Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks, perfect for holidays, game nights, or any celebratory moment. This customizable dessert board brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors for a memorable sharing experience with friends and family.
I first made a dessert board for a holiday party and it instantly became the centerpiece of our table. Guests loved sampling the variety of treats and coming up with creative combinations.
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, 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter (for garnish)
Instructions
- Choose Your Board:
- Select a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set Bowls:
- Position bowls or ramekins for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Treats:
- Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes artistically around the board.
- Fill with Candy:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed snacks.
- Add Fresh Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Finish & Garnish:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Serve:
- Provide small tongs, spoons, and napkins for easy sharing.
Save Building dessert boards together has become a fun family tradition, and everyone enjoys choosing their favorite sweets to add.
Customization Ideas
Switch up treats for different holidays, or add gluten-free and vegan options to suit guests. Swap fruits based on season for extra flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your board with hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling drinks for adults. Provide festive plates and napkins for an inviting setup.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover items separately in airtight containers. Fruit should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a day.
Save Create dessert boards to bring friends and family together in a fun, delicious way. Enjoy experimenting with combinations to suit every celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → What base should I use for the board?
A large wooden board, platter, or tray works best for arranging all components attractively.
- → How can I make the board festive for holidays?
Use themed cookies, colored candies, and sprinkles to match the holiday or event, like red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
- → Can this board be made allergy-friendly?
Yes, substitute treats with gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan options. Always check ingredient labels and tailor to guests' needs.
- → What dips pair well with sweet snacks?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla yogurt are popular choices that complement a variety of treats.
- → How do I keep fruit fresh on the board?
Toss apple slices in lemon juice and add fruits like strawberries and grapes just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- → What drinks complement this dessert board?
Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or sparkling wine for adults to balance the sweetness and enhance the experience.