7 Great Dessert Ideas

Whether or not you have a traditional wedding cake, there are numerous ways to spice things up and give your guests a little something extra their taste buds will be sure to thank you for. Here are some great ideas for dessert alternatives that will definitely end your special day on a sweet note.

Chocolate Decadence

Even if a fondue fountain is out of your budget, you can still satisfy that chocolate fix with rich truffles, warm mini molten lava cakes, or a light and creamy Valrhona pot de crème. Pair high quality chocolates with the complementary flavors of buttery hazelnuts, orange liquers, or salted caramel sauces and your guests will be delighted with the complexities of this versatile treat.

Creamy Goodness

One thing a cake just cannot provide is a silky smooth texture that you can indulge yourself in. A crème fraiche panna cotta with hints of citrus can be a refreshing end to the meal, even after that slice of wedding cake. Crème brulee is always a classic that you can customize to fit your own style with flavors like rose geranium, meyer lemon, or honey cardamom. An airy pear soufflé or chestnut mousse can also bring a light and delicious touch to the table.

Fruity Flavors

Sometimes the simplicity of fresh fruit is just what people need. Big slices of watermelon or bowls of strawberries are enough to feast your eyes upon. A dainty pink raspberry lemonade will quench your thirst, and you can always glitz it up with some champagne ice cubes. Go classic French with a tarte tatin and take advantage of those beautiful fall apples. Dress up tiny summer berry tarts with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or use a shiny apricot glaze atop white peach tarts with pistachio frangipane. Whatever the season, take advantage of the fresh and local produce that surrounds you!

Avante Garde

Who says molecular gastronomy is only for Michelin rated restaurants? Dare to amaze your guests with the astounding tricks of pure food science. Any dish can evoke awe when garnished with some cantaloupe “caviar,” tiny spheres with liquid centers just bursting with flavor. Create a violet strawberry consommé, capturing sunshine through its aroma and taste, with a slice of candied lemon confit for embellishment. The possibilities really are endless once you let your imagination run wild.

Comfort Food

If the future of the culinary world is too daunting, go back to the past where you and your guests can reminisce over tasty desserts from your childhood. Mint chip ice cream sandwiched between freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, mini baked Alaskas, and cheesecake pops are fun desserts that give a nod to years past. A scoop of your grandma’s famous apple crisp, or a slice of your favorite banana cream pie topped with toffee sauce and dark chocolate shavings will definitely leave your guests wanting more.

Ice Ice Baby

Temperature and reception locale can greatly affect your food choices for your wedding, so if you can somehow manage to pull it off, go cold. Serve your guests their caffeine fix with a trio of ice creams with flavors such as earl grey, chamomile, and espresso. Have fun with a variety of sorbets and gelato, or bring out a festive Italian ice cart, serving up a lychee or “mojito” mint lime granita. Rent a soft-serve machine and let your guests go crazy with naturally tart frozen yogurt with a spread of fixins. Fill it with simple ice cream flavors with espresso on the side to make their own luscious affogatos, or soda and root beer to make some scrumptious floats.

Fun Fritters

When it comes to late night wedding celebrations, crispy desserts can satisfy those midnight cravings. Fry up some buttery brioche “donut holes” accompanied by a few dipping sauces, like an almond crème anglaise or a spicy Mexican hot chocolate. Bundle some custardy crème frites in parchment paper or newspaper with a huckleberry compote for a different take on fries and ketchup. Lemon ricotta fritters, cinnamon-y churros, or even deep-fried green tea ice cream are also great desserts that go beyond your normal dunkin donuts.