At Bali weddings, you can serve either international desserts, Balinese sweets or a mix of the two.
Serving a mixture of both Balinese and International desserts allows guests to try traditional local desserts while still having the options of familiar western favourites like crème brûlée.
Most dessert guides stop at a list of names. This one also covers how to serve and store them, and how to choose desserts for your venue and Bali’s heat.
Bali Wedding Dessert Options
Balinese and Indonesian Desserts
- Klepon-style coconut rice balls: A melted gula aren (palm sugar) centre sits inside each chewy rice ball. Cooks roll the balls in freshly grated coconut and serve them fresh.
- Dadar gulung: This dessert has a sweet coconut and palm sugar filling inside a thin, pandan-flavoured crepe.
- Fried banana bites: Small pieces of banana, known locally as Pisang Goreng, are coated in a light batter and fried until golden.
- Black rice pudding (bubur injin): Black glutinous rice and palm sugar are mixed in a creamy pudding. It is served chilled in small cups.
- Laklak: Small coconut rice pancakes are topped with gula aren syrup and grated coconut.
International Desserts
- Mini crème brûlée: A creamy vanilla custard fills a small dish. A thin layer of caramelised sugar sits on top.
- Mini fruit tarts: A custard filling sits inside each small pastry shell, and topped with fresh fruit.
- Chocolate mousse cups: This is a light, whipped chocolate dessert that is served in small cups.
- Tropical pavlova bites: Cream and tropical fruit sit atop small meringue shells.
- Layered trifle cups: These are little cups with layers of sponge cake, fruit and cream.
Dessert Serving Ideas
Plated or Table Service
Desserts are placed ready on a table or are served to guests directly. No cooking or assembly happens in front of them.
Live or Interactive Service
The chef prepares, cooks or customises the dessert in front of the guests, or the guests build it themselves. We are sharing a few examples.
- Gelato or Sorbet Cart: A mobile cart serves up chilled gelato or sorbet for the guests to choose from.
- DIY Dessert Bar: You set up a toppings and mix-ins table for guests to build their dessert.
- Crepe or Pancake Station: Guests watch a chef make crepes or pancakes fresh, then pick their own fillings.
- Fruit Bar: Guests create a bowl from fresh coconut, chilled tropical fruits and toppings.
Tips for Choosing Bali Wedding Desserts
- Ask your caterer about storage and serving procedures for each dessert. When choosing desserts, you must be mindful of your venue (indoor or outdoor). Creams, custards, mousse, chocolates and ice-based desserts need to be kept at a controlled temperature. An indoor reception offers more flexibility with these temperature-sensitive desserts.
- Inform your caterer about any food allergies beforehand. Ask which desserts contain nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten, and how suitable alternatives are prepared and served to reduce cross-contact.
- Ask your caterer how many dessert pieces they recommend per guest.
- Book a tasting session before the wedding. Confirm each dessert holds up and tastes the way you expect.
- For a balanced dessert spread, combine two or three Balinese or Indonesian sweets with a few familiar international desserts. Add one live station if you want dessert to become part of the reception experience.
Plan Your Bali Wedding Dessert Menu
Bali Catering and Events can style a dessert table for your wedding, built around your taste and venue. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal needs are all taken care of.
We would love to sit down with you and discuss your dessert menu. Then there is a pre-wedding tasting so you can approve the desserts ahead of your big day.
Contact us to start planning your Bali wedding dessert menu.
FAQs
- Do we need a separate wedding cake if we have a dessert table?
Many couples have both. The cake serves as a ceremonial centrepiece for the cutting and photos. The dessert table gives guests a wider range of options to enjoy through the reception.
- Are Balinese and Indonesian desserts suitable for vegans?
Many of the traditional options are vegan. Klepon and laklak do not use dairy or eggs. You can confirm this with your caterer.
- Do interactive dessert stations require more staff or space?
A gelato cart or live pancake station will need a dedicated staff member. The stations also need to be big enough for guests.
- When do we start planning our Bali wedding desserts?
Match your dessert choices to your other meal selections. This means you can choose, book a tasting and make any changes you need to in advance.
- Can we combine traditional Balinese dessert with a live dessert station?
Yes, it can be done. Caterers provide a gelato cart with freshly made crepes.
