We’re coming up to summer which is prime time for sunshine, vacations, and weddings! That means there are many of you out there planning wedding showers for your bestie. You loved our last bridal shower menu, so we’re back with a fun and unique idea for your next event — a dessert tasting party! I mean, is there anything better than your closest girlfriends and lots of delicious desserts?
Charcuterie
To balance out all of the sugar and chocolate, you need to include something savory on your menu. A very easy option is a platter of meats, cheeses and all the fixings to go with it. We suggest using 3-5 cheeses. Select a few different types from the following categories: fresh, soft-ripened, semi-hard, hard, and blue. In addition to the cheeses, pick up cured meats, fruit, jam, nuts and crackers. Arrange on a large platter for a simple, but beautiful arrangement, which doubles as a nice centerpiece!
Mini Key Lime and Banana Cream Pies
Make this graham cracker crust, and the fillings for both the Key Lime and Banana Cream. Then layer each 2oz. plastic cup with crust, filling, and whipped topping, for an easy, but oh-so-cute individual pie. (Hint: put each type of pie filling in a quart sized Ziploc freezer bag. Cut one of the corners off to quickly dispense the filling into the cups.)
Pistachio and Hazelnut Macaroons
Macaroons are knows to be a tricky dessert to master, but if you want to add a sophisticated touch to your event, give this recipe a try! (Or head to the nearest French Bakery!) These can be made several days ahead, and filled the day prior to your party.
Strawberry Shortcake
Follow the instructions in this recipe (or an angel food cake mix) but bake the cake in a 13”x18” jelly roll pan. Once the cake has cooled, use a 2” round cookie cutter to cut out mini cakes. These can be made two weeks in advance and kept in the freezer until the day of your party. Defrost cakes to room temperature and top with whipped cream and diced strawberries.
Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookie Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic Samoa Girl Scout cookie, then you’ll love this recipe. A simple shortbread recipe is topped with a mouthwatering coconut and caramel mixture and finished off with dark chocolate.
Salted Nut Squares
This recipe is great for several reasons- it only requires a few ingredients, it takes a few minutes to prepare, and last but not least, it’s absolutely delicious! Store the Salted Nut Squares in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Chocolate Bouchons
Chocolate Bouchons are a signature item at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakeries across the country. The chocolate is folded right into the batter and then baked, resulting in this scrumptious treat. Think about the best brownie you’ve ever had…those don’t come close to these delightful little cakes!
Dessert Trio
Fill in your menu with several easy desserts. Cookie dough can be made, and then stored in the freezer until ready to bake. We love the Iced Oatmeal and White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio cookies. Another great make-ahead option is Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee, since it can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Drinks
You may be wondering what drinks should be served with a spread of cheese and dessert. Coffee and champagne are likely choices, but if you want some additional ideas, we’ve found this great resource from Williams-Sonoma- “Pairing Wine with Cheese and Desserts”.
Invitation
As an added bonus we’ve even designed an invitation for you to use! Click here to download the blank JPG file!
Good luck as you plan your party and bake the desserts! Be sure to incorporate some of the bride’s favorites as well. Check out our Pinterest Board: Dessert Tasting Party for more delicious recipes and ideas for a fun bridal shower!
And please refer your guests to RegistryFinder.com when they can find all of the bride’s gift registries in one place!
The menu, invitation and desserts were originally created for my mom’s graduation party. (She graduated at 60!!!) We know how much ladies love chocolate and cheese, so give it a try for your next bridal shower!
