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Let Them Eat Cake! Or, perhaps Something Else... Tucson Couples Making Sweet Choices For Their Wedding Desserts!
While the traditional tiered cake still holds a special place in many hearts, there are creative alternatives that can make your wedding day both unique and practical, especially for the desert climate of Tucson, Arizona.
The wedding cake is one of the most iconic elements of a wedding reception, rich in tradition and symbolism.
Wedding cakes date back to ancient Rome, where a cake made of barley was broken over the bride's head as a symbol of fertility and good fortune. The tiered cake became popular in the 19th century. The multi-layered design was not only a status symbol but also a practical way to serve large numbers of guests.
However, times have changed, and with them, so have the options for wedding desserts. At my venue near Tucson , Arizona, I have seen everything from the traditional wedding cake to Mexican paletas for desserts.
The act of cutting the cake together is often one of the first joint tasks a couple performs as newlyweds, symbolizing their commitment to support and nurture each other throughout their marriage.
In "the old days". the bride would cut the cake alone, symbolizing the impending loss of her virginity on her wedding night! Later, the tradition evolved and couples began cutting the cake together signifying partnership, supporting one another and a willingness to share. Feeding each other the cake is a way of showing how the couple promises to nurture and care for one another. Smashing cake into your newly betrothed face... well, that's just for fun (or maybe the first test of patience OR the first fight as a newly married couple!!)
Desserts as a Reflection of the Couple
Desserts at a wedding are also an opportunity to showcase the couple's personality and share a favorite indulgence with their guests. Whether it’s a beloved childhood treat, a dessert they enjoyed on a special date, or something that reflects their cultural heritage, the dessert table can be a way to infuse the celebration with personal touches. By selecting desserts that resonate with them, couples can create a memorable experience that feels authentically "them", making their wedding day even more special and personalized for both them and their guests.
One of our couples asked their guests to contribute a pie for their fall, country themed wedding; Laura and Ashley topped their cake with a cut-out that said "Love is Love" to celebrate their marriage and the colorful, edible flowers were perfect for their spring day (photo courtesy of Suzy Goodrick); Seth and Jess are horse trainers in Tucson, so a turquoise and chocolate brown cake with horse shoes was just right for them!
This couple opted to not have cake but had individual jars of peach, apple and blueberry cobblers instead. Desserts were presented on a rustic table with a tiered display that mimicked a tiered cake and the "cake topper" were his cowboy boot and her high-heeled shoe!
(PS, that's my beautiful venue you are seeing there!)
Creative Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Cake
One popular option is to have a small, beautifully decorated cake for the bride and groom to cut, while serving cupcakes to the guests. This approach offers several benefits, especially for outdoor weddings. A tiered cake often is set up hours before the cake-cutting ceremony buy your baker who then frosts the seems of each layer and then the cake cannot be moved. Cupcakes are easier to display and don’t require the skill of a professional baker to assemble on-site, so they can be taken out of refrigeration at the last minute and added to your dessert table. This is particularly important for an outdoor event, where a tiered cake could suffer from melting frosting or attract unwelcome insects.
Cupcakes are not only a practical choice but also an economical and eco-friendly one. Since they don’t require plates and forks, you can skip the rental costs or avoid purchasing additional disposable items. Plus, cupcakes can be as elegant as they are convenient, with frosting designs that suit your wedding theme. In Southern Arizona, a popular trend is to have cupcakes decorated to look like succulents, blending beautifully with the natural desert landscape.
Exploring Other Dessert Options
Of course, cupcakes aren’t the only way to personalize your wedding desserts. At our venue, we’ve seen couples embrace a variety of sweet treats that reflect their style and story. One couple, hosting a country-themed fall wedding, recruited their talented family members to bake a variety of pies. It was a wonderful way to involve loved ones and add a cozy, homemade touch to the celebration.
Another couple opted for a unique twist by working with Tucson-based Everything Bundt Cakes to create a centerpiece-worthy cake for each table. Known for their rich, flavorful bundt cakes, this bakery offers a variety of sizes and flavors, making it easy to create a visually stunning dessert display that also functioned as table decor. Each cake was presented on a cake stand with a lid, serving as both a centerpiece and a delicious treat for guests to enjoy right at their tables.
Colorful candy stations have also become a popular choice. With custom bags and scoops, guests can fill up on their favorite sweets from an array of vibrant jelly beans and other candies displayed in attractive jars. This setup adds a playful and nostalgic element to your wedding while allowing guests to take home a sweet memory of your special day. Follow this link to some candy bag options on Etsy.
An assortment of goodies with a small cake for cutting still safely waiting in a box. (Not a bad back-drop, if I say so myself!)
An Ice-Cream vendor is a perfect choice for a warm day at a Tucson wedding!
A collection of candy and sweet treats at this candy bar was assembled by the bride's aunt. Gluten free options and s'mores!
Cookies are another versatile option. We’ve hosted weddings where couples offered a variety of cookies, sometimes paired with milk for a charming, homey touch. One couple even created a "Holy Matrimony" doughnut station, complete with a playful sign and doughnuts displayed on dowels, making for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
Embrace the Outdoors with a S’more Roasting Station
One of the distinct benefits of choosing an outdoor venue like Agua Linda Farm is the opportunity to incorporate elements that wouldn't be possible indoors. A s’more roasting station, for instance, is a fantastic addition to any outdoor wedding, especially during cooler evenings. With a fire pit available on-site, guests can gather around the warmth of the fire and enjoy roasting marshmallows to create their own delicious s’mores. This not only adds a cozy, interactive dessert option but also enhances the overall ambiance of your wedding, creating memories that your guests will cherish long after the night is over.
Dessert displays are more than just a place to serve sweet treats—they're a fantastic opportunity to enhance your wedding décor and create an inviting focal point for guests.
To make your dessert display truly stand out, consider incorporating attractive visual layers by using a variety of cake stands, platters, and rustic boxes to create different elevations. Tiered serving platters can add height and dimension, making the presentation more artistic and visually appealing. Consider an alternative to a table - a dresser or vintage hutch, perhaps. Tie the display into your wedding theme, use coordinating colors, flowers, and candles that reflect the overall aesthetic of your celebration. By thoughtfully designing your dessert table, you can create a display that’s not only delicious but also a beautiful extension of your wedding’s theme. For a rustic wedding, for example, wooden boxes and greenery can add a charming, natural touch, while a more formal theme might benefit from silver platters, soft florals, and taper candles in sterling candlesticks.
Consider an alternative table for your desserts. Perhaps a rustic farm table, a dresser or an antique hutch. My venue has options like these available for my clients, see options on my website Borrowed and Rental page
Cake toppers are a small but impactful detail that can make a big statement about the couple and their wedding theme.
Traditionally, cake toppers featured simple figurines of a bride and groom, but today, they come in a wide variety of designs, allowing couples to express their personalities and the unique style of their celebration. From fresh flowers, fruit, custom monograms and meaningful quotes to miniature replicas of the couple or symbols of their shared interests, cake toppers offer a chance to infuse the wedding cake with personal significance. The right cake topper can perfectly complement the overall theme and serve as a lasting keepsake of the special day. The cake topper on my wedding cake was the very one that my grandparents used on theirs in 1940! I still have it and my daughter also used it on her small wedding cake!
Cutting the Cake
Cutting a traditional tiered wedding cake to serve your guests is an art form that requires skill and precision, which is why many caterers charge an additional fee for this service. Unlike a simple sheet cake, tiered cakes often have structural supports and multiple layers, making them more challenging to slice evenly and serve to guests. The caterer’s expertise ensures that the cake is cut properly, with each slice looking perfect for presentation. However, this added complexity can also mean extra costs, which is something couples should keep in mind when budgeting for their wedding. Opting for alternative dessert options like cupcakes or individual cakes can eliminate this fee, making for a more straightforward and budget-friendly experience.
Tucson’s Favorite Wedding Cake Bakers
When it comes to finding the perfect cake or dessert for your wedding, Tucson boasts several talented bakers who are known for their creativity and delicious confections. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Ambrosia Cakes is a local favorite, specializing in custom wedding cakes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. They are known for their attention to detail and ability to bring a couple’s vision to life, making them a top choice for many Tucson weddings. Watch my YouTube video where my sister and I sample Annies cakes for my nieces up-coming wedding!
Nothing Bundt Cakes is perfect for couples looking to add a unique twist to their wedding desserts. Their bundt cakes, available in a variety of flavors and sizes, are rich, moist, and perfect as centerpieces or as part of a dessert table. They’re especially popular for couples who want to offer something a little different from the traditional tiered cake.
Café à la C'Art is our favorite caterer (and is our exclusive caterer for our Micro-Wedding and Inclusive "We Got This" wedding package!) and they also have an in-house baker making them a one-stop shop for your wedding food. They offer a delicious range of cakes and desserts that blend artistic presentation with decadent flavors. I am a chocolate love and their chocolate ganache cake is MY FAVORITE! They also bake a variety of other tasty dessert options like dessert bars, tarts, cookies and more.
Jamie Cakes is another standout in Tucson’s wedding scene, known for their stunning and meticulously crafted cakes. Jamie Cakes is particularly famous for their intricate designs and custom creations that are both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a classic tiered cake or something more unique, Jamie Cakes can craft a masterpiece that reflects your personal style.
When planning an outdoor wedding in Southern Arizona, or anywhere, your dessert choices can be as unique and personalized as the rest of your celebration. Whether you choose a small cake with cupcakes, a family pie-baking endeavor, or a creative candy bar, the key is to select something that reflects your style and suits your venue. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity, and you’ll have a sweet ending to your unforgettable day.
My venue, Agua Linda Farm is a 63 acre ranch in Southern Arizona near Tucson. My husband and I have been hosting weddings, harvest festivals and other events on our property for more than 15 years. I write my blog posts with my clients in mind but also hope to provide a little inspiration applicable to any wedding.
Happy Planning!. - Laurel Loew
