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 started making themed dessert boards for holiday parties and they quickly became the centerpiece that everyone gathers around. It is always fun to see guests light up with excitement as they discover new flavor combinations and treats to try.
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
- Select Serving Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Prepare for Dips & Candies:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Baked Items:
- 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.
- Add Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Extras & Garnishes:
- 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 Sharing a dessert board has become a family tradition for special occasions. Everyone enjoys pitching in, arranging treats, and coming together to enjoy the finished creation as a team.
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 possibly nuts depending on treats. Adapt with allergy-friendly alternatives and check labels carefully if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g
Save Arrange your board with balance and color for maximum impact. Remember to provide enough serving tools so guests can help themselves with ease.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I choose the best board size?
Select a large board or tray with enough space to display all treats attractively and allow guests easy access.
- → How can I customize for different holidays?
Switch colors and shapes of snacks to match the holiday theme, using festive sprinkles and team colors.
- → Which fruit works best for dessert boards?
Firm fruits like strawberries, grapes, and apple slices are ideal. Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- → Can I make this gluten-free or vegan?
Include gluten-free or vegan cookies and candies, and opt for plant-based spreads and dips to suit dietary needs.
- → What drinks pair well with this board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, and sparkling wine complement the assortment of sweet treats beautifully for any occasion.
- → How do I keep treats fresh during serving?
Assemble right before guests arrive and use fresh ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap if prepared ahead of time.