11 dessert ideas for any event or crowd
Everybody knows that any good event or gathering isn’t complete without one long time, fan favorite — the dessert display!
For decades, the go-to dessert for a large crowd has typically been the good old sheet or themed cake.
However, with the ever growing want and need for visually appealing elements and aesthetically pleasing event decor, it is easy to see why hosts are being drawn to more audience engaging displays.
If you want to impress your guests with your dessert table, take a look at these 11 rapidly growing alternative ideas.
1. Candy Bar
Set up a fun and colorful assortment of candy in jars and bowls, complete with scoops and bags for guests to get creative and fill.
2. Donut Wall
Offer a variety of different donuts on a wall or stand with pegs to create a fun and trendy display.
3. Ice Cream Bar
Create a station of ice cream flavors and topping options for guests to make their own sundaes. Get creative with sprinkles, cookie crumbles, candy, syrups, and whipped cream.
4. S’more Station
Provide all the ingredients to make a good old fashioned s’more, or take it a step further and provide extra tasty and fun ingredients such as sprinkles, syrups, etc.
5. Charcuterie Bar
Display a variety of bite-sized desserts and have your guests create their own charcuterie board of sugary goodness.
6. Pie Buffet
Set up a buffet of different pie options. This is a fun and tasty alternative to the traditional dessert choices.
7. Gourmet Cupcakes
Fun and decorative cupcakes have been on a popularity rise. They are easy, tasty, and come in an array of different looks and flavors.
For weddings and milestone celebrations, you can still have a small decorative cake to cut as well as an assortment of cupcakes for your guests to enjoy.
8. Pittsburgh Cookie Table
Have you ever heard of the Pittsburgh cookie table? Said to date back to at least 100 years ago, this tradition is essentially made up of a variety of different cookie options prepared by family and friends and presented as one large display to share.
9. Parfait Cups
Put together pre-made mousse cups then display them nicely for your guests to grab and enjoy. Parfaits cups are quick and easy to eat and clean up.
10. Coffee Bar
Some people prefer a drink for dessert. Set out pitchers of coffee and offer a variety of syrups, whipped creams, and pastries to top it all off.
TIP: You can create this same setup idea with other types of beverages such as sangrias, mimosas, and more!
11. Cotton Candy Station
Cotton candy is a fun, colorful, and nostalgic dessert option! It can easily be premade and displayed, or you can buy or rent a cotton candy maker for your guests to have some hands on fun.
