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 assembled this dessert board for a holiday gathering and it instantly became the centerpiece. Everyone loved creating their own snack combos and sampling the themed treats.
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
- Choose Your Base:
- Select a large wooden board, platter, or tray.
- Set Bowls for Dips:
- Arrange bowls or ramekins for dips and spreads.
- Group Baked Treats:
- Place cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small groups on the board.
- Add Chocolates & Candies:
- Fill spaces with assorted chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices for color.
- Fill Gaps with Extras:
- Add popcorn, mini marshmallows, and garnishes.
- Sprinkle Festivities:
- Dust with edible glitter or festive sprinkles for finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Provide tongs, spoons, and napkins so guests can easily help themselves.
Save This board became a new family tradition for our game nights. Kids and adults alike enjoy picking their favorites and decorating their plates.
How to Customize Your Dessert Board
Theme your board for any event by switching up the colors of candies or cookies, using shaped treats, or including special dips for different holidays and celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the board with hot chocolate for kids or sparkling wine for adults, and provide small plates and napkins so guests can graze easily.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the baked treats and chocolates ahead, but add fresh fruit and crunchy items right before serving for best texture and flavor.
Save This dessert board is sure to charm your guests and inspire creativity at any gathering. Use your favorite treats and make it your own!
Recipe FAQ
- → What treats work best for a dessert board?
Use a variety of cookies, chocolates, fruits, and themed snacks for color and flavor contrast.
- → How can I customize for dietary needs?
Swap in vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free treats and check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → Which dips are popular for sweet boards?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt are crowd favorites.
- → Can I adapt this board for a holiday?
Choose treats and garnishes that match the holiday theme, such as colors or festive shapes.
- → What tools are needed to serve this board?
Use a large tray or board, bowls for dips, tongs, spoons, small plates, and napkins for easy sharing.
- → What beverages pair well with dessert boards?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or juice complement sweet treats and enhance the experience.