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.
Last holiday season, I set out a dessert board at a neighborhood party and watched everyone gather around. The vibrant colors and tempting sweets kickstarted the evening and made everyone smile.
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
- Prepare Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Arrange Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Add Baked Goods:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Fill with Treats:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Fruit Sections:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Extras:
- 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 My kids love helping arrange each treat, and picking the sprinkles together adds an extra memory to our holiday traditions.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins.
Allergen Information
This board contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on your selections. Always check ingredient labels and use allergy-friendly swaps for guests as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g.
Save Customize your dessert board to fit any celebration. Even simple swaps make a lasting impression on guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep fruit fresh on the board?
Toss fruit slices like apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange fruits just before serving for maximum freshness.
- → Can this board be adapted for different occasions?
Yes, switch out snacks and treats to match any holiday, sport, or party color theme. Use festive sprinkles or colored candies to customize.
- → How can this board be made allergy-friendly?
Select gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan baked goods and treats. Double-check all ingredient labels for allergens before assembling.
- → What drinks pair well with a dessert board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine complement the sweet flavors. Offer non-dairy drinks for guests with dietary needs.
- → What is the best way to serve the board at a party?
Provide small tongs, spoons, and napkins for easy and hygienic serving. Arrange items in small groups for visual appeal.
- → Are there savory options to include?
Add nuts, dried fruit, or mild cheeses to balance sweetness and offer more variety. Always consider guests’ allergies.