Weddings are beautiful events for celebrating the happy couple, but they’re also a time to indulge your sweet tooth. While wedding cakes traditionally steal the spotlight, a growing trend among modern couples is the inclusion of non-cake desserts that offer not only unique flavors but also help the couple show their personality. Elysian Events Catering is leading the trend with an array of exquisite desserts that promise to impress your guests, make your wedding day unforgettable, and show your guests more about you and your partner as a couple.
The Rise of Non-Cake Desserts for Weddings
Though wedding cakes date back to ancient Roman and Greek times, the tradition has evolved over time. What started as simple bread has become elaborate cakes that are often the event’s centerpiece. However, some would even argue that the trend is on its way out to make space for non-cake desserts. Some couples want a variety of desserts or aren’t cake people, and that’s okay! There are numerous non-cake desserts for weddings that can also wow your guests and make your big day that much better.
Elysian Events Catering Menu of Non-Cake Desserts
At Elysian, we have a variety of non-cake desserts that you can tailor to your big day while also taking advantage of the local New Orleans flavors.
Mini Beignets
Beignets are an iconic New Orleans treat and are a great option to provide your guests, especially if they are from out of town and want to try a local classic! If you aren’t familiar with beignets, they are tiny, soft doughnuts that are dusted with sugar for the perfect light, sweet treat! Plus, since they are mini, your guests can enjoy them while also enjoying your entertainment on the dance floor. You can choose between traditional or espresso mini beignets to give your guests some options. We also have a beignet bar that features our mini traditional and espresso beignets, powdered and cocoa sugar, café brùlot sauce, pecan praline sauce, and a seasonal fruit sauce to bring your dessert station to the next level.
Café Brülot Bread Pudding
Another Southern classic is bread pudding, but we make ours with a little twist. Our bread pudding is cinnamon and clove spiced with a brandy coffee sauce and garnished with candied orange. This dessert is influenced by the famous New Orleans coffee cocktail the Café Brülot and is the perfect choice if you are getting married in the cooler months.
Cappuccino Panna Cotta
If you want a touch of Italian elegance at your wedding, look no further than the panna cotta. We take a traditional panna cotta, which is sweetened cream with gelatin, and add cappuccino flavoring. It is then topped with amaretto whipped cream and shaved chocolate to provide guests with a light yet decadent dessert.
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Pecan pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Our Bourbon Pecan Pie is a nod to the traditional classic we all know and love, with a hint of bourbon to bring out the deep, nutty flavors. This take on the classic provides a fun twist that your guests will surely remember.
Tart à la Bouille with Salted Caramel Sauce
This is one of the non-cake desserts for weddings that may be less well known but is definitely one that should be considered. It is a classic cajun dessert that is made around the holidays and for celebrations. This custard tart is drizzled with a rich, salted caramel to provide the perfect balance between sweet and savory. This is an ideal dessert for a couple that wants a dessert but wants to avoid anything overly sweet.
Louisiana Strawberry & Buttermilk Tart
If you are getting married during strawberry season, our Louisiana strawberry and buttermilk tart is an absolute must! Our tart featured local strawberries with a tangy buttermilk filling. To balance out the tart from the berries and filling, we drizzle a port caramel, which also provides an elegant touch.
Chocolate Ganache Tart
A tried and true classic is the chocolate ganache tart. This dessert is perfect for couples who want a non-cake dessert but still want to remain in the realm of classics. Our chocolate ganache tart is adorned with candied pecans and a hint of sea salt, making it the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers.
Meyer Lemon Tart
Allow us to introduce you to the Meyer lemon tart, an excellent option for spring and summer weddings or even a couple with a penchant for tarts. This dessert is light and refreshing and is complimented by a mint meringue. The lemon tart is also an excellent option for those who want a lighter dessert or aren’t in the mood for chocolate.
“Old Fashioned” Brownie
Who doesn’t love a brownie? This brownie takes on an adult twist, drawing inspiration from the Old Fashioned cocktail, which was served as early as 1800! We enhance the flavor of our brownies with bourbon-soaked cherries, and Angostura whipped cream. If you want a cocktail-themed dessert, this is for you!
Cupcakes
Do you want cake but without the stress of figuring out the correct number of tiers and cutting it? Consider having cupcakes for your wedding. Our cupcakes come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate-peanut butter, peach-whipped mascarpone, and strawberry-lemon buttercream, providing a more grown-up flavor profile with options that are sure to please every taste.
Goat Cheese Cake with Local Berries
While this dessert might be a bit unconventional for some, it’s the perfect option for others. We use goat cheese for a tangy twist on a cheesecake and top it with local berries for a burst of sweetness. Similar to the strawberry and buttermilk tart, this is a great option during the spring and summer months.
Pecan Praline Cheesecake
A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and crunchy pralines, this dessert is the best of both worlds for something decadent and quintessentially New Orleans. This dessert will be a show-stopper at your event and satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Seasonal Tarts & Pies
There is nothing better than embracing the flavor of the season; our assortment of seasonal tarts and pies changes periodically to offer the freshest and most appropriate delights for the time of year. If seasonality is important to you, this is the ideal direction for your non-cake desserts.
Let Elysian Handle Your Non-Cake Desserts and More for Your Special Day
At Elysian Events Catering, we believe you should not feel obligated to abide by traditions but make your wedding as you and your partner. Our non-cake desserts are crafted with the finest ingredients and utmost care, ensuring every bite adds to your big day.
Contact us today to indulge in the sweet side and customize a dessert menu that complements your wedding vision.
