Pin A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats, dessert boards are perfect for holidays or game nights. This customizable platter brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, making every gathering memorable and delicious.
I first made a themed dessert board for a family holiday, and it became the star of the party. Everyone loved picking their favorites from the colorful selection of treats.
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 board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set up dips and candies:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange baked goods:
- Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small clusters around the board.
- Add chocolates and candies:
- Fill empty spaces with assorted chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display the fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Fill gaps and garnish:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and festive garnishes to fill any remaining spaces.
- Final touches:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for decoration.
- Serve:
- Provide tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests, and serve immediately.
Pin Gathering around a dessert board has become one of our family's favorite traditions. Everyone looks forward to tasting each treat and sharing the experience together.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, serving spoons and tongs, plates, and napkins are essential for arranging and serving the dessert board.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Use allergy-friendly alternatives to accommodate guests when needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Pin With vibrant flavors and endless options, dessert boards are a show-stopping way to celebrate any occasion. Customize to match your theme and enjoy creating something everyone will love.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I arrange items for maximum visual appeal?
Group treats by color and texture, fan out fresh fruits, and use small bowls for dips to add visual variety and structure.
- → Can I make the board ahead of time?
You can pre-arrange non-perishable snacks, but add fresh fruits and marshmallows just before serving for best texture.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine complement sweet flavors and add a festive touch for adults and kids alike.
- → How can I adapt for dietary needs?
Include gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free treats as needed, and always check labels for possible allergens in packaged sweets.
- → What are alternative themed snacks?
Swap popcorn for cheese cubes, add dried fruit or nuts for variety, or tailor colors and treats to fit your event theme.
- → What tools are needed for serving?
Use a large board or tray, small bowls for dips, serving tongs or spoons, and provide plates and napkins for guests.
