Pin Recipe A delightful, shareable dessert twist on the trendy butter board featuring whipped flavoured cream cheese, fresh berries, and sweet toppings. Perfect for gatherings and sure to impress with bold colours and bright flavours.
I first made this butter board dessert for a summer brunch and watched everyone gather around, eager to scoop up the decadent cream cheese spread with warm bread. It's such a fun and interactive way to enjoy dessert together.
Ingredients
- Flavoured Cream Cheese: 250 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, zest of 1 small lemon (optional)
- Toppings: 150 g (1 cup) mixed fresh berries (strawberries blueberries raspberries blackberries), 2 tbsp chopped toasted pistachios or almonds, 1 tbsp dried edible rose petals (optional), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or shavings, 2 tbsp granola (optional), 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves torn
- To Serve: 1 French baguette or loaf of brioche sliced and lightly toasted, extra honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese:
- In a medium bowl beat the softened cream cheese honey or maple syrup vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread:
- Using a spatula spread the flavoured cream cheese evenly onto a clean large serving board or platter swirling for texture.
- Add Berries:
- Arrange the mixed berries attractively over the cream cheese layer.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts chocolate chips granola (if using) and dried rose petals.
- Drizzle:
- Drizzle lightly with extra honey or maple syrup.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with torn mint leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with toasted bread slices or brioche for dipping and spreading.
Pin Recipe My kids love to help sprinkle the toppings and arrange the berries before serving. It's always a joyful family moment filled with laughter and creativity.
Variations and Swaps
Try using stone fruit, figs, or swapping in dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. You can also mix in a touch of orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with sparkling wine like Moscato or rosé. Arrange bread slices around the board for effortless sharing.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides around 180 calories, 10 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein not including bread.
Pin Recipe This butter board dessert is a conversational centrepiece that brings people together. Enjoy making it your own with favourite flavours and seasonal fruits.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. For a lighter option, try reduced-fat or plant-based varieties.
- → Can I substitute berries with other fruits?
Absolutely! Sliced stone fruit, figs, or even citrus segments make great alternatives depending on the season.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all main ingredients are vegetarian friendly. Check topping choices for any dietary preferences.
- → How do I make it ahead of time?
Prepare the whipped cream cheese base ahead but add toppings and fresh fruit just before serving.
- → What bread should I serve with it?
Toasted sliced baguette or brioche works best for dipping and spreading the sweet cream cheese mixture.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Replace dairy cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup for sweetening.