Save A vibrant, whimsical dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, creamy whipped cream cheese, and playful butterfly shapes — perfect for spring gatherings.
This dessert board always wows my guests with its bright colors and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
- Fruit: 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced, 1 cup pineapple, cut into butterfly shapes (use a small butterfly cookie cutter), 1 cup seedless grapes, halved, 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- Dippers & Garnishes: 1 cup gluten-free graham crackers or cookies, broken into pieces, 2 tbsp edible flowers (such as pansies or violets, optional), 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and whip until light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Spread the whipped cream cheese mixture onto a large serving board or platter, creating a base layer.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the cream cheese in a colorful pattern. Use the butterfly-shaped pineapple pieces as decorative focal points.
- Step 4:
- Scatter blueberries, grapes, and orange segments around the board for variety.
- Step 5:
- Add gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to one side of the board for dipping.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a springtime touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate (covered) for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save Family gatherings are always brighter when this dessert board is part of the spread.
Notes
Drizzle with additional honey or a fruit coulis for extra sweetness. Pair with sparkling Moscato or a light herbal tea.
Required Tools
Electric mixer or whisk, large serving board or platter, small butterfly cookie cutter, knife and cutting board, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese, heavy cream). Contains gluten if using regular cookies or crackers. Double-check all dippers and garnishes for allergens.
Save This cheerful dessert brings smiles and light flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the butterfly shapes with pineapple?
Use a small butterfly cookie cutter to cut pineapple slices into butterfly shapes. This adds a playful and decorative element to the arrangement.
- → Can I substitute fruits in this platter?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out fruits like raspberries or mango for seasonal variety and preferred flavors.
- → What is the best way to prepare the cream cheese spread?
Beat softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla, then whip in heavy cream until smooth and fluffy for a light, spreadable texture.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
For dairy-free needs, use whipped coconut cream cheese, and select gluten-free crackers to keep the platter gluten-free.
- → How long can the platter be prepared ahead?
Prepare it up to 2 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate to maintain freshness and texture before serving.