18 Pretty (and Delicious!) Bridal Shower Dessert Ideas

Like any good party, half the fun of a bridal shower is the menu. When you’re gathered with close friends and family, it’s only natural you’ll want to celebrate with something sweet. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of creative options when it comes to bridal shower desserts. Read on for our favorite ideas, as well as expert answers to some of the most common questions surrounding these sweets. 

How many desserts should I plan for per guest? 

One of the most popular ways to serve sweets at a bridal shower is the dessert bar, which includes a variety of small bites done in a common color palette or theme. (Macarons, mini cupcakes, frosted sugar cookies, mini cheesecakes, and Oreo gems are common options.) For a group of 20 to 30, Auble recommends three bites per guest and four different dessert types. For larger groups, she’ll often up the number of dessert types to 5 or 6. To increase variety while keeping cost in mind, Robinson suggests limiting the number of dessert types but increasing the number of flavors offered of each type.

Where can I find inspiration for a theme? 

“The fun thing about the shower is that it’s specifically about the bride,” says Auble. “And it’s typically on the smaller side, so you can be more creative.” To that end, she’ll brainstorm with clients about their favorite flavors (one salted caramel devotee did an entire display in the flavor), as well as favorite bakeries, local treats, or restaurants that could be a jumping-off point. Looking to bring your love story into the day? Robinson recently incorporated the lyrics of a song written for the bride by the groom onto a cake, and also suggests highlighting desserts from countries or states where the couple met or has traveled together. Another option: highlighting cultural desserts that represent the bride’s family traditions. 

Is it okay to serve dessert only at a bridal shower? 

“A bridal shower is often held in-between breakfast and lunch, and it doesn’t necessarily have to provide a full meal,” says Robinson. “However, whenever alcohol is involved, it’s important to provide some type of savory option, even if it’s just a small charcuterie platter or a selection of fruits and nuts.” This will help curb cravings, counter the sweetness of desserts, and keep guests alert on their way home. (Sugar crash is real, y'all!)

Does a single large cake work for a bridal shower? 

“It’s pretty, but it doesn’t necessarily make sense,” says Auble. “There’s a specific way to cut those, and there’s not always trained catering staff on-site for these events, so it ends up being more trouble than it’s worth.” Her compromise? A dummy display cake, which is decorated to look real and anchor the dessert bar, but can’t actually be cut. Added bonus: the bride can hold onto it afterward as a keepsake.

What’s trending in bridal shower desserts? 

There are so many fun ideas in this realm, it’s impossible to go wrong! Here are a few current favorites from Robinson and Auble:

• Individually packaged items. In these pandemic times, an extra layer of protection around desserts while they’re on display is never a bad idea. 
• Hand-piped and hand-painted text. This is a fun way to personalize cookies, macarons, and other small treats. 
• Plant-focused themes. Dried or candied botanicals as dessert toppings are especially cool right now. 
• Mini cakes. This compromise between a large cake and cupcakes works well for a more extravagant affair. 
• Dessert grazing tables. While dessert tables more commonly group sweets on trays, plates, and pedestals, this more organic, free-form method of display is a fresh option for more casual affairs. 

In need of more inspiration? Here are 18 dessert ideas to serve at a shower.