21 Nearly Guilt-Free Treats to Serve at Your Wedding

Keep your New Year's resolution to eat healthier and offer guests these semi-healthy treats.

While these desserts certainly are not entirely guilt-free, it is possible to make healthier versions of all of these sweet treats, which provide guests with a taste of sugary sweetness without overwhelming their palates.

pistachio-and-mixed-berry-tarts-at-wedding-reception
Photo: frame.thirty.six photography

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to eat healthier in 2023, consider serving an array of nearly guilt-free desserts on your wedding day. Though you'll likely choose to offer slices of a delectable wedding cake to loved ones, it's also a good idea to have a separate wedding dessert table for attendees who may not want to be tempted with a sugary confection.

While it's difficult to create a truly guilt-free wedding dessert, there are many sweets that are less sugary and fattening than the go-to chocolate-on-chocolate cakes, nostalgic candies, and other treats that sound absolutely delicious – but choices your guests might regret later. Cake pops are a great way for couples to serve their favorite cake flavors since the portions are much smaller, so guests can also enjoy fresh fruit, pies, tarts, kettle corn, and more.

Take a look at the 21 wedding dessert ideas below – including two wedding cakes: a "naked" cake with just a bit of frosting and fresh berries and a stacked pancake confection ideal for a brunch wedding (or a couple who doesn't like cake). While these desserts certainly are not entirely guilt-free, it is possible to make healthier versions of all of these sweet treats, which provide guests with a taste of sugary sweetness without overwhelming their palates – and allowing them to stick to their New Year's resolutions.

1. Fresh Berries

Fresh berries in martini glasses wedding dessert

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Glamorous Ivory & Blush Spring Wedding at a Private Club in Chicago

2. Popcorn or Kettle Corn

3. Cake Pops

wedding dessert ideas guilt free cake pops in cute cake stand with glass cover

Photo by Steve Steinhardt; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding Event: Parisian-Inspired Bridal Shower in Southern California

4. Pies

Server at wedding holding two pies

Photo by Ryan Ray Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Wedding with Vibrant Pink & Orange Décor in California

5. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate

Photo by Catherine Hall Studios; From Real Wedding: Rustic, Classic Summer Wedding in Lake Tahoe, California

6. Mini Donuts

wedding reception donut wall healthy dessert options

Photo by Simone Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Tropical Destination Wedding at a Beach House in Cabo San Lucas

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies on white platter

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California

8. Strawberries & Cream

Strawberries and cream at bridal shower

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; From Real Wedding Event: Pretty Bridal Shower with Pink Details in Beverly Hills, California

9. Fruit Tarts

Fresh berries in tart at wedding reception

Photo by Marc Royce Photography; From Real Wedding: Mötley Crüe Member Nikki Sixx's Marie Antoinette-Inspired Wedding

10. Tea Party Desserts

Three tier tea party stand with mini desserts

Photo by Carasco Photography

11. Pie Pops

David Tutera wedding pie pop desserts

Photo by Michael Segal Photography; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Wedding in Ojai Valley, California

12. Lemon Bars

Lemon bars on two tier cake stand

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California

13. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Pretzel sticks covered with white and dark chocolate with sprinkles

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Real Wedding: Spring Wedding in Chicago with Purple Lighting

14. Cotton Candy

Cotton candy wedding dessert with edible sprinkles

Photo by Millie Holloman Photography; From Real Wedding: Navy, Blue, Gold, and Ivory Wedding at Duke University

15. French Macarons

16. Mini Pies in Mason Jars

Miniature pies baked and served in mason jars

Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Ivory, Gold & Blush Lakefront New Hampshire Wedding

17. Mini Berry Pies

Miniature berry pies with heart shape crust toppers

Photo by Mischa Photography; From Real Wedding: A Heartwarming Ranch Wedding with Sophisticated Rustic Details

18. Mini Pecan Pies

wedding dessert ideas that are semi healthy miniature pecan pie

Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Rustic Fall Wedding at a Farm in North Carolina

19. Jelly Beans

wedding dessert ideas that are semi healthy jelly belly candy jelly beans

Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer; From Real Wedding: Colorful Celebration with Sentimental Touches

20. Pancake Wedding Cake

Wedding cake with sugar flowers made of pancakes

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Ethereal Garden-Inspired Morning Ceremony & Alfresco Brunch

21. "Naked" Cake with Fresh Berries

For more wedding cake and dessert ideas, visit our photo galleries to see hundreds of images from real weddings! View inspiring small wedding cakes with seriously stunning style, discover ways to serve pie at your wedding, and get ideas from these gorgeous donut displays.