21 Best Fall Wedding Desserts That Aren't Cake

Wedding reception pie bar with wooden sign and pie topped with three dogs — PHOTO BY KINDRED WEDDING STORYTELLERS

As fall hits, things get a little different in the world of desserts: Summer flavors like strawberry, lemon, and pistachio are put to bed, and it's time for another crop of seasonal flavors to make their debut. While we're always game for a pumpkin or carrot cake in the fall, there are other ways to spice up an autumn wedding. In fact, we love the idea of celebrating the flavors of fall with something other than cake!

We've found 21 alternatives to the traditional wedding cake—and each dessert is unexpected, tasty, and seasonally perfect. Find the dish that speaks to you, your taste buds, and your wedding vibe. Remember: It's perfectly fine to serve more than one! Dessert tables were invented for a reason, right?

So, if you’re obsessed with pumpkin spice lattes and maple syrup and ready to make a statement with your dessert course, keep reading. Here, we're sharing unexpected and delicious alternatives to traditional wedding cake that are guaranteed to please fall wedding guests.

01 of 21

Pie à la Mode

mini pies at wedding reception with scoops of melting ice cream — Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography

Pie is a classic fall dessert, but instead of serving single slices, we like the idea of creating single-serve options for wedding guests to enjoy. Served warm and topped with a single scoop of ice cream, we promise you that no one will be looking for cake after enjoying one (or more!) of these seasonal traits.

02 of 21

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Display of Apple Cider Donuts surrounded by Fresh Apples at Wedding — PHOTO BY FLORA + FAUNA

There's nothing like the aroma of fresh apple cider donuts to entice wedding guests at the reception. Bonus points if you serve them alongside hot cider—can you imagine a better pairing?

03 of 21

Churros and Dips

Server passing wooden tray of bite-sized churros with chocolate and caramel sauce for dipping — Photo by henry + mac

What's better than a cinnamon-sugar-dusted churro on its own? One that's been dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce, of course! By keeping them bite-sized, guests will be able to easily indulge without fear of staining their wedding attire.

04 of 21

Churros and Ice Cream

Small clear cups with two churros, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and caramel drizzle on a tray at a wedding reception — Photo by The Bold Americana

Want to be a little more creative with your churros? When added to cups of vanilla ice cream, they're a dessert that's a guaranteed winner—and one your guests probably haven't seen before.

05 of 21

Pumpkin Macarons

tower of pumpkin-flavored macaroons topped with seasonal wedding flowers at reception — Photo by Emily Magers Photography

Macarons are trending at weddings, and for good reason. Keep the trend going through fall by incorporating a macaron tower piled high with pumpkin or salted caramel treats.

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Filled Donuts

Bride in Lace Wedding Dress Holding Paper Cone of Filled Mini Donuts — Photo by Leslie D Photography

No guest will pass up a delicious assortment of bite-sized donut holes—especially when they're stuffed with seasonal jams and fillings. While a jelly is always a good option (pomegranate would be delicious for fall!), salted caramel, spiced pumpkin, or an apple compote are other inspired ideas.

07 of 21

Oatmeal Cookie Cake

Two-tiered oatmeal chocolate chip cookie cake at wedding reception made from layers of giant cookies — Photo by Natalie Bray

You don't have to serve cake in order to have a tiered confection at your fall wedding. A tiered stack of cookies—we like oatmeal chocolate chip or spicy ginger cookies for autumn—is a surefire way to make a statement come dessert.

08 of 21

Loaded S'Mores Station

s'mores bar at wedding reception on flower-covered table with marshmallows, reese's cups, hershey bars, and nutella — Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography

S'mores are delicious all year round, but we love the idea of making them extra indulgent in the fall. Add in your favorite extras—like peanut butter cups and chocolate-hazelnut spread—so your loved ones can customize their treats to their hearts' content.

09 of 21

Seasonal Fruit Cakes

Bride holding mini cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit — Photo by Lexia Frank Photography

Just because you don't want a full-scale wedding cake doesn't mean you can't have any cake at your wedding reception. Bite-sized treats in seasonal fruit flavors are a great option.

10 of 21

Cinnamon Rolls

Hello, comfort breakfast food! Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate warm and cozy food in the morning, especially when it starts to get cold outside. Re-create that feeling at your wedding by serving buns as a late-night surprise.

11 of 21

Eclectic Pie Display

Two homemade pies on wooden chargers on wedding reception dessert table — Photo by Lexia Frank Photography

Sure, apple and pumpkin are classic pie flavors come fall, but that doesn't mean they're your only options. If those choices don't speak to you, serve your favorite fruit-filled confections instead—cherry and rhubarb are two crowd-pleasers—as a way to nod to the season while also staying true your preferences.

12 of 21

Toasted S'Mores Cake Pops

S'more Cake Pop in Acrylic Tray on Wedding Dessert Table — Photo by Emilia Jane Photography

If you want to keep your desserts bite-sized, you can't go wrong with a s'mores cake pop. What guest could possibly pass up that toasted marshmallow exterior?

13 of 21

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are also a staple this season. Set up a station for DIY apples or put together a display of finished desserts. This is a great way to incorporate a fall dessert without making guests feel too full.

14 of 21

Bite-Sized Apple Pie

Mini Apple Pie Pies on Acrylic Tray with Apple Slices at Wedding Reception — Photo by Kate Headley

These bite-sized apple pies are a must-have at a fall wedding. Topped with pie crust in the shape of a mini maple leaf, these petite desserts are adorable as they are practical—servers can pass them on trays on the dance floor, which means no one has to take a break from the party to enjoy a treat.

15 of 21

Mini Pumpkin Pies

mini pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream dollop — Photo by My Baking Addiction

Nothing screams fall like pumpkin pie! If you don’t want your guests to have to deal with a fork and plate, opt for minis. They’ll be easier to eat, plus they make for one pretty photo opp.

16 of 21

Doughnuts

Server passing a tray of chocolate donuts with rainbow sprinkles at wedding reception — Photo by Norman & Blake

Infuse fall flavors like maple or cinnamon into this wedding favorite. Do a batch order of maple bars, cinnamon sugar, and pumpkin cake doughnuts from your local bakery, or have your baker make them along with a mini cake to match.

Mix things up by adding doughnut walls to your dessert display. It's a trendy and affordable way to add a unique twist your guests will love.

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Weddings

17 of 21

Pies

If you’re on team pie, go all out for fall by serving multiple options. Pie is a heartier dessert to pair with fall—plus, you can opt for apple, caramel apple, or pumpkin to really incorporate the flavors of the season.

18 of 21

S'mores Station

Guests roasting s'mores over sterno flames at wedding reception — Photo by Marianne Taylor Photography

If your venue allows an open flame, go out and roast marshmallows for s’mores. If not, set up a mini station to replicate the flavors or incorporate s’mores into other desserts, such as cookies or cupcakes.

19 of 21

Mini Cheesecakes

Single-layer cheesecake at wedding reception with sparkler topper — Photo by Katherine Rose Photography

Cheesecake is often considered a summer dessert, especially when served cold with a fresh fruit topping, but it can also work for fall! We think a pumpkin cheesecake or caramel apple cheesecake would (pleasantly!) surprise your guests.

20 of 21

Heart-Shaped Pie Pops

If you love pie but want to skip the hassle of having to divvy up each slice, then serve it on a stick as a handheld treat. Variety is the spice of life, so be sure to select a medley of your favorite fall flavors.

21 of 21

Mini Peach Cobblers

Both delicious to eat and adorable to serve at a rustic barn wedding, these mini peach cobblers won't disappoint. The handheld size makes them the perfect portion for guests craving something sweet.

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