Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks, perfect for holidays or game nights. This customizable dessert board brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors for a memorable sharing experience.
I first discovered the fun of dessert boards at a family holiday party, where each treat sparked conversation and laughter. Since then, making themed boards has become a tradition for birthdays and game nights in our home.
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)
- 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, 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Board Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Add Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Baked 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.
- Decorate With Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Snacks & Garnishes:
- 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.
Save Sharing dessert boards has become a cherished tradition in our family, with everyone contributing a favorite treat and joining in the assembly together. The kids especially love placing the sprinkles and arranging the fruit into fun shapes.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if unsure. Adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g
Save Try customizing your dessert board for each occasion. It adds a special touch and makes sharing treats even more fun!
Recipe Guide
- → How do I customize the board for holidays?
Select cookies, candies, and garnishes in colors or shapes that match your chosen holiday theme. Include seasonal treats and decorations for extra festivity.
- → Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?
Use gluten-free baked goods, plant-based chocolates, and fruit dips. Swap dairy-based spreads for vegan alternatives and check ingredient labels.
- → What are good pairing drinks?
Hot chocolate, coffee, milk, and sparkling wine pair nicely with sweet and savory elements on the board, offering options for all ages.
- → How should fruits be prepared?
Slice apples and toss them with lemon juice, halve strawberries, and select seedless grapes. Arrange fruits for color contrast and easy access.
- → What tools are needed for serving?
A large board or tray, small bowls for dips, serving tongs or spoons, plates, and napkins are recommended for convenience and presentation.
- → How do I manage allergies?
Check ingredient labels, avoid nuts if needed, and choose allergy-friendly treats. Communicate potential allergens before serving.