The Most Popular Wedding Cake Flavors According to the Expert Bakers

  • Publication date: 03/27/2023
  • Updated: 05/02/2023
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As the saying goes, "the way to a person's heart is through their stomach," and when it comes to weddings, the wedding cake is an essential part of the celebration. Whether you prefer a traditional white cake or a trendy flavor, there's no denying that the wedding cake is a centerpiece of the reception. But what are the most popular wedding cake flavors? We spoke to expert bakers to find out.

Vanilla

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Photo by @lauragordon

It's no surprise that vanilla is the most popular wedding cake flavor. "Vanilla is timeless and classic," says Anna Bakes, a baker in Florida. "It's a flavor that everyone can enjoy, and it pairs well with a variety of fillings and frostings." Vanilla cake can also be easily customized with different flavors and decorations to match the wedding's theme.

There are several reasons why vanilla wedding cake is a popular choice for weddings:

  • Classic Flavor: Vanilla is a classic flavor that is loved by many people. It is a versatile flavor that pairs well with a variety of fillings, frostings, and decorations. A vanilla cake can be customized to suit any taste or style, making it a great choice for weddings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Vanilla cake is a crowd-pleaser and is unlikely to offend anyone's taste buds. It is a safe choice that is sure to be enjoyed by all of your guests, including those who may have dietary restrictions or preferences.
  • Elegant Presentation: Vanilla cake has a classic, elegant look that is perfect for weddings. It is easy to decorate and can be dressed up with a variety of frosting and decoration options, from simple buttercream to intricate fondant designs.
  • Complements Other Flavors: A vanilla wedding cake can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings to create unique flavor combinations. It is a versatile flavor that complements other flavors well, allowing you to get creative with your cake design.
  • Memorable: Vanilla cake is a timeless and memorable choice for a wedding cake. It is a classic flavor that will never go out of style, and your guests are sure to remember the delicious cake from your special day.

Overall, vanilla wedding cake is a popular choice for weddings because of its classic flavor, elegant presentation, and versatility. It is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to be enjoyed by all of your guests, and it can be customized to suit any taste or style.

Chocolate

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Photo by @megankelly.studio

Coming in at a close second is chocolate cake. "Chocolate is a crowd-pleaser," says Susan, owner of The Butter End Cakery in Los Angeles. "It's a rich and decadent flavor that pairs well with a variety of fillings and frostings." From dark chocolate to milk chocolate, there are plenty of options for chocolate lovers.

Chocolate wedding cake is a popular choice for couples who want a rich and decadent dessert for their special day. Here are some reasons why chocolate wedding cake is a great option:

  • Delicious Flavor: Chocolate is a beloved flavor that is sure to delight your guests. It is rich, indulgent, and satisfying, making it a great choice for a celebratory dessert.
  • Versatile: Chocolate cake can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. It can be paired with a variety of fillings, frostings, and decorations to create a unique and personalized cake that reflects your style and tastes.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate cake is a crowd-pleaser that is enjoyed by many people. It is a safe choice that is sure to be loved by your guests, regardless of their taste preferences.
  • Elegant Presentation: Chocolate cake can be dressed up with a variety of frosting and decoration options, making it an elegant and sophisticated choice for a wedding cake. From simple buttercream to intricate fondant designs, there are many ways to make a chocolate wedding cake look beautiful and special.
  • Memorable: Chocolate cake is a memorable choice for a wedding cake. It is a beloved flavor that many people associate with special occasions and celebrations, and your guests are sure to remember the delicious chocolate cake from your wedding day.

Overall, chocolate wedding cake is a delicious and versatile choice for couples who want a rich and indulgent dessert for their special day. It is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit any taste or style, and it is sure to be remembered as a highlight of your wedding celebration.

Red Velvet

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Photo by @megankelly.studio

Red velvet cake has become increasingly popular in recent years. "Red velvet is a unique flavor that adds a pop of color to the wedding cake," says Jillian, owner of Jillian's Cakery in Ohio. "It's a subtle chocolate flavor with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk." Red velvet cake is typically paired with a cream cheese frosting, making for a delicious combination.

Red velvet cake has become a popular choice for weddings in recent years, and here are some reasons why:

  • Unique Flavor: Red velvet cake has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other cakes. It is slightly tangy, slightly sweet, and has a hint of cocoa. This distinctive flavor is often complemented with a cream cheese frosting, which is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
  • Beautiful Color: The deep red color of red velvet cake is eye-catching and adds a pop of color to your wedding dessert table. It can also be customized with various decorations to match your wedding theme and color scheme.
  • Versatile: Red velvet cake can be dressed up or down, depending on the style of your wedding. It can be frosted with a simple cream cheese frosting for a rustic or casual wedding, or it can be decorated with intricate fondant designs for a more formal and elegant affair.
  • Complements Other Flavors: Red velvet cake pairs well with a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and fruit. It can also be filled with a variety of fillings, such as berries or cream, to add even more flavor and texture.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Red velvet cake is a crowd-pleaser and is enjoyed by many people. It is a great option for couples who want a unique and memorable dessert that will be loved by all of their guests.

Overall, red velvet cake is a unique and versatile choice for a wedding cake. Its distinctive flavor, beautiful color, and versatility make it an excellent option for couples who want something a little different for their special day. Whether your wedding is casual or formal, rustic or elegant, red velvet cake is sure to impress your guests and be remembered for years to come.

Lemon

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Photo by @ninawernicke

For those who prefer a lighter flavor, lemon cake is a popular choice. "Lemon cake is refreshing and adds a citrusy zing to the wedding cake," says Mary, owner of Mary's Cakes and Pastries in Alabama. "It pairs well with a variety of fillings and frostings, including raspberry and cream cheese."

Lemon wedding cake is a popular choice for couples who want a refreshing and light dessert for their special day. Here are some reasons why lemon wedding cake is a great option:

  • Refreshing Flavor: Lemon cake has a refreshing and tangy flavor that is perfect for weddings, especially in the warmer months. It is a light and airy dessert that is not too heavy or rich, making it a great choice for guests who may not be able to handle a heavy cake after a big meal.
  • Versatile: Lemon cake can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. It can be paired with a variety of fillings, frostings, and decorations to create a unique and personalized cake that reflects your style and tastes.
  • Elegant Presentation: Lemon cake can be dressed up with a variety of frosting and decoration options, making it an elegant and sophisticated choice for a wedding cake. From simple buttercream to intricate fondant designs, there are many ways to make a lemon wedding cake look beautiful and special.

Funfetti

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Photo by @andrewbayda_wed

Funfetti cake is a fun and festive option for couples who want to add a playful touch to their wedding. "Funfetti cake is a childhood favorite that brings back happy memories," says Lauren, owner of LollyCake in California. "It's a vanilla cake with sprinkles baked in, and it's typically paired with a vanilla or buttercream frosting." Funfetti cake is a great option for couples who want to incorporate their personalities into their wedding cake.

Funfetti wedding cake is a playful and fun choice for couples who want a lighthearted and festive dessert for their wedding day. Here are some advantages of Funfetti wedding cake:

  • Fun and Playful: Funfetti cake is a fun and playful dessert that is perfect for couples who want to add a touch of whimsy to their wedding celebration. The colorful sprinkles add a festive and celebratory element to the cake, making it a great choice for a lively and energetic wedding.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Funfetti cake is a crowd-pleaser that is loved by people of all ages. It is a safe choice that is sure to be enjoyed by your guests, regardless of their taste preferences.
  • Versatile: Funfetti cake can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. It can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings to create a unique and personalized cake that reflects your style.

Almond

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Photo by @trynhphoto

Almond cake is a flavorful option that adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste to the wedding cake. "Almond cake is perfect for couples who want something different," says Amanda, owner of Amanda Lee's Cakes in Texas. "It pairs well with fillings like raspberry or chocolate ganache, and it can be frosted with a variety of flavors like almond buttercream or vanilla bean."

People may choose an almond wedding cake for several reasons:

  • Flavor: Almond cake has a distinctive nutty flavor that is often paired with sweet vanilla or fruity flavors, making it a delicious and popular option for weddings.
  • Texture: Almond cake is often moist and tender, which is ideal for layering and decorating for weddings.
  • Tradition: Almond cake has been a popular choice for weddings for centuries, especially in European countries like Italy and France.
  • Dietary restrictions: Almond cake is a good option for people with dietary restrictions, such as those who are gluten-free, as it can be made without flour.
  • Health benefits: Almonds are a good source of protein and healthy fats, and are often considered a healthy addition to any diet. This makes almond cake a better choice than traditional white cake for health-conscious couples.

Overall, the choice to have an almond wedding cake can be based on personal taste, tradition, dietary restrictions, and health considerations.

Carrot

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Photo by @megankelly.studio

Carrot cake has become a popular choice for weddings in recent years. "Carrot cake is moist and flavorful, and it pairs well with a cream cheese frosting," says Julie, owner of Julie Michelle Cakes in Illinois. "It's a great option for couples who want a slightly healthier cake option that's still delicious."

Carrot cake is a unique and popular choice for weddings that has gained popularity in recent years. Here are some reasons why people may choose carrot cake as their wedding cake:

  • Healthier option: Carrot cake is often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional wedding cake since it includes vegetables such as carrots and nuts.
  • Unique flavor: Carrot cake has a distinct flavor profile that is different from traditional wedding cake. The combination of spices, nuts, and cream cheese frosting creates a rich and complex flavor that many people enjoy.
  • Versatile: Carrot cake can be made in a variety of styles and sizes, including layered cakes, cupcakes, and sheet cakes. This versatility allows couples to customize their cake to fit their preferences and wedding theme.
  • Symbolism: Carrots are often associated with good luck and prosperity, making carrot cake a symbolic choice for weddings.
  • Allergen-friendly: Carrot cake can be made without common allergens such as wheat, gluten, and dairy, making it a good option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Overall, carrot cake is a unique and flavorful choice for weddings that offers several benefits such as versatility, health, and symbolism. It is a great alternative to traditional wedding cake and is sure to impress guests with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

In conclusion, the most popular wedding cake flavors according to expert bakers are vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, funfetti, almond, and carrot. Whether you prefer a classic or trendy flavor, there's a wedding cake flavor for everyone. So go ahead and indulge in a slice (or two) of your favorite wedding cake flavor on your big day.

You can check out our photographers and planners portfolios for some additional inspiration!

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Natali Grace Levine Editor-in-Chief

Manages The Wezoree's content strategy
Writes and edits articles for the Inspiration Blog