Creative Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are a classic tradition, but they're not for everyone. If you're looking for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of options to choose from. From cupcakes and pies to doughnut walls and candy bars, there's something to suit every taste and style. Whether you're looking for something unique and unexpected or simply want to mix things up, read on for some mouth-watering ideas that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

Serve a tower of doughnuts

If you're looking for a fun and unique alternative to a wedding cake, why not try a tower of doughnuts? This option is perfect for couples who want to do something a little different while still having a beautiful focal point for their reception.

When creating a doughnut tower, you can get creative with the presentation. Consider using a tiered cake stand or stacking the doughnuts on a wooden tree. You can also decorate the tower with florals, linens, or a cake topper. If you want to incorporate a small cake for the traditional cake-cutting moment, you can place it on top of the tower or surround it with doughnuts.

To ensure you have enough doughnuts for your guests, consider ordering at least one doughnut per guest. If doughnuts are the only dessert, you may want to order more to account for guests who want seconds. It's also a good idea to have a variety of flavours and fillings to satisfy different tastes.

When planning your doughnut tower, keep the temperature and freshness of the doughnuts in mind. Melted frosting or stale doughnuts can be unappealing to guests. Ordering the doughnuts close to your wedding date and storing them properly will help ensure they stay fresh.

A doughnut tower is a fun and delicious way to celebrate your special day and is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Offer a wedding pie

If you and your partner are pie enthusiasts, then offering a wedding pie is a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Here are some tips and ideas to help you incorporate this delicious treat into your special day:

Types of Pies

You can choose between various pie options for your wedding, depending on your preferences. Traditional pie flavours like pumpkin, apple, cherry, blueberry, and pecan are always a hit. If you want to offer something reminiscent of a wedding cake, flavours like chocolate silk and banana cream could be perfect. For a refreshing option, consider lemon meringue, key lime, or coconut cream pie. You could even offer a mix of different flavours to cater to a range of tastes.

Presentation Ideas

There are several ways to present your wedding pie, from a simple pie-by-the-slice option to more creative displays. Here are some ideas:

• Stack your pies in tiers or use a display to showcase them at different levels, adding a fun twist to the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
• Mini pies are a versatile option. You can spread them out on a bar, display them on a tiered cake stand, or even offer them as favours for your guests.
• Pie-in-a-jar is a unique option that allows for easy storage and portion control.
• For a rustic feel, present your pie on a small cake stand.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try a pie pops option for individual servings.

Quantity and Flavour Selection

The number of pies you'll need depends on the number of guests and the size of the pies. For example, one source suggests that 8-10 pies would be sufficient for 100 guests, while another source recommends 17 pies for 120 people. You can also offer multiple flavours to give your guests a choice. One idea is to include a different pie at each table, encouraging guests to mingle and sample different flavours. Alternatively, you could set up a pie station with attendants who can serve the flavour of pie requested by each guest.

Combining with Other Desserts

If you're concerned about offering only pie, you can combine it with other desserts to create a dessert table or offer cupcakes for cake lovers. Some ideas for additional treats include doughnuts, cookies, macarons, and small pastries.

Professional Baker

While it may be tempting to save costs by baking your own pies or relying on family and friends, hiring a professional baker is recommended to ensure your pies are fresh and delicious. They will use fresh ingredients and create pies that taste as good as they look.

Create a dessert table

Dessert tables (also known as dessert grazing tables or dessert bars) are a great alternative to a wedding cake. They can be a stunning focal point for your wedding day and provide something for everyone. You can include anything from cake to doughnuts, cake pops to macarons, lollipops to cookies and more!

• Go crazy with your styling: Create different levels with crates or cake stands, or go rustic with ladders. You can also use cabinets, vintage furniture, or a backdrop to make your display stand out.
• Personalise your dessert table: Include your favourite sweet treats, such as Krispy Kreme doughnuts or personalised wedding biscuits. You can even have some as favours or place settings.
• Variety is key: Offer a range of desserts with different colours and flavours to cater to all dietary requirements.
• Style it your way: Play with props and cake stands, incorporate flowers, candles, and any other decor. You can use jam jars, tall martini glasses, platters, or something totally unique!
• Create a wow factor: Display the desserts at different heights or pair them with a doughnut wall for added impact.
• Practicalities: If you're having an outdoor wedding, remember to take precautions to keep your dessert table bug-free.
• Catering for all: There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available, and you can clearly mark any dietary requirements.
• Complement your colour scheme: Work with your cake designer to choose desserts that complement your wedding's colour scheme, aesthetic, and overall vibe.

Serve ice cream

Ice cream is a fun, playful, and nostalgic dessert option that can be served in many ways at your wedding. It is a great choice for an outdoor, rustic, or relaxed celebration. If you are worried about ice cream melting, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate it into your wedding.

One way to serve ice cream at your wedding is to set up a sundae bar, where guests can choose from a variety of toppings and create their own custom dessert. This can be a fun and interactive experience for your guests. You can also offer prepared sundaes, with beautiful toppings, delivered to each guest's table. For a more rustic wedding, you can pair pastries with ice cream, such as apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your ice cream dessert, consider serving it in jet-black cups or matching it to your wedding's aesthetic with a beautiful soft-serve cone and a single flower. You can even create a signature ice cream flavour named after your pet, hometown, or wedding locale.

For a unique twist on the traditional wedding cake, you can opt for an ice cream cake. These can be rectangular or round and stacked, decorated just as beautifully as a typical wedding cake. If you're looking for something truly unique, you can even have an ice cream food wall with a witty phrase.

Ice cream can also be served as a mobile treat, with a gelato or ice cream cart that allows guests to order their favourite flavour. Mini sugar cones or ice cream sandwiches are also charming options for a passed dessert during cocktail hour.

Stack wheels of cheese

If you're a cheese lover, a stack of wheels of cheese is a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Here are some tips on how to create a show-stopping cheese tower:

Amount and Types of Cheese

Plan on 2-4 ounces of cheese per guest. For a cheese wheel cake, you'll need a range of cheese wheel sizes, with the diameter of each wheel increasing like the tiers of a traditional wedding cake. The height of each wheel is less important. You can use whole wheels, half wheels, or wedges to create the desired shape. If you don't have access to a specialty cheese store, you can order various-sized cheese wheels online. For example, you can find 3-inch to 13-inch diameter wheels of cheese on Amazon, ranging from 5 ounces to 24 pounds in weight.

Stacking the Cheese Wheels

Stacking the cheese wheels is easier than you might think. Ensure that the top of each wheel is flat, and trim it with a sharp knife if necessary. For hard and semi-hard cheese wheels, simply stack them on top of each other. For softer wheels, cut wooden skewers to act as internal supports. Insert the skewers into the soft cheese, cut them flush with the top of the cheese, and then top it with a cardboard cake round before adding the next wheel.

Cutting and Serving the Cheese

Soft cheeses can be cut with a standard knife, but for large tiers and hard cheeses, a double-handled knife designed for cutting wheels of cheese is recommended. Cheese is best served at room temperature, so set up the cheese cake several hours ahead of time to allow it to temper. Provide plenty of fruits, nuts, and crackers to accompany the cheese. You can serve the cheese wheel cake during the cocktail hour before dinner as an appetizer, or as a substitute for the traditional wedding cake after dinner.

Decorating the Cheese Cake

Decorate your cheese wheel cake just as you would a cheese board. Add fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and herbs or flowers around the base. You can also use a rustic, bark-covered wood slab or a round wooden board to display the cheese cake, adding a natural, elegant touch.

Frequently asked questions