Deciding on the perfect wedding dessert (or desserts!) can be a challenging task. From choosing cake flavors and selecting other desserts such as cookies, candy, or doughnuts, there’s a lot to decide on. And if you’re keeping specific dietary preferences or needs in mind, it can be even trickier.
For those who follow a vegan diet, it may seem impossible to find delicious vegan wedding desserts. But luckily, there are many bakers out there who specialize in vegan wedding cakes, along with other vegan treats, making it possible to still enjoy an incredibly sweet treat while celebrating your nuptials.
A couple planning to serve vegan desserts should first look for an expert vegan baker. “Couples will be serving guests that aren’t vegan, so it’s important to choose a bakery that knows how to make a product that’s close to the real thing,” says Johannah Zuniga, owner of Dream Cakes. For many desserts, there may be simple swaps that can be made such as utilizing vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and substitutes for eggs. For others, it’s more complicated, making it vital to sample desserts from multiple bakeries to choose the best fit. “It’s really important to know that the product you are about to potentially spend a lot of money on is top-notch for you and your guests,” says Meagan Benz, co-owner of Crust Vegan Bakery.
Meet the Expert
- Meagan Benz is the co-owner of Crust Vegan Bakery, a vegan bakery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Johannah Zuniga is the owner of Dream Cakes, a bakery based in Portland, Oregon.
If you’re only planning to serve cake, consider how big of a vegan cake is actually needed. “We offer a vegan cutting cake for the couple—and the few guests that are vegan—and regular cake for the rest of the guests,” says Zuniga. And as for cake flavors? Generally, you’ll still be able to find a wide range. “I always try and encourage clients to get their favorite flavors from their tasting as well as something more traditional and classic if they are going with two different cake options,” says Benz. Chocolate can always be a great, approachable option, and often, many people can’t tell it’s even vegan.
As for other dessert options? If a dessert table is your vision, work with your baker to determine an entirely vegan menu or mix and match between vegan and non-vegan options. Brownies, cheesecakes, cookie sandwiches, and s’mores bars can all be made vegan with the right tweaks. It’s all about making adjustments without having to give up on the idea of dishing out great wedding desserts.
Below, find 12 ideas for vegan wedding desserts to consider adding to your menu.