Save A festive and visually stunning dessert board is the ultimate centerpiece for holidays or game nights. It brings together a spread of themed snacks, sweet treats, and vibrant fresh fruits to delight every guest.
I first discovered how much fun dessert boards can be while hosting a holiday party. Arranging everything into colorful sections made the table look so inviting, and everyone enjoyed picking their favorites.
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 Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Add Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Treats:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Fill Spaces:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Extras:
- 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.
Save My family loves picking the treats together and even helping decorate the board. It is a sweet tradition that makes every gathering feel extra special.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins are all you need to create and serve your dessert board.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on treats chosen. Always check for allergies and adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives when needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g
Save With a little creativity, your dessert board will be the highlight of any gathering. Let guests help themselves and enjoy the fun variety of flavors and textures.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I customize a dessert board for specific holidays?
Use themed cookies, colored candies, and festive sprinkles related to the holiday. Switch decorations or treats to match celebrations like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day.
- → What are the best dips to include?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt are popular choices. Select a variety to suit all tastes and to complement the sweet treats and fruits.
- → Can I make this gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Choose gluten-free cookies, cakes, and candies, and swap out marshmallow fluff for a vegan alternative. Always check labels for dietary suitability.
- → How do I keep fruits fresh on the board?
Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and add fruits like grapes and strawberries just before serving to ensure freshness and visual appeal.
- → What drinks pair well with dessert boards?
Try hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or flavored water. Select beverages that complement the board’s vibrant flavors and cater to guests’ preferences.
- → Can I add savory elements to the board?
Yes, balance sweet snacks with nuts, cheese, or dried fruits for variety. Be mindful of allergies and inform guests of ingredient choices.