style sharing platter is a great way to ensure it gets eaten and enjoyed. This style of serving sees the cake cut into portions and placed on a platter in the middle of the table, allowing guests to help themselves to one or two slices. This option is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed dining experience and is often paired with a buffet or street food vendors.

To elevate this style of serving, consider adding some extra touches. For a summer wedding, serve the cake with fresh berries and cream, or for a winter celebration, custard could be the perfect pairing. You could also provide a variety of toppings, such as nuts, berries, or whipped cream, allowing your guests to customise their dessert.

If you want to offer your guests a choice of flavours, consider having multiple tiers with different flavours or even multiple cakes. This will create a stunning display and give your guests a delightful experience as they sample the different options.

When presenting the cake in this style, it is essential to ensure that the portions are cut to an appropriate size. For a plated dessert, slices of 1"x2"x6" are recommended. However, for a family-style sharing platter, smaller finger portions of around 1"x1"x6" might be more suitable, especially if you want your guests to try multiple flavours.

By serving your wedding cake as a family-style sharing platter, you create a warm and inviting atmosphere, encouraging your guests to indulge in this special treat together.

Frequently asked questions