Planning a wedding that feels personal and unforgettable often starts with the little details – like your cake and dessert table. One of my favourite ways to make these extra special? Leaning into the magic of the seasons.
Each time of year brings its own mood, ingredients, and flavour profiles that can totally transform your cake and dessert menu – whether you’re dreaming of something light and floral, rich and cosy, or fruity and refreshing. So if you're not sure where to start when it comes to flavour inspiration, here’s a little seasonal guide to help.
Spring: Fresh, Floral & Delicate
Spring weddings feel full of hope, romance and renewal – and your desserts can reflect that beautifully. Think soft florals, zesty citrus and the first flush of new fruit.
Flavours in season in the UK:
Rhubarb
Strawberries (early crops from May)
Elderflower
Lemon
Wild mint
Edible flowers (like violets, primroses, lilac)
Cake Flavour Inspiration:
Home-Grown Rhubarb, White Chocolate & Almond
Foraged Elderflower and Lemon Honey Cake
Cheddar Strawberry and Rose Honey Cake
Lemon Verbena & Pistachio
Strawberry, Mint & Lime
White Peach & Chamomile Cream
Dessert Table Ideas:
Mini rhubarb and almond tarts
Strawberry & rose panna cotta
Elderflower & lemon shortbread biscuits
White chocolate & violet truffles
Lavender and lemon drizzle cakes
Lemon and mint choux buns with whipped cream
Mini chamomile and vanilla cheesecakes
Strawberry and pistachio cream tartlets
Summer: Juicy, Bright & Bursting with Flavour
Summer is the season of abundance – bold colours, ripe fruits and a real sense of celebration. It’s the perfect time to go a little playful or add unexpected pairings.
Flavours in season in the UK:
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Redcurrants
Blackberries (late summer)
Lavender
Gooseberries
Herbs like lemon verbena and basil
Cake Flavour Inspiration:
Blueberry, Somerset Lavender & Earl Grey
Raspberry, Chocolate & Almond
Cheddar Strawberry and White Chocolate
Cherry & Amaretto
Gooseberry, Elderflower & Vanilla
Lemon, Basil & Mascarpone
Dessert Table Ideas:
Fresh fruit tartlets with crème pâtissière
Raspberry & almond mini gateaux
Strawberry shortcakes with whipped vanilla cream
Lavender & lemon macarons
White chocolate-dipped cherry bites
Mini elderflower and gooseberry pavlovas
Lemon basil meringue kisses
Raspberry swirl cheesecake bites
Autumn: Cosy, Earthy & Comforting
Autumn brings warmth, richness and rustic charm – think orchard fruits, nuts, spice and caramel tones.
Flavours in season in the UK:
Apples
Pears
Plums
Blackberries
Hazelnuts
Carrots
Pumpkins & squash
Elderberries
Cake Flavour Inspiration:
Carrot and Orchard Apple Cake
Golden Pear & Caramel
Garden Plums & Ginger
Toasted Hazelnut, Fig & Honey
Pumpkin, Brown Butter & Maple
Apple Cider & Pecan Praline
Dessert Table Ideas:
Spiced pear and caramel panna cotta
Apple crumble tartlets
Blackberry & hazelnut financiers
Sticky toffee pudding truffles
Carrot cake squares with cream cheese frosting
Mini fig and walnut upside-down cakes
Pumpkin custard tarts with nutmeg cream
Caramel apple éclairs
Winter: Rich, Indulgent & Magical
Winter is the time to really lean into decadence – luxurious textures, deep flavours and festive notes that feel cosy and elegant.
Flavours in season in the UK:
Apples
Pears
Citrus (orange, clementine, lemon)
Cranberries (imported but festive)
Walnuts, chestnuts
Honey
Spices: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger
Cake Flavour Inspiration:
Woodland Berry Cake
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Somerset Honey Cake
Clementine, Ginger & White Chocolate
Chestnut, Coffee & Dark Chocolate
Spiced Pear, Walnut & Orange Blossom
Dessert Table Ideas:
Chocolate pot de crèmes
Gingerbread biscuits with orange glaze
Spiced chocolate & hazelnut tarts
Mini clementine & almond cakes
Honey nougat and truffle bites
Chestnut and chocolate cream domes
Mulled wine poached pear tartlets
Orange blossom and pistachio baklava bites
A Final Tip: Make It Personal
I always encourage couples to think about their favourite flavours, special memories or even family traditions when picking their cake or dessert table. Blending those ideas with seasonal inspiration can create something that’s not only delicious but deeply meaningful, too.
And if you're not sure where to start? I'm always here to help dream up flavour pairings and designs that feel just right for your day.
—Looking for more flavour ideas or want to chat about a dessert table tailored to your wedding season?Pop me a message and let’s bring your dream dessert table to life!
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