From truffles to dessert bars, Painted Turtle Chocolatier in Osseo creates unique additions to your dessert tables and displays. Photos: Chris Emeott
Bakers and makers are charting new territory when it comes to wedding treats.
The topography of the reception dessert table is evolving. The towering white wedding cake is no longer a given, and it’s ceding space to more varied terrain. Whether you want to scale a donut wall or explore rolling hills of ice cream, modern weddings are letting couples choose their own adventures.
If you’re feeling a bit lost navigating this uncharted territory, don’t worry. We’ve discovered bakers, makers and vendors who are mapping new configurations for your wedding dessert destination.
Signature cocktails are a thing and so are dinners featuring state- or hometown-centric ingredients, but what about bringing that same pride to the dessert table? Consider giving a sweet nod to one of Minnesota’s iconic music makers—Prince. If you’re a fan of him and cheesecake, take your pick of over 15 cheesecake varieties. Founding owner and head baker of Cheesecake Funk, Vanessa Drews, worked at Paisley Park, where she would on occasion bring in her scrumptious desserts. They not only caught the attention of staff and musicians, Prince also took notice and was a fan and vocal proponent of her baked goods. Cheesecake Funk, Minnetonka; cheesecakefunk.com
Bring the elegance of a French patisserie to your wedding with Patrick’s Bakery & Café’s delectable dessert verrines. These beautifully layered mini-desserts are offered by the dozen and feature classic flavors, such as cheesecake, chocolate mousse, lemon and tiramisu. Patrick’s also offers a fresh fruit verrine with seasonal berries and Chantilly cream. But why stop at verrines? Elevate your dessert spread with an assortment of mini pastries, including cookies, Danishes and truffles—also available by the dozen. Each item is crafted with French flair and attention to detail, ensuring your guests are treated to a truly indulgent experience. Patrick’s Bakery & Café, Edina; patricksbakerycafe.com
What’s sweeter than fine chocolate? As of August, Painted Turtle Chocolatier is under new ownership, and owner Jackie Van Norden is excited to bring a fresh taste to this local mainstay. Consider its truffles, such as chocolate caramel, peanut butter, milk and dark chocolate, or create your own flavor profile with the chocolatiers, for a fun display or addition to your dessert table. Plus, bars, cake truffles, cookies, gelato and more are the cherry on top! Painted Turtle Chocolatier, Osseo; paintedturtlechocolatier.com
Osseo’s Two Scoops serves up sweet flavors, such as Heaps of Love (seen here), Malt Amore, PB Hearts Chocolate or S’more to Love.
Think outside the (ice)box with ice cream. From a full-service ice cream truck to a scoop-your-own sundae bar, Two Scoops can be a uniquely you addition to your big day. And, with flavors ranging from Heaps of Love and Malt Amore to PB Hearts Chocolate and S’more to Love, there are plenty of lovely flavors to choose from. Two Scoops, Osseo; twoscoopsmn.com
Bring the romance of Paris to your special day with one of France’s most popular dessert exports. A macaron tower has a certain je ne sais quoi, does it not? Nikkolette’s Macarons offers a collection of customizable options from flavors and colors to personal touches, such as initials and wedding dates. The bakery also creates delectable party favors in the form of macaron gift boxes. Nikkolette’s Macarons, Plymouth; nikkolettesmacarons.com
We get it. Sometimes, you just want a slice of decadent wedding cake. From a cutting cake to multitiered cakes—and even cupcake towers!—Nadia Cakes can design just about any delicious dessert. This winner is beloved nationwide, and its owner, Abby Jimenez, is a Food Network Cupcake Wars winner and was also featured on TLC’s Fabulous Cakes. Nadia Cakes, Maple Grove and Woodbury; nadiacakes.com
