21 Nearly Guilt-Free Treats to Serve at Your Wedding
Keep your New Year's resolution to eat healthier and offer guests these semi-healthy treats.
While these desserts certainly are not entirely guilt-free, it is possible to make healthier versions of all of these sweet treats, which provide guests with a taste of sugary sweetness without overwhelming their palates.
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If one of your New Year's resolutions is to eat healthier in 2023, consider serving an array of nearly guilt-free desserts on your wedding day. Though you'll likely choose to offer slices of a delectable wedding cake to loved ones, it's also a good idea to have a separate wedding dessert table for attendees who may not want to be tempted with a sugary confection.
While it's difficult to create a truly guilt-free wedding dessert, there are many sweets that are less sugary and fattening than the go-to chocolate-on-chocolate cakes, nostalgic candies, and other treats that sound absolutely delicious – but choices your guests might regret later. Cake pops are a great way for couples to serve their favorite cake flavors since the portions are much smaller, so guests can also enjoy fresh fruit, pies, tarts, kettle corn, and more.
Take a look at the 21 wedding dessert ideas below – including two wedding cakes: a "naked" cake with just a bit of frosting and fresh berries and a stacked pancake confection ideal for a brunch wedding (or a couple who doesn't like cake). While these desserts certainly are not entirely guilt-free, it is possible to make healthier versions of all of these sweet treats, which provide guests with a taste of sugary sweetness without overwhelming their palates – and allowing them to stick to their New Year's resolutions.
1. Fresh Berries
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Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Glamorous Ivory & Blush Spring Wedding at a Private Club in Chicago
2. Popcorn or Kettle Corn
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Photo by Caroline Tran; From Real Wedding: Magical Garden Ceremony & Tented Reception with a Chic, French Theme
3. Cake Pops
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Photo by Steve Steinhardt; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding Event: Parisian-Inspired Bridal Shower in Southern California
4. Pies
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Photo by Ryan Ray Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Wedding with Vibrant Pink & Orange Décor in California
5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
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Photo by Catherine Hall Studios; From Real Wedding: Rustic, Classic Summer Wedding in Lake Tahoe, California
6. Mini Donuts
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Photo by Simone Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Tropical Destination Wedding at a Beach House in Cabo San Lucas
7. Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California
8. Strawberries & Cream
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Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; From Real Wedding Event: Pretty Bridal Shower with Pink Details in Beverly Hills, California
9. Fruit Tarts
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Photo by Marc Royce Photography; From Real Wedding: Mötley Crüe Member Nikki Sixx's Marie Antoinette-Inspired Wedding
10. Tea Party Desserts
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Photo by Carasco Photography
11. Pie Pops
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Photo by Michael Segal Photography; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Wedding in Ojai Valley, California
12. Lemon Bars
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Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California
13. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
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Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Spring Wedding in Chicago with Purple Lighting
14. Cotton Candy
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Photo by Millie Holloman Photography; From Real Wedding: Navy, Blue, Gold, and Ivory Wedding at Duke University
15. French Macarons
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Photo by Caroline Tran; From Real Wedding: Magical Garden Ceremony & Tented Reception with a Chic, French Theme
16. Mini Pies in Mason Jars
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Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Ivory, Gold & Blush Lakefront New Hampshire Wedding
17. Mini Berry Pies
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Photo by Mischa Photography; From Real Wedding: A Heartwarming Ranch Wedding with Sophisticated Rustic Details
18. Mini Pecan Pies
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Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Rustic Fall Wedding at a Farm in North Carolina
19. Jelly Beans
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Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer; From Real Wedding: Colorful Celebration with Sentimental Touches
20. Pancake Wedding Cake
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Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Ethereal Garden-Inspired Morning Ceremony & Alfresco Brunch
21. "Naked" Cake with Fresh Berries
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Photo by Sarah & Ben; From Real Wedding: Florida Wedding Celebration with Vibrant Colors and Wooden Details
For more wedding cake and dessert ideas, visit our photo galleries to see hundreds of images from real weddings! View inspiring small wedding cakes with seriously stunning style, discover ways to serve pie at your wedding, and get ideas from these gorgeous donut displays.
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