Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks is a delightful way to elevate any gathering. Dessert boards bring together a colorful assortment of flavors and textures, making them perfect for sharing on holidays or game nights.
I first created a dessert board for a family celebration and was amazed by how quickly everyone gathered around it. The mix of simple treats and themed colors made it a favorite centerpiece at our holiday party.
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 Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set 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.
- Add Chocolates & Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Place Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Fill Gaps:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Decorate:
- 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 This dessert board tradition started at our house last winter, and now the kids love helping pick themed snacks for each celebration. It brings everyone together with their favorite treats and a little creativity.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins are all you need for a beautiful and practical presentation.
Allergen Information
The board may contain wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives as needed, and always double-check labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g.
Save Share and enjoy this dessert board with favorite people for an instant party atmosphere. Add new flavors and colors each time to make it special.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I customize this board for different holidays?
Use themed cookies, colored candies, and seasonal fruits to reflect any holiday or event. Switch sprinkles and garnishes to match the occasion.
- → What can I use as a serving base?
A wooden board, large platter, or tray serves as a great base. Ensure it’s food-safe and spacious for arranging all snacks and bowls.
- → How do I keep fruit fresh on the board?
Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning, and add fruit just before serving for crispness and freshness.
- → How do I make this platter allergy-friendly?
Choose gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free treats and clearly label each item. Always verify store-bought ingredients and provide alternatives.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or flavored waters enhance the experience and complement sweet and savory snacks.
- → How do I keep items neatly organized?
Group similar items together and use small bowls for dips, spreads, and loose candies. Fill gaps with popcorn, marshmallows, and fruit.