When it comes to wedding cake flavours, the possibilities are literally endless.
Over the most recent years wedding cake makers have become so imaginative with cake flavour combinations. With the allure of modern day desserts and high profile weddings setting wedding cake flavour trends, luxury wedding cake makers will often spend countless hours in the kitchen playing around with flavour combinations.
It’s safe to say, gone are the days where rich fruit cake, vanilla, chocolate and lemon are your only main options.
Don’t get me wrong, all the above mentioned flavours still hold their very own firm places on the modern day wedding cake flavour menus and remain the main most popular choices, but there are so many more flavours beyond these now. The choice really is yours!
And of course, with so many more flavours to choose from, couples can now have a different flavour for every tier of their wedding cake, even if it’s 6, 7, 8 tiers tall! And I for one, will always encourage this!
What wedding cake flavour is traditional in the UK?
Traditionally, wedding cakes were typically made up of rich fruit cakes covered with marzipan and finished with fondant icing. All tiers would be the same.
However, nowadays, rich fruit cake is far less popular with the younger generation. Often couples only opting for a small tier, if any, for the older guests to enjoy.
For today’s modern wedding couples, sponge cakes are certainly the most popular choice.
Couples on the hunt for the best wedding cake flavours will most definitely be spoilt for choice!
More traditional wedding cake flavour ideas
Regardless of modern twists on flavours and latest trends, traditional wedding cake flavours never go out of style. For those who like to keep their cake tastes simple, these classic flavours will always be the guaranteed crowd pleasers.
Chocolate fudge wedding cake
Vanilla wedding cake
Lemon wedding cake
But of course, there is nothing to say we can’t mix up these traditional choices!
“We absolutely LOVED our wedding cake, it was not only beautiful to look at, it tasted amazing too!”
Chocolate wedding cake flavour
Everyone loves chocolate! Well, most do! This flavour is an especially great choice for couples serving their wedding cake as part of their wedding breakfast dessert. With it’s more ‘pudding’ like texture, it is perfect served with fresh cream and berry fruits!
Indulgent chocolate flavour ideas
- Chocolate fudge wedding cake (milk or dark chocolate) – a rich and fudgy consistancy filled with decadant smooth and creamy chocolate ganache.
- Chocolate orange fudge wedding cake (milk or dark chocolate) – again, rich and fudgy with a citrus punch of orange, filled with orange infused silky chocolate ganache. For the serious chocolate lovers, go for the richer dark chocolate option.
- Red velvet wedding cake – a light sponge with a hint of chocolate and a distinctive red colour. Traditionally served with a cream cheese filling – alternative wedding cake fillings include white chocolate buttercream.
Lighter chocolate options
If you are wishing for something more lighter, why not consider
- Cookies & cream wedding cake – a delicious vanilla sponge speckled with crushed oreo cookies and filled with crushed oreo cookie buttercream. For my version I like to crumble as opposed to crush, to add texture and keep the sponge nice and moist.
- White chocolate and raspberry – a light white chocolate sponge speckled generously with raspberry pieces and layered with raspberry buttercream. For my version of this very popular crowd pleaser, I layer with raspberry ripple buttercream.
- White chocolate, pistachio and raspberry – a light velvety white chocolate sponge, speckled with toasted crushed pistachios layered with raspberry conserve and salted buttercream filling. A delight for any pistachio lover!
“…the flavours were out of this world.
We received so many compliments and guests were walking home with their pockets stuffed with cake! The white chocolate and raspberry ripple was a real favourite!”
Playful, yet sophisticated, alternative chocolate flavour wedding cake choices
Unique to my flavour menu:
- Chocolate chunk cookie cake – a Millie’s style cookie with a mixture of milk and white chocolate chunks, layered with a silky milk chocolate ganache. Perfect for those who love a biscuit more than cake. And the best bit…slices just like a cake!
- White Chocolate and cranberry cookie cake – a Millie’s style cookie with white chocolate chunks and cranberries. A sophisticated wedding cake alternative that slices just like a cake!
Citrus lemon wedding cake flavour inspiration
Citrusy lemon flavours refresh the palette and are a more lighter choice, making them ideal for warm summer weddings. Teaming them up with complimenting flavours will add a modern twist to a very traditional flavour, leaving your guests coming back for more!
- Lemon and elderflower wedding cake – Meghan and Harry’s flavour of choice – a light and moist zesty lemon sponge enfused with elderflower, filled with salted buttercream and homemade lemon curd.
- Lemon and blueberry wedding cake – zesty lemon sponge speckled with juicy blueberries, filled with buttercream and homemade lemon curd.
Nostalgic wedding cake flavour ideas
For flavours that will take your guests right back to their comfort food desserts, try
- Cherry bakewell wedding cake – a almond sponge filled with cherry conserve and buttercream.
- Carrot cake with white chocolate buttercream wedding cake – a slightly more dense and moist cake with carrots, nuts and spices, traditionally filled with cream cheese but often paired with orange or white chocolate buttercream for wedding cakes.
Seasonal wedding cake flavour ideas
Autumn and Winter wedding cake flavour inspiration
For an autumn or winter wedding, the more dense, moist flavours such as chocolate fudge cake (in all it’s variations) and spiced aromatic carrot cake, along with cherry bakewell, salted caramel, or even that old time traditional boozy rich fruit cake, make the perfect choices.
Summer and Spring wedding cake flavour inspiration
For warm barmy summer and spring weddings, the lighter zesty and fruity options such as lemon (in all it’s variations) white chocolate and raspberry ripple, and prosecco and strawberry are all perfect refreshing flavours.
Wedding cake flavour pairing ideas
When deciding on your wedding cake flavours, it is always a good idea to choose a different flavour for each tier. This will allow for making sure there is a flavour option for all (or most) of your guests. Variety is key!
Why not choose a chocolate tier, a citrusy tier and a dessert style flavour tier?
When deciding on which tier for which flavour, it is generally recommended to go with the growd pleaser as the biggest tier and work up to the flavours with a twist. But that said, you know your guests best! So go with your heart (and your taste buds)!
Wedding cake fillings
One thing to remember is that wedding cakes take a good few days to prepare and will sit out on display for a number of hours on the day of your wedding. All fillings need to be safe and stable outside of the fridge for a good length of time. Therefore cream cheese and fresh cream fillings, are never suitable for a wedding cake.
Allergens
In the UK, food businesses are required by law to provide clear information about allergens present in their products, including wedding cakes. This is to ensure that individuals with food allergies or intolerances can make informed choices and avoid consuming substances that may harm their health.
At Sue Hurst Cake Design, I am committed to providing exceptional service and products to all of my couples. However, it’s important to note that my kitchen uses all allergens. While I take every precaution to prevent cross-contamination, I cannot guarantee that my products will be completely free from traces of allergens. Therefore, I regret to inform you that I am unable to cater to specific allergen requirements or provide allergen-free wedding cakes. The safety and well-being of my couples are of utmost importance to me, and I appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you have any concerns or questions regarding allergens, please feel free to reach out to me, and I will be happy to assist you to the best of my ability.
Frequently asked questions (Faqs)
Can I choose multiple flavours for my wedding cake?
Absolutely! Many couples opt for multiple flavours to cater to different tastes and preferences among their guests. With the variety of options available, you can select a unique flavour for each tier or mix and match to create a custom combination that reflects your style and personality. I actively encourage it!
How do I decide which flavours to choose for my wedding cake?
Choosing the perfect wedding cake flavours can be both exciting and overwhelming. Consider factors such as the season of your wedding, your personal preferences, and any thematic elements of your celebration. .
Are there any limitations to the flavour combinations I can request?
As a bespoke wedding cake designer, I’m dedicated to bringing your vision to life.
My aim is to only serve AMAZING cake. If you wish for a flavour that is not on my menu, I will, if I feel it is a flavour I feel confident I can do justice to, happily cater for your request. However, if it’s way off my own recipes, and one that I can’t guarantee the end result of, I will be honest and upfront with you and decline the request. I hope you will understand. Either way, I’ll craft a wedding cake that exceeds your expectations.
Do you offer tastings for your wedding cake flavours?
Yes, I offer complimentary cake tastings to all my booked couples, to help you explore the delicious array of flavours available for your wedding cake. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of mouthwatering flavours and discuss your preferences in detail.
For couples wishing to try my cakes before they commit, I offer boxes that can be purchased and collect, or delivered to their door. Get in touch if you would like to order a box
How far in advance should I order my wedding cake?
It’s recommended that you place your wedding cake order as early as possible to secure your date on my calendar. I typically require at least 6 to 12 months’ notice, especially during peak wedding seasons, to ensure ample time for consultation, design, and preparation. However, feel free to reach out to discuss availability and timelines, as I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, you may also like to learn how to choose a wedding cake design
Or you may like to find out what size wedding cake you will need
Ready to design the wedding cake of your dreams? Let’s bring your vision to life! Contact me today to schedule your complimentary 15 minute discovery call.
Cover/1st image & 8th image: Beth Beresford Photography
2nd image: Daniel Robinson Photography
10th image: Amali Studios
Who is Sue Hurst – Wedding Cake Designer in Essex
Hey, I am Sue! I am a wedding cake maker in Essex, specialising in modern and bespoke wedding cakes in Essex, London, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey and beyond. After 12 years of cake making, my business has changed over the years, until I found my biggest passion – weddings.
I absolutely adore everything about designing and making wedding cakes. From getting to know my couples, right through to setting up their dream cake (quite often a design they would never have dreamt of before their journey with me).
Having the honour of being a part of such a special day in my couples’ lives, is something I never undervalue.
My blog posts about weddings cakes in the South and South East England are based on experience and aim to help you plan your dream wedding.

