15 Wedding Desserts to Try in Lieu of a Classic Cake

Grandiose wedding cakes will always have their place at some receptions, but more and more, couples are opting for alternative desserts to serve their guests. Cupcake towers, macarons, minidessert buffets, doughnuts, and cake-pop stands are just a few trending desserts circulating the American wedding scene.

Cheese Cake

Cheese Cake

For some couples, there is no better after-dinner treat than a rich, creamy, stinky cheese. Cheekily pay homage to the classic layer cake by stacking a variety of wheels.

Strawberry Shortcake Jars

Strawberry Shortcake Jars

Put pretty much any dessert in a mason jar and it looks adorable; this cute layered serving style works for everything from cakes to puddings to summery strawberry shortcake. While they may not be quite as grand as a cake, neat rows of mason jars are bound to catch guests' eyes.

Pancake Station

Pancake Station

Sure, pancakes may not be a dessert per se, but this fluffy brunch staple has become a true wedding day trend. Buttermilk pancakes add a homey touch to more casual ceremonies.

S'mores

S'mores

Guests love a dessert that they can put together themselves, and classic s'mores offer a nostalgic touch, plus they taste great. If the real deal seems a bit messy for the big day, there are plenty of s'mores-inspired desserts to fill the sticky-sweet void.

Rustic Pie Table

Rustic Pie Table

If you're on team pie (vs. team cake), put your love for this homey dessert on display. Some couples are even stacking tiers of pie in lieu of cake; it's a rustic idea, perfect for a wedding in a rural setting.

Wedding Cake Pop

Wedding Cake Pop

If you love cake but would prefer a wedding dessert that's a touch more playful, consider the cake pop. These moist desserts are dipped in a candy shell for an extrasinful sweetness and are an excellent alternative.

Miniature Dessert Buffets

Miniature Dessert Buffets

Many modern weddings choose to go with a buffet of minidesserts such as petite pies, cupcakes, and puddings; guests can pick their favorite from the spread.

Whoopie Pies

Whoopie Pies

The miniature trend also includes whoopie pies, where traditional cupcake flavors such as red velvet dominate.

Tuxedo Cookies

Tuxedo Cookies

Rather than pay for a separate groom's cake, offer guests tuxedo iced cookies.

Macarons

Macarons

If you've been bitten by the macaron bug, opt to include a colorful macaron tower. These petite desserts add elegance to any reception.

Croquembouche

Croquembouche

A croquembouche — basically, puff pastries stacked in a tower and drizzled with caramel — is a stunning wedding cake alternative. The puffs are popping up in weddings and bridal magazines everywhere.

Doughnut Display

Doughnut Display

Gourmet doughnuts and beignets are appearing on dessert menus across the nation, changing the reputation of this inexpensive breakfast bite to a coveted white tablecloth dinner (and thereby wedding) dessert.

Cupcake Towers

Cupcake Towers

Cupcakes seem like they are here to stay. Many brides opt to have a small cake on the top tier of a cupcake tower in order to participate in the cutting-of-the-cake tradition.

Iced Belgian Waffle Cake
Erin Johnson Photography

Iced Belgian Waffle Cake

Draw inspiration from this rustic wedding and serve up stacks of iced Belgian waffles.