Unique Flavor Combinations for Your Fall Wedding Cake

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change colors, brides and grooms strive to incorporate the fall season into every element of their weddings. One of the easiest (and most delicious!) ways to do just that is through the wedding cake. Here are some unique and tasty flavor combinations for your autumnal wedding dessert, plus expert advice from cake bakers across the country.

FALL WEDDING CAKES WE'RE OBSESSED WITH

Stick with spice.

No flavor is more reminiscent of autumn than pumpkin spice. America's admiration with this classic fall flavor-which typically includes hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove-also manifests itself in wedding cakes. According to Jamaica Crist, owner of Top Tier Treats in Los Angeles, California, couples tend to prefer spice-style cakes for a fall wedding. "Spice is such a comforting reminder of the fall season," says Crist, adding that the flavors "pair very nicely with cream cheese mousse as the filling." Additionally, some of Crist's clients add a little fall-inspired spice to the filling of their cake, or top it with caramel sauce.

Fall for apple flavors.

During the fall months, people across the northeast savor the traditions of picking apples and sipping on sweet and tangy apple cider. Those comforting fall flavors can easily be incorporated into your wedding cake. Amy Mastronardi, owner of Hippie Chick Bakery in Kensington, New Hampshire, says that apple cake with caramel filling is their most popular wedding cake flavor in September. "Apples and September go hand-in-hand," she says. As an alternative, couples can opt to have a spice cake with an apple filling, which will be reminiscent of a homemade apple pie.

Hone in on holiday flavors.

As Thanksgiving and Christmas inch closer, people begin craving those quintessential holiday flavors: pumpkin pie, cranberries, and gingerbread. Luckily, these flavors work well in late-autumn wedding cakes. According to Mastronardi, many couples marrying in November opt for spiced cakes, often choosing pumpkin flavors, and may even add "a thin layer of cranberry compote as a nod to the holidays," she says. Other comforting flavors, like lemon and chai, also pair well with spice-based cakes. Use your imagination, and work with an established baker to create a sweet confection that guests will remember for years to come!