Create a Reception Dessert Table Catered To Your Tastes

by | Feb 2025

Nikkolette’s Macarons

Nikkolette’s Macarons. Photos: Chris Emeott

Cottage bakers and resident makers are charting new territory when it comes to wedding treats.

The topography of the reception dessert table is evolving. The tiered white wedding cake is no longer a given, and it’s ceding space to more varied terrain. Whether you want to scale a macaron tower or explore rolling hills of ice cream, modern weddings are letting couples choose their own adventures.

If you’re feeling a bit lost navigating this uncharted territory, don’t worry. We’ve discovered makers, bakers and vendors who are mapping new configurations for your wedding dessert destination.

Bring the romance of Paris to your special day with one of France’s most popular dessert exports. A macaron tower has a certain je ne sais quoi, does it not? Nikkolette’s Macarons offers a collection of customizable options from flavors and colors to personal touches, such as initials and wedding dates. The bakery also creates delectable party favors in the form of macaron gift boxes. Nikkolette’s Macarons, Plymouth; nikkolettesmacarons.com

There’s no taste like home, which makes it all the sweeter that a Plymouth ice cream icon is available, à la carte. If you’re looking to add Honey & Mackie’s to your invite list, consider renting out its ice cream cart for your special day. Complete with one to two professional scoopers and four ice cream flavors of your choosing (plus a smaller tub of sorbet), this ice cream social is perfect for warm-weather weddings. Plus, you can work with the pros to create your own custom ice cream flavor! Honey & Mackie’s, Plymouth; honeyandmackies.shopsettings.com

Honey & Mackie’s

Honey & Mackie’s

Consider giving a sweet nod to one of Minnesota’s iconic music makers—Prince. If you’re a fan of him and cheesecake, take your pick of over 15 cheesecake varieties. Founding owner and head baker of Cheesecake Funk, Vanessa Drews, worked at Paisley Park, where she would on occasion bring in her scrumptious desserts. They not only caught the attention of staff and musicians, Prince also took notice and was a fan and vocal proponent of her baked goods. Cheesecake Funk, Minnetonka; cheesecakefunk.com

There’s always plenty of toasts to go around, but how about ending the celebration with just one more sweet round? Consider Buttercream’s Mousse Martinis, featuring pistachio, raspberry, Vandermint, vanilla bean and more. Raise another glass to the couple with this ultimate “mock” Martini in hand. Buttercream, Wayzata; buttercream.info

What’s sweeter than fine chocolate? As of August, Painted Turtle Chocolatier is under new ownership, and owner Jackie Van Norden is excited to bring a fresh taste to this mainstay. Consider its truffles, such as chocolate caramel, peanut butter, milk and dark chocolate, or create your own flavor profile with the chocolatiers, for a fun display or addition to your dessert table. Plus, bars, cake truffles, cookies, gelato and more are the cherry on top! Painted Turtle Chocolatier, Osseo; paintedturtlechocolatier.com

Personal cutting cakes are undeniably in—but they don’t need to be plain! For a wedding cake that is as intricate and beautiful as it is delicious, look to prodigious young baker Elouise Suoja at 350 Degrees Bakery. Her designs often feature delightful florals and whimsical color palettes, extending from personal cakes to equally captivating cupcakes. 350 Degrees Bakery, Mahtomedi; 350degreesbakery.net

You might be breaking the glass on your wedding day, but your guests can break the brittle. For an exciting late-night bite, consider an out-of-the-box option like slabs of toffee or brittle (complete with wooden hammers for guests to break off pieces) or a s’mores station from St. Croix Baking Company. It’s just the start of the incredible dessert options from celebrated pastry chef Charles Froke—including intricately decorated cakes and cupcakes, custom bars and cookies, two-bite mini desserts and plated desserts. St. Croix Baking Company, Hudson, Wisconsin; stcroixbaking.com

Nothing says love like a handmade pie—especially when it’s heart-shaped. For a dessert that’s as sweet and gushy as you’ll be on your wedding day, consider a curated pie table. These tasty pies from Sara’s Tipsy Pies come in a variety of sizes (including hand pies, little tarts, pie jars, pie pops and whole pies) and flavors—many of which are infused with local spirits. Plus, the flaky crust is a family recipe. Sara’s Tipsy Pies, Stillwater; sarastipsypies.com

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