Wedding cakes have long been considered a customary staple of a nuptial celebration. The first versions may have originated in medieval England with stacks of sweet cakes that formed a tower over which newlywed couples kissed. They have evolved, transforming over the centuries into fruity confections topped with marzipan and white icing into the editions we see today at most weddings. However, they’re not the only option for a delectable wedding-day dessert. Whether you have food and dietary concerns or just want to do something different, these alternatives to standard wedding cakes may give you some inspiration.
Bring on the Cupcakes
If you’ve got your heart set on cake but want to break away from tradition, a cupcake tower might be just the perfect thing for your nuptial celebration. As shown by examples from Martha Stewart Weddings, thousands of flavor combinations are possible, so you can incorporate many of your favorites while still pleasing your guests. You’ll probably follow the same process for hiring a professional to make these sweet treats as you would for a standard wedding cake baker. Check out reviews on local shops, seek recommendations from friends and schedule a tasting with each candidate to narrow down your final choice.
The Croquembouche: A Traditional French Approach
For something that gives your special day an extra “wow” factor, a croquembouche can be an ideal after-meal dessert. Writer Kimberly Petyt revealed its origins in an article on The Good Life France website, noting that this tall tower of delectable goodness was invented in the late 1700s by French pastry chef Antoine Careme. As a popular choice at French-themed weddings, it features a group of cream-filled puff pastry balls stacked high and covered in caramelized sugar, along with icing, chocolate, sugared almonds or other tasty additions. Vanilla-bourbon crème is a perennial selection, but bakeries that make them usually offer a wide variety of filling choices such as caramel, rose, pistachio or even chocolate.
Unlike the typical cake display at American weddings, the croquembouche is not brought out until after the meal at French weddings. Its presentation is accompanied by a lot of fanfare and excitement, with some versions including very small firecrackers shooting out from them. You can skip the fiery display but still incorporate this treat at your nuptials for a dessert that’s unique and memorable. You may have to do some detective work to get one for your wedding, as you’re more likely to find croquembouches produced only by French-themed bakeries and pastry shops.
And Now for Something Completely Different: Donuts!
If you’re looking for a post-meal delight that is unusual and tasty, maybe a tower of donuts could fit the bill for you and your sweetie. Bridal Guide showed several distinctive ideas for serving them at your wedding, including high-end delicacies, fun versions with sprinkles and donut hole mountains. These can be as dressed up or as dressed down as you like, and you can easily have them decorated to match your special day’s theme.
Many More Options for the Non-Cake Inclined
Should you and your future spouse decide you want something other than donuts, cupcakes or a croquembouche, there are plenty more possibilities at your disposal. Brides Online offers a plethora of unusual and appetizing suggestions. Among the off-beat ones you’ll find include a pancake-style wedding cake, a tower of whoopee pies, multi-tiered cheesecakes, stacked layered ice cream cakes, king cakes, pies, bundt cakes and macaroon towers. No matter what approach you take, remember that it’s your wedding day, and you can design it with the styles, elements, food and other aspects you desire. With a little creativity and thinking outside the box, you’ll serve a wedding-day dessert that you and your guests will love.
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