Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks, dessert boards are perfect for holidays or game nights. This customizable display brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors for a memorable sharing experience.
I discovered dessert boards when hosting a holiday party & guests loved the creativity. Each board I make ends up looking different & everyone finds something to enjoy.
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
- Prepare the Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set Bowls for Dips & Candies:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Baked Treats:
- Arrange cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups around the board.
- Fill with Chocolates & Themed Snacks:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Add Fresh Fruit:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Top with Popcorn & Marshmallows:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Save This dessert board tradition started at our family movie night. Now, everyone looks forward to picking their favorites & sharing snacks together.
Customize For Any Occasion
Switch up colors & treats for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine's Day, or choose team colors for game day celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, sparkly drinks, or a simple milk for kids. Little utensils like small tongs or spoons make picking treats easy for everyone.
Make It Allergy-Friendly
Swap in gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free snacks & always check for potential allergens before serving to guests.
Save A themed dessert board adds excitement to any gathering & offers something for everyone. Try different combinations to make each board unique.
Recipe FAQ
- → What can be used as the serving base?
A large wooden board, platter, or tray works best for arranging treats and snacks.
- → How can I make the board allergy-friendly?
Choose gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free versions of cookies and treats. Check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
Most treats can be prepared in advance except for fresh fruits, which are best sliced right before serving.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or flavored waters complement the platter nicely for different age groups.
- → What are some ideas for adding variety?
Include additional nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, or unique candies based on guest preferences and occasion themes.
- → How many people does one board serve?
One platter comfortably serves 8–10 guests, making it ideal for parties and game nights.