Beyond the Wedding Cake: Best Santa Barbara Wedding Desserts

Reve Patisserie

I’ve noticed a bit of a divide among couples when it comes to wedding desserts — some stick with the classic tiered cake, while others get creative with unique sweets (or, if you’re totally weird and Italian like me, you serve cheese for dessert).

While the traditional wedding cake will always hold a special place in our hearts (and at the reception), today’s couples are looking beyond the buttercream for more personalized, playful, and delicious ways to celebrate their sweet side — and elevate the whole cake-sperience.

So, in honor of National Dessert Day, we’re spotlighting some of the best Santa Barbara wedding dessert vendors — each offering a one-of-a-kind experience that goes far beyond the cake stand. Whether you're wondering “What desserts are good instead of cake for a wedding?” or just want something interactive and fun for your guests, this roundup has you covered.

Lindsay’s Little Bakery

Whimsical Cakes, Bites, and Yes… Even Cheese Boards

If you’re dreaming of a dessert table that wows — and tastes even better than it looks — Lindsay’s Little Bakery is your go-to. Based in the Santa Ynez Valley and servicing all of Santa Barbara County to Carpinteria, Lindsay offers custom wedding cakes, bite-sized bars, cutter cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. I have been known to have five amazing Her creations are crafted with seasonal flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a whole lot of love.

What truly sets her apart? Her adorable vintage bakery trailer, The Bakery Box SYV, which brings charm and photo-worthy flair to any venue. For venues that don’t allow food trucks, Lindsay also creates beautifully styled dessert tables full of treats like tiramisu cheesecake bars, chocolate churro pie, and s’mores dessert cups.

Oh, and did we mention... she does cheese too?

Yes, if you're like me and believe cheese is the ultimate dessert, you’ll be thrilled to know Lindsay also offers curated cheese spreads. Think:

• Creamy brie, bold blue, manchego, and more

• Fresh fruits and veggies

• Crackers, nuts, olives, cornichons, jams, honey, and all the right accompaniments

• Optional mini desserts like cookies, brownies, or scones to round out the table

It's the best of both worlds: savory + sweet, beautifully styled, and ready to impress.

Perfect for couples who:

• Want a mix of treats instead of just cake

• Love the idea of a dessert and cheese table

• Are into vintage charm, whimsical styling, and personalized flavors

Zone of Genius: Creating custom dessert and cheese experiences that are thoughtful, elevated, and fun — whether it’s a show-stopping cake or a grazing table full of flavor.

📍 Santa Ynez + Santa Barbara
🔗 Visit Linday's Little Bakery

Rêve Pâtisserie

Elegant French Macarons with a Santa Barbara Soul

If you're looking for wedding desserts that are elegant, colorful, and oh-so-Parisian, Rêve Pâtisserie is your dream come true. Known for their handcrafted French macarons, this boutique pastry studio brings a touch of refined romance to any event.

From custom macaron towers to personalized party favor boxes, Rêve specializes in turning macarons into edible art. Every flavor and color can be customized to match your wedding palette, branded with initials or a monogram, and each bite delivers that delicate crunch and creamy center only a true French macaron can offer.

Perfect for couples who:

• Want a modern, elevated dessert alternative

• Are hosting a chic garden engagement parties or micro weddings

• Want favors that guests will actually love

Zone of Genius: Designing bespoke macaron displays and favors that add beauty and flavor to your event in equal measure.

📍 Santa Barbara, CA
🔗 Visit Reve

Oakberry Açaí Trailer

The Healthy, Feel-Good Dessert Guests Can’t Stop Talking About

Looking for a wedding dessert alternative that’s refreshing, healthy, and fun? Meet the Oakberry Açaí Trailer, a vibrant food truck serving up organic, antioxidant-rich açaí bowls with unlimited toppings.

Whether you're planning a daytime wedding, wellness-focused event, or just want to offer something light and energizing alongside cake, Oakberry is a crowd-pleaser. Their bowls are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious — making them an inclusive option for guests with dietary needs.

Perfect for couples who:

• Want a health-forward dessert option

• Are planning an outdoor, interactive dessert experience

• Love the idea of a food truck that’s Insta-worthy and wholesome

Zone of Genius: Serving up customizable, colorful açaí bowls that are as good for your body as they are for your wedding aesthetic.

📍 Santa Barbara, CA
🔗 Visit Oakberry

Photo by De Colores Photography

Sanders & Sons Gelato

Italian-Inspired, Locally Made, and Seriously Scoop-Worthy

For a dessert that takes me back to my homeland, is luxurious, nostalgic, and universally loved — gelato is always a good idea. And Sanders & Sons takes it to the next level with small-batch, handmade gelato and sorbettos crafted with organic ingredients and grass-fed milk.

Whether you build a custom sundae bar, serve chocolate-dipped gelato sandwiches, or offer classic cones from their Italian gelato case, your guests will be raving about dessert all night. Their team works directly with planners and caterers to customize flavors, and their sorbettos mean everyone gets to indulge — dairy-free guests included.

Perfect for couples who:

• Want a nostalgic, interactive dessert experience

• Love Italian culture and artisan food

• Want a full-service dessert station that plays well with caterers

Zone of Genius: Offering a polished, full-service gelato bar with customizable flavors and service that’s as smooth as their scoops.

📍 Ojai + Santa Barbara
🔗 Visit Sanders and Son

So… What Are the Best Desserts for Weddings?

Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best wedding desserts are the ones that reflect you — your taste, your vibe, and your guests’ experience. Whether you’re keeping it classic with cake or mixing it up with macarons, acai bowls, or gelato bars, the key is to choose something that feels memorable, meaningful, and delicious.

So if you’re asking...

• What desserts are good instead of cake for a wedding?

• What are the best desserts for weddings in Santa Barbara?

• How can I make my wedding dessert table stand out?

This list is your answer.

Thank you to all our sweet-toothed couples, planners, and dessert lovers — we hope this roundup inspires you to create a wedding dessert moment that’s as unforgettable as the rest of your celebration. Santa Barbara is home to some of the most creative dessert vendors in California, and we’re lucky to have them!

Ready to plan your dream dessert table CLICK HERE for inspiration