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 created my first dessert board for a family movie night and it instantly became the centerpiece of our celebration. Everyone loved mixing and matching their favorite treats and we had so much fun exploring the different snacks together.
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.
- Place Bowls for Dips and Loose Candies:
- Set out bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and candies.
- Arrange Baked Treats:
- Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes around the board for variety.
- Fill with Chocolates and Candy:
- Add chocolates, candy-coated treats, and themed snacks into empty spaces.
- Add Fresh Fruits:
- Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices in colorful sections to enhance visual appeal.
- Finish with Extras:
- Place popcorn, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles or edible glitter in remaining spaces for garnish.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, offering tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Pin it Watching kids and adults get creative with their own snack combinations at family gatherings always brings big smiles. It is a fun way to make everyone feel included and build sweet memories together.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins for dips and candies, tongs and spoons for serving, small plates and napkins for guests.
Allergen Information
The base recipe contains common allergens: wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Adapt as needed for allergy-friendly diets.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin it Bring your party platter to life with bright fruits and playful snacks. Themed dessert boards are sure to add a sweet touch and lasting festive memories to any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I customize the board for different occasions?
Swap treats and sprinkles for holiday colors or team themes. Choose festive snacks and shape the arrangement to fit the celebration.
- → Can I make this board allergy-friendly?
Yes! Use gluten-free or vegan treats, and always check ingredient labels for allergens. Offer nut-free or dairy-free options as needed.
- → What fruits work best for these boards?
Use fresh, sturdy fruits like strawberries, grapes, and apple slices. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- → What dips pair well with sweet treats?
Chocolate fondue, marshmallow fluff, hazelnut spread, or vanilla yogurt dip are delicious choices for a variety of snacks.
- → How do I keep the board visually appealing?
Arrange groups by color and texture, fan out fruits, and fill gaps with popcorn or candies. Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for flair.
- → Can these boards be made ahead of time?
Prepare ingredients in advance, but assemble fruits and dips just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.