Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I assembled a dessert board, my guests loved picking their favorites and trying new combinations. Making it together quickly became a tradition for family gatherings.
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
- Choose Board:
- Select a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Add Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins for dips, spreads, and loose candies on the board.
- Arrange Treats:
- Group cookies, brownie bites, and mini cupcakes around the board.
- Fill Spaces:
- Fill empty areas with chocolates, candies, and themed snacks.
- Add Fruits:
- Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices for visual appeal.
- Add Garnishes:
- Use popcorn, marshmallows, and sprinkles to fill any gaps.
- Finishing Touch:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board.
- Serve:
- Serve at once with small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Save to Pinterest Building a dessert board brings everyone together as they mix and match treats. Kids especially love helping to arrange the fruits and sprinkles.
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 sometimes nuts, depending on treat choices. Adapt with allergy-friendly treats as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g
Save to Pinterest This dessert board makes any celebration feel special. Personalize it with your favorite snacks and enjoy sweet moments together.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I choose the best snacks for my board?
Pick a variety of flavors and textures, including baked goods, candies, fruits, and themed extras. Match them to your event or guests' preferences.
- → What fruits work well on dessert boards?
Strawberries, grapes, and apple slices are popular choices. They add freshness and color while pairing well with sweet dips.
- → How can I make my board visually appealing?
Arrange foods in small groups, use colorful sections for fruits, fill gaps with marshmallows or popcorn, and sprinkle edible glitter for finishing touches.
- → Are allergen-friendly options possible?
Yes! Include gluten-free or vegan treats, substitute nuts with dried fruits, and always check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → Can I prepare a dessert board ahead of time?
You can arrange most items a few hours ahead. Leave fresh fruits and garnishes until just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
- → What drinks pair well with themed snacks?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine make great accompaniments for cozy gatherings and parties.