Pin It A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks makes this dessert board perfect for holidays or game nights. This customizable board brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors for a memorable sharing experience.
I put together my first dessert board for a holiday party and the excitement it brought to guests was unforgettable. It's always a hit—everyone can find something they love and enjoy nibbling while chatting.
Ingredients
- Cookies & Baked Treats: 12 holiday or themed sugar cookies, 8 brownie bites or mini cupcakes, 12 chocolate-dipped pretzel rods
- Chocolates & Candies: 1 cup assorted chocolates (truffles, wrapped candies), 1 cup holiday or team-colored M&Ms or similar candy-coated chocolates
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup strawberries (halved), 1 cup seedless grapes, 1 cup apple slices (tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning)
- Dips & Spreads: 1 cup chocolate fondue or hazelnut spread, 1 cup marshmallow fluff or vanilla yogurt dip
- Themed Snacks & Extras: 1 cup popcorn (drizzled with white chocolate or colored sprinkles), 1 cup mini marshmallows, ½ cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Arrange Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Add Cookies & Treats:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Fill With Chocolates & Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Snacks & Extras:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Finish With Sprinkles:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Pin It Creating this dessert board sparks memories of family gatherings where everyone helps decorate and pick their favorite treats. It becomes a conversation piece and brings generations together.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons and tongs for serving, small plates and napkins.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on chosen treats. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Pin It As guests admire the stunning dessert board, you'll love how simple it is to prepare—just arrange and serve for instant celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I choose the right board size?
Select a large wooden board, platter, or tray big enough to hold all items with space for bowls and visually appealing arrangements.
- → Can I make this platter allergy-friendly?
Yes, swap treats for gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan alternatives. Always check ingredient labels and customize for guests’ needs.
- → What can I use as dips?
Popular options include chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt dip served in small bowls.
- → How do I keep fruits fresh?
Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and use fresh, dry fruits right before serving for best results.
- → How can I customize for different occasions?
Choose themed cookies, candies, and sprinkles in holiday or team colors. Adjust extras for birthdays, game nights, or celebrations.
- → What drinks pair well?
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or sparkling wine complement sweet boards and enhance the sharing experience.