Pin this 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 made a dessert board for a winter party, and it quickly became the star of the table. Guests loved picking out their favorites and creating combinations with the dips and spreads.
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, 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 Bowls:
- Place bowls on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Baked Goods:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Add Sweets:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display Fresh Fruit:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Snacks & Garnishes:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Final Touch:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Pin this My kids loved helping put the board together, choosing their favorite colored candies and sprinkling the edible glitter. It became a sweet family activity before the party.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons or tongs for serving, small plates and napkins.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Always check labels and use allergy-friendly alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving).
Pin this Set out your dessert board just before guests arrive for maximum freshness and wow factor. Enjoy the smiles as everyone dives in!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I arrange the treats for maximum visual impact?
Group items by color and type, fan fresh fruits, and use bowls for dips and candies to create a visually appealing layout.
- → Can I customize the selection for different occasions?
Yes, adapt cookies, candies, and colors for holidays or themed events, such as Christmas or game nights.
- → How can I make this platter allergy-friendly?
Swap in gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free treats and always check ingredient labels for common allergens.
- → Should the treats be served immediately?
Yes, serve soon after assembling to maintain freshness, especially with fruits and soft dips.
- → Can I prepare elements in advance?
You can bake cookies or prepare sweets ahead, then assemble the board just before serving for best texture and appearance.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine complement the sweet and festive flavors on the board.