Unique Wedding Desserts: Cake Alternatives For Your Big Day

Wedding cakes are an iconic part of a wedding reception. However, many couples are increasingly embracing the idea of serving delightful desserts other than the traditional tiered cake. This paragraph will explore some unique and creative alternatives to the traditional wedding cake, offering a range of sweet and savory options that will surprise and delight your guests. From elegant cheesecake to whimsical cake pops, and from interactive ice cream sundae bars to cultural confections like French croquembouche, the possibilities for wedding desserts are endless. So, read on to discover some mouth-watering ideas that will make your special day even more memorable.

Crepe cakes

One of the benefits of choosing a crepe cake for your wedding is that they can be easily customised to fit your preferences and wedding theme. You can choose from a variety of fillings, such as cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, or even Nutella, to create a flavour that your guests will love. Fresh berries or powdered sugar can be used as toppings, adding a touch of colour and freshness to the cake.

The cost of a crepe cake can vary depending on the size and number of servings. According to some sources, a 10-12 serving crepe cake can range from $120 to $150. It's a good idea to contact local bakeries or specialised crepe cake shops to inquire about prices and options.

Overall, crepe cakes offer a delightful and memorable experience for you and your guests. With their delicate layers, customisable flavours, and impressive appearance, they are sure to be a conversation starter at your wedding.

Ice cream cakes

Flavours and Presentation:

Logistics and Timing:

One of the biggest challenges with ice cream cakes is preventing them from melting. It is crucial to have proper refrigeration or freezer space at your venue to store the cakes until it is time to serve them. Consider the timing of your reception and whether there will be a delay between cutting the cake and serving it to your guests. A quick and efficient serving process is essential to avoid melting.

Portion Size and Serving:

Alternative Options:

If you love the idea of serving ice cream but are concerned about the logistics of ice cream cakes, consider setting up an ice cream sundae bar or station. This interactive option allows your guests to create their own customised treats, choosing from various ice cream flavours and toppings. You can even bring in an ice cream truck or cart to add a whimsical touch to your reception.

Doughnut towers

There are many ways to create a doughnut tower. One option is to use a stand with multiple tiers, which can be easily assembled and customised with flowers and a topper to match your wedding theme. You can choose from a variety of doughnut flavours, including classic and innovative options, to cater to every palate. For a rustic wedding, consider displaying your doughnuts on wooden slices or crates with a nice liner. You can also hang doughnuts on wooden poles or coffee mug trees, or stack them on tiered cake stands.

If you still want to incorporate a traditional cake, you can have a small cutting cake on top of the doughnut tower or as a separate tier. This can be a single-tier cake or a larger multi-tiered cake, depending on your preference.

When planning your doughnut tower, consider the number of guests you'll have and aim to have enough doughnuts for everyone. You may also want to provide plates, napkins, paper bags, and forks for your guests to enjoy the doughnuts without making a mess.

Cheese wheels

Cheese wheel 'cakes' are a fun and beautiful alternative to a traditional wedding cake. They are a popular choice in the UK and are becoming more trendy elsewhere. Cheese wheel cakes are generally well-suited to rustic-themed weddings, and they can be decorated with flowers, fruits, herbs, and nuts.

As a general rule, you should plan on 2-4 ounces of cheese per guest. For example, for 100 guests, you would need 25 pounds of cheese, whereas for 250 guests, you would need 64 pounds.

The diameter of each cheese wheel is more important than the height. Each wheel should be at least 2 cm smaller than the one below it, creating a tapering tower. The height of each wheel can vary, but the diameter should progress in the same way as the tiers of a traditional wedding cake.

Yes, you can use half wheels or wedges to create a whole wheel. For example, you can place four wedges of artisan blue cheese together to simulate a whole wheel.

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. Place a cardboard cake round between the soft cheese wheel and the next wheel in the stack to help distribute the weight.

Soft cheeses can be cut with a standard knife, but large tiers and hard cheeses are much easier to cut with a double-handled knife designed for cutting wheels of cheese.

A cheese wheel cake displayed on a rustic, bark-covered wood slab, such as a slice or round of black walnut, makes for a beautiful presentation. You can decorate the cake with fresh fruits, flowers, herbs, and nuts.

Cheese is best served at room temperature, so be sure to set up the cake several hours before serving to allow it to temper. Provide plenty of fruits, nuts, and crackers to serve alongside the cake.

Waffles

If you're looking for a fun and unique alternative to a traditional wedding cake, why not consider waffles? Waffles are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down to suit your wedding style, and they're sure to be a hit with your guests!

For a show-stopping display, stack waffles into a tiered "cake", alternating layers of waffles with frosting, fresh berries, or even whipped cream. You can make the waffles from scratch or use a store-bought mix, and get creative with your toppings. This idea is especially perfect for a brunch wedding, offering a unique twist on the typical wedding breakfast.

If you're looking for a more interactive option, consider setting up a waffle bar. Guests can customize their own waffles with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even chicken and savoury sauces. This option encourages guests to mix and mingle while they top their waffles, creating a fun and memorable experience.

To make your waffle bar extra special, consider hiring a professional waffle maker or offering a variety of unique waffle flavours, such as red velvet or matcha. You could even provide a selection of sweet treats to accompany the waffles, such as brownies, cookies, or doughnuts.

Frequently asked questions