38 Handheld Desserts to Suit Any Reception

handheld dessert table — Photo by Ryan Ray

Hoping to switch up the tradition of a classic wedding cake? We have the answer for you. Long gone are the days of having just one option for dessert. Bakers and sweet makers are getting creative, decorating individual desserts to match any wedding aesthetic. And the best part? It’ll save all the time, effort, and cost of cutting and plating slices of cake!

Whether you’re looking for something refreshing on a warm day, or a classic treat that’s been elevated to match your color palette, handheld desserts are available in so many options. All you’ll need to do is select your favorite choice and make a pretty display.

Ready to ditch the idea of plated sweets? Read on for 38 handheld desserts for any reception.

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Look to Lemon Tarts

Make a refreshing splash with a lemon dessert. We love the idea of putting together a display of beautifully decorated lemon tarts for easy access.

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Feature Decorated Cakesicles

wedding cakesicle — Photo by Sara Cooper Photography

Want to still have cake but make it ultra-portable? Order cakesicles to fit your aesthetic. Similar to a cake pop, these treats can be made with any flavor of cake and frosting, and they're dipped in a delicious chocolate shell that's primed for decorating.

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Cut Shapes Out of Rice Crispy Treats

Rice crispy treats have always been a super simple grab-and-go snack. Why not dress them up for a wedding in adorable shapes with a white chocolate drizzle for a lovely addition to any display?

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Go Classic With Mini Peach Cobblers

mini peach crisps — Photo by Davello Photography; Desserts by Morgan Pearl Cakes

If you're a cobbler lover, you know it can get a little messy. But not when it's handheld! Hunt for mini cobbler containers and dish up this old-fashioned dessert in a variety of flavors. All you'll need are mini spoons or forks to serve it up.

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Create a Dessert Table With Chocolate-Covered Oreos

Oreos are already a great handheld snack, but they may not fit your wedding's aesthetic. However, chocolate-covered Oreos can! Work with your baker to find the perfect shade of candy coating and decorations to turn something totally classic into unexpectedly pretty.

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Order Custom Chocolate Bars

Chocolate bars with pretty pressed petals and a custom label? Yes please! These are the ideal handheld treat to munch on, or to hand out as favors.

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Feature Floral Shortbread

Floral shortbread adds such a charming touch to a wedding, and you can use a huge variety of edible flowers to dress it up. Put together a pretty platter of goodies for a lovely guest experience.

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Dish Up Banana Pudding

banana pudding cups — Photo by Davello Photography; Desserts by Morgan Pearl Cakes

Banana pudding is a total classic in the dessert world, but when it's dished up, it's not the most appealing-looking treat. Switch it up with individual servings that guests can grab and enjoy as they mingle.

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Keep It Simple With Sandwich Cookies

Want a simple dessert table? Cookies will do the trick, but we love the idea of kicking it up a notch. Serve up sandwich cookies for a unique sweet option.

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Make It Special With Monogrammed Cookies

Serve classic cookies, but take them to a whole new level. A custom monogram design hand-painted on each cookie is a beautiful way to serve up these sweets.

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Feature Decorated Fruit Tarts

Mini fruit tarts? Yes please! Opt for a gorgeous setup of decorated tartlets for easy eating and a stunning display.

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Commission Hand-Painted Cookies

floral cookies — Courtesy of Lady in the wild west

Cookies make for the ultimate handheld dessert, but you may want to dress them up a bit. Ask your baker to put together a tray of stunning hand-painted cookies for a splash of color and fun.

Our Favorite Ideas for Wedding Cookies From Around the World

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Celebrate Summer With S’mores Shooters

s'mores parfaits — Photo by Mikkel Paige Photography; Desserts by Sugar Euphoria

Planning a summer wedding? Bring s'mores into the mix without any need for a campfire. We love the idea of layered shooters on display.

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Opt for Heart-Shaped Pie Pops

heart shaped pies — Photo by One Love Photography

While dishing up pie is tricky, there's definitely a way around it. Choose to have mini pies made in the shape of hearts and add a lollipop stick to create a handheld treat.

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Serve Cookies as Comfort Food

Cookies are perfect for any occasion and they definitely have a place at weddings! Choose a few flavors, wrap each individually, and put together a pretty display so guests can easily grab a snack.

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Channel an Old World Vibe With Cannoli

cannolis — PHOTO BY CHANTELLE WATT PHOTOGRAPHY; DESSERTS BY TRUFFLE CAKE AND PASTRY

Switch things up with classic cannoli. These cream-stuffed dessert shells are sure to satisfy any sugar craving.

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Create a Colorful Tower of Cake Pops

Cake pops are the ultimate portable dessert, especially if you're looking for an easy replacement for cake. Choose from plenty of flavors and opt for a beautiful exterior to match any color palette.

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Incorporate Pressed Petals

floral cakesicles — Photo by Katie Jackson photography; Desserts by Nicole Bakes Cakes

Handheld desserts may seem like they're too simple for a wedding, but there's a lot you can do to dress them up! Incorporate pretty pressed petals and sprigs of greenery into a cake pop popsicle design for a spring or summer wedding.

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Surprise Guests With Mini Cones

Want to serve up ice cream without going all out? Mini ice cream cones are the perfect treat, especially as a passed dessert!

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Embrace Pretty Eclairs

Eclairs are easy to eat by hand, but mini eclairs make it that much easier. Opt for beautifully decorated eclairs to suit any reception style.

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Bake a Batch of Brownies

Brownies with flowers — PHOTO BY ELIAS KORDELAKOS; DESSERTS BY ALEXANDRA'S CAKES; PLANNING AND DESIGN BY TIE THE KNOT SANTORINI

Add a classic favorite to the mix. Have your caterer or a trusted family baker put together a batch of brownies for guests to munch on.

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Decorate Doughnuts for a Pop of Color

decorated donuts — PHOTO BY G3 DESIGNS PHOTO; DESSERTS BY SWEET AVENUE CAKERY

Want doughnuts but you're worried they won't match your reception? Think again! The possibilities for decorating these sweets with frosting, edible flowers, and more are truly endless.

24 Doughnut Cakes for Any Wedding Style

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Serve a Tray of Macarons

Macarons are making their way into weddings in so many ways and you can choose from plenty of colors and flavor combinations. Display these easy-to-eat treats on a platter or build a tower to make a statement.

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Pass Colorful Ice Cream Treats

sprinkle ice cream sandwiches — PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY

Love the idea of passed apps? Switch it up with desserts as well. Have your caterer put together mini ice cream sandwiches with sprinkles for a colorful treat.

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Make a Display of Mini Doughnuts

mini donuts — PHOTO BY PEYTON RAINEY PHOTOGRAPHY; DESSERTS BY AMY CAKES

Want to make it that much simpler to enjoy a doughnut, especially without a plate? A lovely platter of mini doughnuts, complete with pretty blooms, is sure to do the trick.

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Cool Down With Fruit Popsicles

wedding popsicles — PHOTO BY MARION H PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning your wedding on a warm day? Popsicles are the perfect option to serve to guests. Cool down with fruity flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or watermelon.

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Keep It Classic With Cupcakes

cupcake table — PHOTO BY SHELLY ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY; DESSERTS BY SWEET CHEEKS BAKING CO.

Cupcakes for weddings are definitely here to stay, and there's so much you can do with them. Choose multiple flavors, put together a display, and allow guests to grab a bite of cake whenever they'd like.

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Be Bold With Berry Tarts

Want to add a splash of fruit to the mix? Bite-sized berry tarts are a delicious option. Plus, the color is stunning!

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Add Color With Rainbow Cones

It may be your wedding day, but there's still room to be a kid again. Serve up soft-serve ice cream cones—and don't forget the rainbow sprinkles!

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Put Parfaits on Display

chocolate parfaits — PHOTO BY VALORIE DARLING

Make your desserts entirely handheld with parfait cups and spoons. Add pudding and whipped cream, or even put cake in the mix for a unique treat.

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Cure A Sweet Tooth With Candy

candy bar — PHOTO BY THE EVERLASTING PHOTO

Hoping to add a little nostalgia to the mix? Bring in a candy shop! Set up a beautiful display with all of your faves, complete with cute bags, and let guests put together the best fix.

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Choose Pretty Chocolate Shells

Ditch a plate and use pretty shells as a vessel. These sweets do require utensils, but they're simple enough for guests to hold the shells in their hands and enjoy a few bites of chocolate mousse.

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Include Ice Cream Sandwiches

Want to add something refreshing to the menu? Opt for ice cream sandwiches made from classic cookies. Mix up the cookie flavors and the ice cream they're filled with so every guest can select the perfect treat.

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Make a Mini Cupcake Tower

Want to still keep the tradition of cake without all the plating? Put together a cupcake tower jam-packed with mini cupcake options in a variety of flavors.

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Display a Tower of Doughnuts

doughnut tower — PHOTO BY CHANTELLE WATT PHOTOGRAPHY; DESSERTS BY TRUFFLE CAKE AND PASTRY

The doughnut trend is definitely here to stay, and we're all about it! Put together a statement display of pretty doughnuts for everyone to easily grab.

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Package Up Macarons To Go

macaron in box — Courtesy of Sugar EUPHORIA

Want to skip dessert at your reception altogether? Put together dainty packages of macarons to serve as a sweet send-off for your guests.

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Pair Apple Pie and Apple Slices

Is there anything more classic than apple pie? If you're a big fan, you can definitely dish it up at your wedding, handheld-style! Order mini pies and serve them on apple slices for a sweet touch.

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Refresh With Rosé Popsicles

Combine dessert and cocktail hour with this fun option. Rosé popsicles are deliciously refreshing and easily be served up at any point, even as an after-dinner treat.

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