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12 Delicious Wedding Dessert Alternatives for Non-Cake Lovers

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If you’re planning a wedding and not a big fan of cake, you’ve got options! Check out this list of delicious desserts that you can serve for your reception instead of cake!

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Whether you are deciding to go the traditional route or be different, every wedding deserves to have dessert. It is the perfect opportunity to share a treat with your guests on such a sweet day in your life. Obviously, traditional wedding cake will never go out of style, but having one is not required.

There’s no rule that says wedding desserts have to be cake – in fact, more and more couples are choosing to break with tradition and serve something a little different. So don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to wedding desserts. There are plenty of delicious options out there for couples who don’t want to serve traditional wedding cake. After all, your wedding is uniquely yours, and the dessert is a chance to show a little personality!

Just Desserts: Alternatives to Wedding Cake

If you’re not a fan of cake, don’t worry! There are many delicious wedding dessert alternatives that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From dessert bars to s’mores, if you’re on the hunt for wedding dessert alternatives, below are a few ideas to get you started.


macaron tower

Macaron Display

via The Knot

For couples who love the tiered look of a dessert, macarons can add a unique style to a wedding with multiple options for the decorations! Whether served is tiered or spread out on a table, macarons are simple and elegant.  


wedding cookies

via xsugaredsweet on Etsy

Cookies are a great way to please the guests with multiple options for flavors and decorations. They are easily customizable, with the opportunity to add a monogram or the wedding date!


wedding cheesecakes

Cheesecake Dreams

via Hitched

If you’re looking for something a little more elegant, you could opt for a wedding cheesecake. These desserts are a crowd pleaser being incredibly versatile and can be different flavors with added toppings. Bite size or stacked in tiers, the options are endless!


candy buffet

Candy Buffet

via Oriental Trading

Another fun idea is to create a wedding-themed candy bar. This is a great way to show off your personality as a couple, and it’s also a great way to provide guests with a sweet treat that they can take home with them. With 7-12 different candies, guests can have their pick of treats with this fun, interactive buffet style dessert. 


donut tower

Donut Tower

via Pinterest

A treat that resembles a wedding cake, but still strays away from tradition. Donuts are a popular choice for the guests with many possibilities of flavors and toppings. Plus, they can be decorated to match your wedding theme and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.


cake pops

Cake Pops

These bite-sized balls of cake are a popular choice for those who don’t want a traditional wedding cake. The candy coating can be customized to your wedding colors and theme for a special touch.


Spring & Summer Wedding Cake Alternatives

If your objective is to keep your guests extra cool, check out these unique summer dessert ideas to serve instead of wedding cake.

Ice Cream Bar

Ice Cream Bar

via The Spruce

An ice cream bar gives room for creativity for each guest to choose their own toppings and ice cream. Let the bride and groom choose their favorite flavors to offer their guests, as well as toppings. So no matter if you’re chocolate or vanilla lovers, everyone can have what they want! 


Milkshake Bar

Milkshake Bar

via The Baker Mama

A milkshake bar would make for a next level dessert to keep your guests cool between dinner and dancing. Allow your guests to select from different flavors and toppings for an interactive dose of sweets!


hawaiian shaved ice

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

via Everyday Party Mag

Hawaiian shaved ice is slowly starting to become popular among the summer weddings. This icy treat is the perfect dessert to cool off after the ceremony on a hot day and the syrup comes in a variety of favorite flavors!


fruit tarts

Fruit Tarts

A fruit tart is a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect for summer weddings. The tart can be made with a variety of fruits, such as berries, peaches, or apricots. Serve mini berry tarts dusted in powdered sugar on your wedding dessert table.


pavlova

Pavlova

Pavlova is a light and airy meringue dessert that is perfect for summer weddings. It can be topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even chocolate sauce, so it’s customizable to your tastes!


Fall & Winter: Cold Weather Wedding Desserts

If you’re looking for an alternative to wedding cake for a cold weather wedding, check out these ideas that are sure to keep your guests hearts and bellies warm!

wedding pies

Pies on Pies

via Pinterest

Perfect for a fall or country wedding, pies are a great option for a wedding dessert! Pies offer a multitude of tasty possibilities in terms of flavors, and can be decorated to suit any wedding theme. Don’t force yourself to choose between apple, peach, pumpkin, blueberry or coconut– you can have it all with a pie buffet!


smores

S’mores Bar

via ReclaimandRefurbish

A s’mores bar is a fun and unique way to serve dessert at your wedding reception. Guests can choose their own toppings and mix-ins, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, who doesn’t love roasted marshmallows?


gingerbread cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that can also be enjoyed at a winter wedding. If you’re getting married during the Christmas season, this is a sweet idea to serve in lieu of cake or as wedding favors for your guests!


chocolate fountain

Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fondue is a decadent and luxurious dessert that is perfect for a winter wedding. Guests can dip fruits, marshmallows, brownies, or even pretzels into the melted white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate for a sweet and tasty treat.


creme brulee

Creme brulee

Creme brulee is a rich and creamy custard dessert that is perfect for winter weddings. It can be made in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to chocolate or espresso. Serve mini portions to your guests and top that caramel coating with some edible glitter for a wedding-worthy dessert!


Non-Traditional Alternatives to Wedding Cakes

Cheese_Grotto-Wedding-Cheese-Tower-vert

Wedding Cheese Tower

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding cake made of cheese?  At Cheese Grotto, they can make that dream come true.  With a focus on award-winning American artisan cheeses, they will help you choose a multi-tiered cheese tower that both you and your wedding party will love.


Cake may be the traditional wedding dessert, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. If you and your spouse-to-be are not big fans of cake, there are so many other unique wedding dessert ideas to consider. Whatever wedding dessert you choose, make sure it’s something that you and your spouse will enjoy! We hope you have found an alternative to the traditional wedding cake in this list! 

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