9 Sweet and Savoury Wedding Cake Alternatives to Have in 2025

But why skip the cake?

Let's be honest, wedding cakes are truly stunning, but they're not the star of the show. They're here for the photos and are mostly left uneaten... Wedding Cakes can be super expensive, and a little too formal, and honestly, not everyone likes cake. Couples these days are rethinking traditions, choosing dessert options that actually reflect their relationship, not just following traditions for the hell of it. Whether it's budget, taste, or just wanting something different, more couples are opting for fun dessert options that feel less "Pinterest-perfect" and more them. And honestly? We're here for it.

Here's 9 wedding cake alternatives that'll have your guests saying, "Can we get married again just for this?".

1. Giant Tiramisu

For the coffee lovers out there, tiramisu is the ultimate pick. Rich, creamy, and a little boozy, what's not to love? You can serve it in cute martini glasses for a classy and elegant portion or go all in with a massive tray and one big ol' spoon! Feeling brave? Let guests dig in a free-for-all. If you want to dress it up a bit, add a cute message over the powdered chocolate, some gold dusting or some cute edible flowers.

Tiramisu is finally getting more of the love it truly deserves, your guests will be obsessed, and so will we.

2. Cheese Wheel

For the couples who'd rather have brie than buttercream or the Wallace and Gromit fans, this one's for you. Stack wheels of your favourite cheeses, throw in some grapes, figs, nuts, crackers and chutney, and you've got a savoury "cake", basically charcuterie's cooler cousin. A perfect pair with wine or a good craft beer. It also doubles as a statement piece and a late-night snack station, because who doesn’t love a midnight cheese fix?

3. Doughnuts

A classic; fun, unfussy and always a crowd-pleaser. Think about it, who doesn't love a doughnut? Set up a doughnut wall for a perfect Insta moment, or even stack them like a pyramid for that traditional "cake" look. The best part is you can customise however you want! Go classic glazed, fill them with jam or custard, or Biscoff (yes please), or decorate with cute messages too! Plus, you can also cater to every taste; vegan, gluten-free, or even mini doughnuts for a cute bite-sized dessert.

4. Ice cream or Gelato 

Want a throwback that brings out everyone's inner kid? Rent an ice cream van! Picture this: the sun is setting, you're hand-in-hand with your new spouse, and your guests are queuing up for cones like it's 1999. Whether you're into classic 99s with a flake or a refreshing artisan gelato flavour, it's a guaranteed hit! It's cute, unexpected, and perfect for a summer wedding.

5. Croquembouche

Feeling a bit fancy and French? This beautifully stacked desert is truly a delicious showstopper. With bite-sized choux pastry puffs piled into a cone and bound with threads of caramel, it's basically edible architecture. It's dramatic, elegant, and extremely tasty.

6. Grazing Dessert Board

Why pick one dessert when you can have all of them! Just imagine, a dreamland of desserts you know and love; cookies, mini brownies, macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, and maybe even a cheeky fondue fountain! (because why not?). It's basically dessert tapas, and who doesn't love a little bit of everything? Not only would it look amazing, this is another great option to cater for you and your guests as there would be at least something everyone would like!

7. Macarons

Still got France on your mind? A macaron tower is so incredibly chic and colourful. These bite-sized beauties come in just about every flavour imaginable, from pistachio, passion fruit to rose, they'll look incredible when stacked in rainbow layers or a pastel ombré. They're ligh, naturally gluten-free and so sophisticated. You can even match them to your wedding colour palette!

8. Pancake or Waffle Stack

Brunch lovers, this one's for you. A towering stack of fluffy pancakes, golden waffles or even crepes! With a selection of your favourite toppings like berries, maple syrup, or a bit of cheeky bacon. This also works perfectly for daytime weddings or morning-after brunch receptions. You could even serve mini versions as cute canapé-style bites! You can have your pancake stack if you want the iconic "cutting the cake" moment with your spouse alongside a topping station so guests can build their own creations!

9. Cinnamon Roll Stack

Cinnamon rolls at a wedding? Yes. Give me 100 right now. A warm, cosy stack of golden cinnamon rolls layered like a wedding cake. Maybe even dripping with icing with a "Just Rolled With It" cake topper! We're obsessed. You can serve it with cream cheese frosting on the side, or go a bit crazy with some flavour twists like pecan praline or apple cinnamon!