SWEET DREAMS

by ANNE PYBURN CRAIG

date posted: March 11, 2018

Everyone knows that a wedding calls for sweets for the sweethearts.

The wedding cake tradition is alive and well, but it’s been years since couples were restricted to the white-frosted sheet cakes of yore.

Wedding desserts now include a vast array of possibilities. How about a tiered platter of beautifully glazed donuts, or an array of cupcakes topped with swirls of frosting?

Or perhaps a dessert bar with single-servings of creamy, layered pudding in clear cups?

(Besides allowing you to offer your guests a wider variety of flavors, no cake to cut means no pressure to mash it in one another’s faces—just sayin’.)

If you want a cake, there are stunning new varieties at your disposal. Bakers have responded to the do-it-your-way world with wildly creative efforts. Ever consider…

naked cake. Sounds a little risqué, looks absolutely elegant. Many naked cakes are actually partially dressed, with frosting or berries peeping from between the layers. Fruit or fondant flowers make a stunning topper.

drip cake. There’s something about a cascading flow of icing in a complementary color that’s just gorgeous.

donut tower. There, we said it. Nothing will make a crowd happier than gorgeously glazed donuts. More than just accessories to morning coffee, donuts are like mini-cakes that can be decorated in many colors, displayed with matching flowers, and even topped with a cute cake just to say you had one.

The wedding cake tradition is alive and well, but it’s been years since couples were restricted to the white-frosted sheet cakes of yore.

The list of wedding cake options goes on…and local Hudson Valley bakeries are at your disposal to offer you ideas you never even dreamed of, and cakes that taste as good as they look.

Don’t skimp on one of the most important confectionary moments of your lives! Whether you choose decadent donuts, fruit pies of all varieties, or a simple, stunning cake, use this opportunity to show your guests just how much you appreciate them taking part in this special occasion.

bread alone bakery

Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, 914-388-7588, www.breadalone.com

Bread Alone Bakery is a family-owned, values-driven bakery. Our vision has not changed since the day that we opened: we create delicious, honest foods that we believe speak to the best in us. Our wedding cakes celebrate the best of the Hudson Valley with the finest local ingredients. Cafe locations in Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock. catering@breadalone.com

frida’s bakery & café

Milton, 845-795-5550, www.fridasbakeryny.com

Frida’s Bakery & Café represents not only small-town charm, but also quality, service, and hospitality. Their philosophy is simple: use fine ingredients and employ traditional methods to produce exceptional baked goods. Frida’s Bakery & Café offers a catering menu for group events, and a spacious contemporary second story loft, perfect to host your special private events and parties. Call today to place your pie, dessert, or cake orders!

grounded cakes

Kingston, 845-514-3432, www.groundedny.com

We bake and create cakes for special occasions and believe that any occasion is better celebrated with cake. The first bite of luscious, delectable, melt-in-your-mouth cake tastes twice as wonderful if it is a spectacular confection of texture, color, and harmony. Elegant and gracious or whimsical and charming—the cake needs to express your unique personality. If you can imagine it, we can create it!

lydia’s cafe

Stone Ridge, 845-687-6373, www.lydiasdeli.com

Beautiful and delicious. See for yourselves what chef Roni can create for your special event by visiting our web page. Or better still, stop by Lydia’s Cafe in historic Stone Ridge and taste for yourselves. Specialty cakes, pies, and a whole host of goodies are yours for the asking.

peace, love & cupcakes

Woodstock, 845-247-3687, www.woodstockcupcakes.com

A multiple award-winning cupcake shop featuring a huge array of delicious cupcakes and cookies. They only use the highest quality ingredients, locally sourced and organic whenever possible. Not only do they offer all the traditional sugar and butter choices, but they also make vegan, gluten-free, and raw versions as well. Food Network has honored them with awards for “The Best Cake in the Country!” and as a winner on the show Rewrapped. MSNBC featured them, and they are also a “Best of the Hudson Valley” business.

the alternative baker

Rosendale, 845-658-3355, www.lemoncakes.com

This bakery is renowned for its handmade traditional and alternative baked goods, offering scratch-baked goods plus allergy-friendly options. Everything is made only with the most natural of ingredients. They use fresh shell eggs, whole fresh milk, unsalted butter without additives, pure olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil, and canola oil. They also make spelt and vegan cakes.