Can you even remember a time when wedding cakes were boring fruit cake towers, covered in sickly white icing? It actually wasn’t all that long ago. But wow, how far we’ve come! Anything but boring, The best cakes of 2019 were decadent, delicious, surprising and fun.

We’re always impressed with the creativity and originality of the non-traditional cakes we get to see everyday, and the last 12 months were no different. Big cake trends from the last few years seemed to come together in 2019, giving us plenty of creative, sophisticated designs. Artistic techniques – such as painted details, marbling, drips and gold foil – were often combined and used with finesse (and perhaps a little more restraint than previous years).

Continuing our Best of 2019 series, here are the cake designs you loved the most from the last 12 months! If you’re on the hunt for a talented baker to craft your dream creation, be sure to check out Cakes & Sweets on the Nouba Directory.

Sweet and simple

Image by Kyra Boyer.

James and Jenn’s big day was a very foodie affair, cake included! TP Bakes created their sweet and simple two-tiered cake, decorated with fresh flowers by Hattie Molloy (who also featured in out best of 2019 florals post!) Catch James and Jenn’s wedding here.

Have your cake and donuts too

Image by James Simmons.

It’s a pretty big decision – cake or donuts? Sensibly, Natalie and David chose to have both. Kingdom Cupcakes piled up the donuts, and a family friend whipped up the top-tier cake! See Natalie and David’s wedding in full here.

Sage green with gold fleck

Image by Kate Drennan.

Framed by Signature Floral Design flowers, we loved the unique sage-green hue of this gold-flecked wedding cake by The Cake and I. See more from this garden-inspired editorial here.

Decadent chocolate and pomegranate

Image by Ben & Ebony.

Petals Cupcakery created this decadent three tier chocolate cake with pomegranate drip. “And OMG it was the best cake I’ve ever eaten!” Says the bride. Catch Bianca and Tyler’s big day in full here.

Here’s to the cactus bride and groom!

Image by We Are All Stardust.

Could this cake by My Mama Bakes be any cuter? Look at the cactus bride and groom! A very apt design for MJ and Jimmy’s super relaxed pub wedding. Catch it in full here.

Vegan all the way

Image by Gez Xavier Mansfield.

The bride’s mum made these beauties and iced them with aquafaba buttercream! Never heard of aquafaba? It’s the cooking water from beans and legumes… trust us, it tastes way better than it sounds! See Jaki and Nick’s wedding here.

Blue macarons and gold drip

Image by Lauren Campbell.

Corey and Nathan had a pretty huge guest list and a lavish celebration, but opted for a mini wedding cake just for closest friends and family. This sweet petite creation was made by by La Ombre Creations. See Corey and Nathan’s wedding in full here.

Hand painted flowers

Image by Ivory + Rose Photography.

Those delicate, hand-painted flowers take this sweet creation by Marina Machado Cakes to the next level. See this full dreamy editorial at Kooroomba Lavender Estate here.

Black beauty

Image by Figtree Wedding Photography.

Finished with black, marbled icing and layered with fresh fruit and flowers, this petite creation by Two Little Bakers is a lesson in decadence! See the full shoot here.

Pretty perfect

Image by Flossy Photoraphy.

Perfect semi-naked edging, gold flecks and a subtle drip. This cake by Dollop Creations is a pretty little masterpiece! See Christal and Jean-Marc’s wedding in full here.