Cheesecake wedding cakes are an unconventional choice, but there's no better option for decadence, rich flavor, and luscious texture. Even though a cheesecake can seem limiting, it's actually possible to incorporate a wide variety of flavors and decorations into the finished product which puts it on par with any other traditional wedding cake.
Cheesecake Flavor Options
Taste samples prior to making a decision. Make sure to voice your preferences for possible flavor combinations. Cheesecakes don't have to be plain; there are chocolate varieties, fruit flavors, cakes infused with liqueur and citrus zest, black and white or tuxedo cheesecakes, and dozens of other tasty options.
Cheesecake Decorating Ideas
Since wedding cake cheesecakes aren't traditionally frosted in the way that other cakes are, their decorations may require a bit more creative thought. Bunch fresh leaves, flowers, or fruits at the base of the cake to accent the decorations on top.
Traditional Toppers
Top your cheesecake with a traditional wedding topper. A heavy cheesecake can support a lightweight topper like a small plastic heart or a monogram on skewers. Skip heavier toppers, such as ceramic, porcelain, or wooden options, because they may sink into your cheesecake.
Fresh Flowers
Try placing fresh flowers on top of the finished cake, gathered in a bunch at the bottom, or on the sides of each layer as a border. Brightly colored flowers can provide a lot of visual interest and may not cost as much as more detailed decorations.
Chocolate
Using shaved chocolate, ganache, or piped-on chocolate is one way to add unique and interesting designs to a cheesecake without using buttercream or fondant frostings, which aren't typically compatible with the cheesecake's flavor and texture.
Nuts
Ask the decorator to place roasted or raw nuts on the top or sides of the cake. The nuts will contrast with the dense, smooth texture of the cake and improve its complexity. Decorators can also arrange sliced nuts in a decorative design on any layer of the cake.
Fruit Medley
Fresh fruit makes a beautiful accent for any cheesecake. Accent your wedding color scheme by choosing fruits that are all variations on your wedding colors. A summer wedding that features bright reds could include strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red plums or cranberries on the cheesecake. For an eye-catching decoration scheme, use a variety of fruits that all have bold colors, such as kiwis, pineapples, blueberries, and apricots.
Fruit Glaze or Compote
A glaze, compote, reduction, or coulis can add color and flavor to a cheesecake. They taste best with traditional, plain flavors. The pop of color from strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries adds a pretty touch to your table.
How to Display Cheesecakes
It's more difficult to display cheesecakes due to their crusts. Some bakers may know how to stack cheesecake wedding cakes; this process will require they use special plates, dowels, and stacking techniques. Because cheesecakes can vary among recipes and flavors, only your baker will know if your cheesecake selections can be stacked. Otherwise, you have several other options for making your cheesecake look great.
Wedding Cheesecake Stands
If you want a multi-tiered model, consider using plastic pillars, decorative platters, or other separations between each layer. Decorations can be placed on each separate cheesecake and taken off before serving that layer. This is a great way to work more than one flavor into your dessert selections, too.
Dessert Bar
Cheesecake is also an excellent addition to any wedding dessert bar. Have mini cheesecakes or single slices ready for guests to eat to keep serving easy. Add decorative cookies, candy bars, and ribbon to the sides of the large centerpiece cheesecake and put it on a pedestal. Guests then have a focal point and the bride and groom have a "cake" to cut.
Individual Servings
For easy serving, consider having cheesecake cupcakes or a mini cheesecake for each table. You'll save on plating costs and eliminate long waiting times for dessert. Place the cheesecakes on serving platters that fit your theme whether they are gold plates or rustic wood boards.
Considerations When Choosing Cheesecake
A cheesecake invites some special considerations that aren't usually issues with more traditional cakes.
Outdoor Weather
An outdoor wedding can create a potential problem for displaying the cheesecake that needs to be chilled for food safety reasons. Cheesecakes taste best and have the best texture when they're chilled, so it may not be a good idea to display a cheesecake in hot weather before the reception starts. Instead, keep the cake refrigerated until just before serving time.
Dairy Sensitivities
Be aware that even though cheesecake has some hardcore fans, there are also many people who don't like its flavor or can't eat it due to lactose intolerance. If you're having a very large wedding or know that some of your guests may not be able to eat the cheesecake, consider having an alternate dessert choice available or a small additional cake of another variety. If you must have cheesecake, consider having a raw vegan cheesecake available for guests with dairy issues.
A Trendy Alternative to Traditional Wedding Cake
Cheesecake wedding cakes are a delicious and trendy alternative to a typical wedding cake design. Serve this decadent dessert at your wedding.
