Bridal showers are for gift giving, gossiping, and indulgence. What better way to honor the bride-to-be than with some dainty desserts? Here are 21 picture-perfect recipes that'll serve as a perfect end to an afternoon of celebration.
— Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
For a light option, consider berry Eton mess, a layered dessert of meringues, berries, whipped cream, and raspberry sauce.
If she's watched each and every episode of Sex and the City, she'll be sure to appreciate a batch of vanilla cupcakes made from Magnolia Bakery's recipe.
Everyone loves chocolate-covered strawberries. A big platter of these at a bridal shower should result in a bunch of smiles.
If the theme of the shower is a little bit more rustic, a rhubarb galette is the way to go. Rhubarb isn't in season? Pears, plums, or apples will work, too.
Sentimental brides will adore dark chocolate cupcakes decorated with peanut butter hearts.
Strawberry shortcake is a warm-weather classic for a reason; tender shortcakes (lightly sweetened biscuits) are the ideal foil for juicy macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Crème brulée is French, fun, and pretty darn impressive. Serve these, and brides will be lining up to have you host their showers.
If the bride loves green tea, then a plate of these matcha shortbread cookies will delight and intrigue her!
Fill dainty lemon pound cake cupcakes with lemon curd for a bright and zesty end to the afternoon.
Sweet and tangy apricot crumble bars are perfect for a casual get-together.
Individual desserts always feel a little more indulgent. Serve up tender pound cake with rose whipped cream, pistachios, and cherries.
Egg whites, sugar, and a little salt are all you need for a basic meringue cookie. Pipe them using a large star tip to make them even daintier.
Make the bride feel special with these four-layer petit fours, filled with the jam of her choice.
Whip up a couple of fast and easy strawberry tarts for a simple but impressive way to end a bridal shower lunch or brunch.
For brides who follow a gluten-free diet (or really any bride), you can do no better than these individual plum and almond cakes.
Customize the flavors and hues of macarons to match the bride's wedding color scheme.
Keep things simple, yet elegant, with a platter of Raspberry Fool Sheet Cake.
Toast to the bride with these elegant Champagne cupcakes; they're sweet yet subtle.
Get playful with this tasty take on a Linzer cookie. Use whatever cookie cutters match the theme of the bridal shower, and watch as these treats get devoured.
Make pastries as pretty as those in a patisserie case with this dreamy recipe.