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 made a dessert board for a family winter game night, and everyone loved picking their favorites & sharing new treats. The themed snacks made it extra festive!
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 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.
- Add Bowls:
- 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 & Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Add Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Finish with Extras:
- 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 My kids love helping arrange the treats, and it's become our go-to for birthday parties. Everyone finds something to enjoy and the board disappears fast!
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. Adapt with allergy-friendly options as needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g per serving.
Save Create and enjoy your unique dessert board & delight guests with every bite. It is sure to become a celebration favorite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I customize the dessert board for different occasions?
Swap themed treats, colors, and decorations based on the holiday or event. Use coordinating sprinkles or snacks for team nights, and adjust the selection for special celebrations.
- → Can I make this tray suitable for vegans or gluten-free guests?
Choose vegan or gluten-free bakery items and candies, and replace dairy-based dips with plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What fruits work best for dessert boards?
Opt for strawberries, grapes, and apples on your board. They add freshness and color. Slice or halve fruits for easier serving and toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- → What dips pair well with sweet snacks?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla yogurt dip each add variety in flavor and texture, perfect with baked goods and fruit.
- → How do I keep the board looking appealing for guests?
Arrange items in distinct groups, create colorful sections, and finish with festive sprinkles or edible glitter. Use bowls to contain messy dips and provide small serving utensils.
- → What drinks pair well with dessert boards?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine make excellent pairings for adults, while milk or juice suits younger guests.