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.
I first created a dessert board for our annual holiday game night and it was an instant hit. Guests loved choosing their favorite treats from the colorful display and mixing sweet snacks with fresh fruits.
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
- Prep the Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set up Dips & Loose Candies:
- 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 Chocolates & Treats:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Snacks & Garnish:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch. Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Save Kids had fun picking their favorite snacks and adults enjoyed pairing sweets with festive beverages. Building the board became a family tradition each season.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts (depending on treats chosen). Always check ingredient labels for allergens and adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 350. Total Fat: 15 g. Carbohydrates: 50 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Serve your dessert board right after assembly for max freshness. Have fun experimenting with themes and colors!
Recipe Questions
- → How can I customize the board for different holidays?
Select cookies, candies, and sprinkles in colors and shapes that match your chosen theme, such as red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
- → Can I include gluten-free or vegan options?
Yes, substitute gluten-free cookies and vegan treats where needed. Be sure to verify ingredient labels for each item to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- → What fruits work best for dessert boards?
Use sturdy, easily handled fruits like strawberries, grapes, and apple slices. Toss apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh longer.
- → How far in advance can I assemble the board?
Assemble just before serving to ensure freshness, especially for baked goods and fruits. Prep ingredients ahead and arrange when ready.
- → What dips pair well with desserts and snacks?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla yogurt are popular choices that complement sweets and fruits.
- → How can I make the board safe for guests with allergies?
Identify allergen-free sweets, label items, and separate treats containing nuts, dairy, soy, or eggs. Offer allergy-friendly alternatives wherever possible.