Fun Wedding Cake Alternatives

A lot of people really, really love cake – specifically the incredibly beautiful, intriguing wedding cakes we see at the celebrations of love in our Virginia weddings. But not all of us can eat cake or want to. Sometimes, a fun alternative is the better way to go.

Here are some of the most fun alternative options you can pick for your wedding dessert instead of a cake.

Rice Krispies Treat “Cake”

For my own wedding, this was my dessert choice. I’m gluten-free and didn’t want to make a big fuss about having to have a specialty cake just for me when the only other gf person present was my mother. We asked our dessert designer to craft us a fun Rice Krispies treat cake instead, which she did beautifully.

Oreo Tower

If you love a good Oreo cookie, then consider having your caterers or family members whip up a gorgeous Oreo cookie tower like this one. They can be as simple as this one with special added touches like a simple floral topper or you can add some other embellishments with ease. Whatever you like!

Cannoli Tiers

If you’ve got a penchant for Italian treats, build a tiered cannoli tower instead of the cake. They look amazing and taste absolutely incredible. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like them! And they stand out a bit from the ordinary. And if you like, instead of having cannoli on the tip-top tier, place your cake topper instead.

Parfaits Galore

For this idea, the couple chose a small cake to share themselves (and likely to enjoy one year later for tradition’s sake!) and then offer their guests a selection of tasty parfaits. Personally, I think this is an incredibly delicious idea that’s going to be fun for a lot of folks.

You can switch it up, too, with different types of parfaits. Yogurt, pudding, whipped cream, granola and cream – whatever you like.

Mix and Match Tower

Another fun option is this tiered mix and match tiered dessert stand. Opt for a cake for you and your honey if you like or place a topper up there. Mix and match the rest of the tiers with cream puffs, cupcakes, donuts or donut holes, and whatever other pastries and cookies you love.

And if you have some gluten-free guests, you can create a second tower filled with gf goodies they can enjoy.

Mixed Cakes

If you do want cake but don’t necessarily want the big traditional style cake, you can enjoy an array like this. Various mini Bundt cakes (or cupcakes) with whole Bundt cakes as your top layer(s).

S’mores Bar

Or skip the cake all together and simply offer a fun dessert bar like this S’mores set up. Provide plenty of chocolate bars, marshmallows, graham crackers, and toppings to add in for extra fun – and be sure you’ve got someplace folks can roast those mallows!

Macaron Tower

For a French twist on your wedding desserts, have a tower of macarons instead. These are naturally gluten-free (made with almond flour) and they’re utterly delicious. Pretty much everyone loves them.

I do recommend having some alternatives for guests with nut allergies, though – perhaps some cupcakes or cookies.

Donut Tower

I’m pretty sure if I’d given my husband the option for a donut tower, he would have jumped on it. Especially if I’d said they’d be supplied from his favorite Krispy Kreme. Of course you can go with whatever your favorite donut flavors are, or go with simple choices – like this tower with an iced cake donut – or mix and match with whatever flavors are most popular.

I would recommend, unless you’ve got a specific favorite donut chain, going with a local donut shop for the order for best results. Be sure to plan well in advance, too, just like any other element of your wedding planning, to ensure the donuts are made fresh and ready for pick up that morning.

Cake Pop Party

Another fun idea that still gets you that cake taste is a collection of cake pops. They can match your color scheme, be made in whatever flavors you like, and they add a lot of fun, convenient flavor to your wedding. Plus, the leftovers are easier to store than many of the other options would be. These are a win-win all around.