The Rise of the Giant Tiramisu & Pavlova Wedding Cake
The indulgent dessert-as-cake wedding trend taking over Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter Valley in 2025–2026
A New Kind of Showstopper Wedding Centrepiece
One of the most exciting wedding trends for 2025 and 2026 is the move beyond a “standard tiered sponge cake” to centrepieces that are truly statement desserts. Instead, couples in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley region are embracing show-stopping, flavour-forward centrepieces that celebrate their personal tastes.
From the Giant Raspberry cakes and oversized Millefoglie / Millefeuille, the spotlight for 2025–2026 is now firmly on Giant Tiramisu Cakes and grand Pavlovas. These designs aren’t just delicious — they’re visual theatre.
They bring nostalgia, luxury and personality into one unforgettable dessert moment.
Why Tiramisu Wedding Cakes Are Taking Off
Across Australia (and globally), couples are looking for desserts that feel meaningful — something rooted in memories, culture or favourite flavours. A giant tiramisu ticks every box:
It’s indulgent without being heavy.
It feels familiar yet elevated.
It suits both modern and romantic European-inspired weddings.
And most importantly — it’s absolutely delicious.
Rather than espresso in a glass dish, the wedding version becomes a low, wide centrepiece cake layered with:
Espresso-soaked sponge or ladyfingers
Lightly whipped mascarpone cream
Cocoa dusting or Belgian chocolate shavings
Optional additions like fresh berries, edible flowers or liqueur infusions
It’s the perfect choice for couples who want the wow factor of a modern wedding cake, but with the unmistakable flavour of a beloved classic. When you want your dessert to stand out just as much as your décor.
Designing a Giant Tiramisu Wedding Cake
At Cakes by Han, our wedding tiramisu cakes are crafted to balance structure, stability and flavour. Every component is intentionally created for weddings — photogenic, travel-safe, and able to be served beautifully at your reception.
We use:
Locally roasted espresso syrup
Soft sponge or ladyfingers for authentic texture
Light, silky mascarpone cream
Belgian cocoa or chocolate finishes
Seasonal additions like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries — or even a Limoncello twist for summer weddings
These cakes look incredible and photograph beautifully on wide tables and become a feature, especially in vineyards, waterfront venues, or candle-lit restaurants.
Pavlova — Australia & New Zealand’s Favourite Alternative Wedding Cake
If you love something fresh, bright and fruit-forward, a giant pavlova is the perfect wedding showpiece, especially for an Aussie Summer wedding when fresh fruit is abundant.
Crisp on the outside and marshmallow-soft inside, it pairs beautifully with:
Vanilla bean whipped cream
Home-grown edible flowers
Seasonal berries
Summer fruits like mango and passionfruit
Perfect for outdoor receptions, summer ceremonies, or winery weddings, a giant pavlova brings an effortless elegance that suits our local region beautifully.
How to Style & Serve These Trendy Dessert Cakes
Inspired by international trends but adapted for Australian weddings, these cakes can be styled to suit everything from minimalist to romantic European-inspired celebrations.
Some ideas:
Add edible florals grown in our garden to match your wedding florals
Dust with cocoa or add chocolate curls for a luxe finish
Serve alongside espresso shots, mini tiramisu cups, cannoli or pavlova bites
Display on a wide pedestal for dramatic photos
Use fairy lights or candles around the base for evening receptions
Storage, Timing & Freshness (Important for Cream-Based Cakes)
Mascarpone and fresh cream need correct handling to stay perfect.
When planning your timeline, consider:
When guests enter your reception
When the cake will be displayed
When dessert will be served
Tiramisu and pavlova are best refrigerated until shortly before serving, then displayed for a maximum of up to 1–2 hours depending on venue temperature.
We’ll work with your venue coordinator to ensure everything is timed flawlessly.
Locally Made, Sustainably Sourced
Every ingredient in our cakes reflects the quality of the Hunter region. We bake from our studio in Valentine using:
Organic fruit
Home-grown edible flowers
Sustainable eggs and dairy
Seasonal produce from local growers
It’s the reason our cakes taste so vibrant and fresh — and it’s why couples who value craftsmanship continue to choose Cakes by Han.
A Trend Loved Worldwide — Now With a Hunter Valley Twist
International wedding designers have showcased breathtaking tiramisu and pavlova creations, proving this trend is here to stay.
From towering tiramisu glasses stacks to 50cm single-tier centrepieces like from Mericakes overseas in Barcelona, the look has now reached Newcastle and the Hunter Valley — tailored to our climate, venues and seasonal produce.
Ready to Create Your Own Giant Tiramisu or Pavlova Wedding Cake?
Whether you're planning a relaxed vineyard celebration or a luxe evening reception, we can design a dessert that reflects your style, flavour preferences, and wedding vision.
📍 Based in Valentine, NSW – Delivering to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central Coast & Sydney
📞 Enquire about your custom wedding cake HERE.