The wedding cake is the quintessential centerpiece of the reception, with a specific timeslot carved out on the schedule for cutting and serving the cake. Over the years, the details and designs of wedding cakes have become more and more elaborate with fondant and sugar roses, intricate patterns and a seemingly infinite number of colors to choose from. But no matter how beautiful or aesthetically pleasing a wedding cake may be, what matters most is how it tastes. These are the top eight most popular wedding cake flavors for 2023.
1. Red Velvet
Appropriately named for its deep red color, red velvet cake is the perfect hue to represent love and romance on your wedding day. Its flavor is not quite chocolaty yet not quite vanilla either. It is rich and smooth and is frequently paired with cream cheese frosting.
Marie of Genuine Cakes states that although “Red Velvet is a relatively recent newcomer, its popularity is soaring” and that “in 2023 [their] most popularly requested wedding cake flavours are Red Velvet, Chocolate and Vanilla.”
Tarek of The Hummingbird Bakery said, “It seems to be that brides and grooms are increasingly opting for creative wedding cake flavours that offer a break from tradition. At our bakeries… we’re probably best known for our Red Velvet cake. The deep red colour of the sponge against the cream cheese frosting really makes for a special moment when cutting the cake. Couples are also choosing to offer a variety of cake flavours at their reception, whether that’s a tiered cake comprised of different flavours or a cupcake tower with assorted cupcake flavours.”
2. Chocolate
With so many different levels of richness and options for flavor pairings, chocolate remains to be one of the most popular wedding cake flavors of the year. What typically is a childhood favorite can be elevated to a sophisticated level when mixed with flavor accents such as mint, orange and strawberry. Indulge in richness with chocolate fudge, or lighten the flavor by choosing a German chocolate cake.
3. White Chocolate with Raspberry
Combining the sweet richness of white chocolate with the tart fruitiness of raspberry is a winning combination that is soaring in popularity in 2023. Whether it’s a raspberry jam, raspberry cream or fresh raspberry filling, this delicious pairing is a refreshing take on the traditional chocolate flavored cakes.
Paul of Darwen Deli Cakes says that “although we’ve done mental flavours for wedding cakes… [one of] the most popular flavours at the moment for us is White Chocolate and Raspberry.”
4. Lemon
Light and tangy, lemon cakes are one of the most popular flavor trends of the year. This citrus flavor is perfect for a spring wedding and is a great choice for couples who don’t want a cake that is too heavy and rich. Pair with raspberries or strawberries and whipped cream for a tasty fruity blend, or stick to lemon buttercream frosting to complete the cake.
Tarek of The Hummingbird Bakery states that “Lemon Raspberry Ripple is proving popular as a wedding cake flavour in 2023.”
5. Vanilla
You can’t go wrong with plain vanilla, and many couples are choosing to go with tradition with a vanilla wedding cake in 2023. This is one of the most basic cakes and can be kept simple with vanilla frosting, or it can be dressed up any way you like with essentially any frosting, filling or fruit. It’s an excellent base for more exotic and fun flavors, so if you’re thinking about trying something out that may not necessarily be a crowd pleaser, using a vanilla cake as a base is a good compromise.
6. Coconut and Lime
Channel the tropics with this tasty flavor combo that is reminiscent of an island vacation. Rich and creamy coconut cake combined with tangy and tart lime filling or frosting is a match made in heaven. Perfect for those wanting a sweet and rich cake without having to choose from the chocolate flavor family. Marie of Genuine Cakes says that coconut and lime is a “always popular” choice for their shop. Tarek of The Hummingbird Bakery also states that “coconut is proving popular as a wedding cake flavor in 2023” for their shop.
7. Pink Champagne
Pink champagne wedding cakes are unique in that instead of using water in the batter, champagne is used. The pink color is achieved with food coloring dye. What better way to celebrate than with some bubbly in your cake? Common fillings and toppings for a champagne cake include rum flavored custard, dyed pink white chocolate shavings and Bavarian whipped cream.
8. Carrot
The ideal cake flavor for couples who want to go the non-traditional route, carrot cake is a popular choice for 2023. This soft, dense cake is moist and has a lovely consistency due to grated carrots and nuts being main components of the batter. It is typically deliciously paired with a cream cheese frosting. Carrot cake is a great alternative to the more common flavors such as chocolate and vanilla.
9. Almond
Almond cake is loved for its delicate and nutty flavor. It offers a subtle sweetness and a hint of almond essence that adds an elegant touch to wedding cakes. Its popularity stems from its versatility, as it pairs well with various fillings and frostings, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
10. Strawberry
Strawberry cake is a delightful option for weddings, especially during the spring and summer seasons. The fresh and juicy taste of strawberries adds a burst of fruity flavor to the cake. Its popularity lies in the combination of the luscious strawberry-infused layers with complementary fillings, creating a light and refreshing dessert.
11. Marble
Marble cake is a classic choice that brings together the best of both worlds: vanilla and chocolate. This cake offers a visually appealing marbled pattern and a harmonious blend of flavors. Its popularity at weddings stems from its ability to satisfy both vanilla and chocolate lovers, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
12. Salted Caramel
Salted caramel cake has gained popularity for its irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors. The richness of caramel is elevated with a hint of salt, creating a delectable balance. Its popularity at weddings is due to the indulgent and luxurious experience it provides, making it a memorable and sophisticated choice.
13. Cookies and Cream
Cookies and cream cake is a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing option. This flavor features moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy, cookie-infused filling. Its popularity stems from its ability to satisfy cravings for both chocolate and cookies, offering a delightful and playful twist to traditional wedding cakes.
14. Funfetti
Funfetti cake is all about joy and celebration. This cake is made with a vanilla base dotted with colorful sprinkles throughout, creating a fun and festive appearance. Its popularity at weddings comes from its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy, adding a playful touch to the celebration.
15. Hazelnut
Hazelnut cake offers a rich and nutty flavor that is enjoyed by many. The distinct taste of roasted hazelnuts adds depth and warmth to the cake, creating a decadent experience. Its popularity at weddings is due to its sophisticated and indulgent nature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious flavor profile.
16. Mocha
Mocha cake combines the flavors of coffee and chocolate, offering a delightful combination for coffee enthusiasts. The blend of rich, smooth chocolate and a hint of coffee creates a sophisticated and indulgent taste. Its popularity at weddings stems from its ability to provide a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both coffee and chocolate lovers, making it an excellent choice for a memorable dessert experience.
In conclusion, the world of wedding cake flavors continues to evolve and excite in 2023. From classic choices like vanilla and chocolate to contemporary options like salted caramel and hazelnut, there is a flavor to suit every couple’s taste and style. The popularity of almond and strawberry flavors showcases the timeless appeal of delicate and fruity notes. For those seeking a playful twist, funfetti and cookies and cream cakes bring joy and nostalgia to the dessert table. As the year unfolds, couples can delight in the finest cake flavors of 2023, creating memorable and delectable moments on their special day.
