Everyone knows that feeling. The wedding cake looks beautiful on the cake stand with intricate bows, and then when you receive a plate, it’s either dried out or heavy with frosting. Among the lousy wedding cake experiences, people have opted for alternatives for their convenience, affordability and dietary restrictions.

However, wedding cake trends in 2023 saw the return of classic multi-tiered cakes over alternatives like dessert displays and cookie tables. The idea of sharing a beautiful cake with your loved ones to celebrate your union is still in fashion. While many couples look for flavors that will satisfy most of their guests, they’re also choosing favor profiles that put a twist on the classics. 

How To Choose Your Wedding Cake Flavor 

What should you keep in mind when choosing the flavor? 

• Memories: Maybe spice cake evokes memories of your first date or red velvet reminds you of the Valentine’s cupcakes your partner baked for you. Choosing a flavor that tastes great and means something to you as a couple is a good idea.  
• Texture:  Your cake will sit out on display for a while before people eat. Choose a cake that will stay moist throughout the reception. 
• Frosting: Make sure you enjoy your chosen frosting. Good frosting is the difference between cake left over after your wedding and guests asking for more. 
• Wedding proceedings: Summer weddings do well with light, fluffy sponges while winter allows for a heavier cake with ganache for a richer taste. You will also want your cake to reflect your wedding’s atmosphere. Are you going for a traditional kind of wedding, or is it an informal wedding with a disco party and a night out on the town after where people are less likely to have something heavy? 

What Makes a Wedding Cake Flavor Taste Good? 

The cake batter, frosting, filling and toppings make the wedding cake flavor what it is. When you go for a tasting or think about your options, consider how certain fillings and batter combinations will taste together. Also, consider how it will look with your wedding colors and elements like your floral arrangements and the venue. 

Can the Cake Have More Than One Flavor? 

A wedding cake can have more than one flavor if you choose. Maybe you like carrot cake and your partner prefers vanilla. Each tier can be a different batter with appropriate pariting like fruit fillings, buttercreams or ganache. Most of the time, your chosen baker will have combinations they recommend. You can also ask them to combine new flavors or ask for advice on what works well together. 

Can Your Guests Have a Different Cake? 

Absolutely. Maybe you and your partner want a nontraditional cake and your baker suggested a more traditional flavor to preserve the taste and quality since they will decorate it over two weeks. You could have your espresso and olive oil lemon cake made a few days in advance to prevent dryness and a vanilla sponge for your guests. 

Traditional Wedding Cake Flavors 

Here are the traditional tried and tested wedding cake flavors. Pick your flavor then see how you can tailor it to your taste and desires. 

Red Velvet 

Red velvet cake is a star on its own. People love it for its moist and buttery flavor from the tangy cream cheese. If your wedding is rustic-themed, opt for a semi-nake red velvet cake with fruit or flower garnishes.  

Vanilla 

This is an all-time classic. And while some prefer to skip vanilla entirely, it’s a great base to play with if you want an interesting cake filling or frosting. For example, a vanilla cake with passionfruit curd or raspberry filling can turn your vanilla into a  treat for your guests. 

Lemon

Lemon cakes are a summertime favorite for their light, sweet and refreshing flavor. They also go well with other fruity flavors like a raspberry filling or lavender buttercream.  

Chocolate

Like vanilla, chocolate cake presents many flavor options with fillings and toppings. You can make it spicy by adding lemon. Or play with flavors like chocolate buttercream, coffee caramel or hazelnut ganache. 

Funfetti 

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, funfetti or confetti cake is always up to the task. It’s a nostalgic flavor that works for less traditional weddings and is incredibly moist – so you know it will still taste great when it;s served. It also has a great texture for frosting and allows you to decorate the cake as creatively as you want. 

Spice

Are you a fan of chai? Well, you can incorporate it into your wedding with a spice cake. Thanks to their warming flavors, spice cakes are great for fall and winter. There are lots of options here too, like apple spice with caramel frosting or spice cake with a frosting of pumpkin cream cheese. 

5 Unique Wedding Cake Flavor Ideas

Now that you’ve seen what you can do with traditional flavors, here are some ideas that take a twist on the classics to make cakes of art. 

1. Pistachio 

Pistachio cakes were trendy this year and will remain a wedding cake flavor favorite in 2024 along with citrus-based cakes and matcha-flavored cakes. Although it’s a savory cake flavor, you can sweeten it up with a raspberry filling or Italian buttercream. Another great option is honey vanilla buttercream frosting. 

2. Pink Champagne

Maybe champagne is your go-to celebratory drink and you know all the best kinds. Why not have a champagne-infused cake to celebrate your special day? Try a champagne-infused sponge with raspberry filling and buttercream for a memorable wedding cake flavor that might inspire someone to say ‘Cheers!’. 

3. Almond and Peach 

If you’re looking for an alternative to vanilla or chocolate that still says “wedding cake,” then almond is your best bet. Layered with mascarpone and a peach compote, you’ll serve a delightful surprise that will be a treat for your guests. 

4. Lemon and Raspberry 

It seems raspberry is a filling favorite this wedding season. Pair a  moist lemon cake with a  raspberry filling and lemon buttercream with a moist lemon cake for a unique wedding cake flavor that will have everyone swooning. 

5. Elderflower and Strawberry

A garden wedding needs a botanical-themed matching cake that tastes as good as it looks. Try a strawberry cake with elderflower buttercream icing and a lemon curd filling. It’s the perfect wedding cake flavor for a spring celebration. 

Choosing your Unique Wedding Cake Flavor 

With so many wedding cake options available, you need a place to start, especially if you want a unique option. Ask lots of questions and try something new. You might just like that mocha cake with lavender buttercream or add a passion fruit compote to your filling. 

Remember to focus on every aspect: the cake batter, fillings and icing. And if you choose a unique cake that could be a hit or miss with guests? There’s always the option of eating the cake you want and serving one you know will go well with everyone.