Pin Recipe A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks, perfect for holidays, parties, or game nights. Dessert boards bring together a colorful assortment that will delight kids and adults alike.
I first made a dessert board for a family movie night and everyone loved picking their favorite treats. Changing up the snacks for each celebration has become a beloved tradition in our home.
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 and place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Sweet Treats:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Add Chocolates & Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Finish with Extras:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps, then sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Pin Recipe Sharing a dessert board with family always sparks happy conversations and laughter. Kids especially enjoy helping to arrange the treats and discovering new favorites.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins for dips, spoons or tongs for serving, small plates and napkins for guests.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts, depending on treats chosen. Adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives and always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Pin Recipe This vibrant dessert board is sure to be the highlight of your celebration. Arrange everything just before serving for the freshest results and maximum visual impact.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I customize this board for different holidays?
Choose cookies, chocolates, and candies in seasonal colors and shapes, then use themed garnishes for festive flair.
- → What types of dips go well with dessert boards?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt dip complement cookies and fresh fruit.
- → Can I prepare this ahead for a party?
Yes, assemble most items in advance, but add fresh fruits and delicate garnishes just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → How do I make the board allergy-friendly?
Use gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan treats, and always check ingredient labels to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- → What drinks pair best with themed dessert boards?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or fruit punch make excellent pairings with the sweet variety on the board.
- → Can I add savory snacks to the arrangement?
Yes, complement the sweets with cheese cubes, nuts, or salty crackers for greater variety on your board.