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 created my first themed dessert board for a game night with friends, and everyone loved trying something new from each section. These boards have now become a staple at our holiday gatherings.
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, ½ cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Add Bowls and Ramekins:
- 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 Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Add Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Include Snacks & Garnishes:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Sprinkle Finishing Touch:
- 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 Gathering around our themed dessert board always sparks laughter and fun stories. My kids especially love adding their own colorful sprinkles for personal flair.
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 chosen treats. Consider allergy-friendly alternatives when needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 350. Total fat: 15 g. Carbohydrates: 50 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Create your dessert board with favorite snacks, and enjoy making memories as everyone discovers their chosen bite. Themed boards always bring cheerful energy to gatherings.
Kitchen Guide
- → How can I make this dessert board festive for different occasions?
Use themed treats and color-coordinated candies for holidays or team events. Switch out cookies and sprinkles to match your celebration.
- → What fruits work best on a dessert board?
Strawberries, grapes, and apple slices add freshness and color. Choose fruits that hold up well and won't brown quickly.
- → Can I include savory snacks on the board?
Absolutely! Add cheese wedges, nuts, or crackers to balance sweet flavors and please different taste preferences.
- → How do I keep treats allergy-friendly?
Offer gluten-free and vegan options, and always check labels for common allergens like nuts, dairy, and wheat.
- → What dips pair well with sweet snacks?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, and marshmallow fluff are popular choices. You can also use vanilla yogurt or fruit preserves.
- → How should I serve and display the board?
Use small bowls for dips and candies. Arrange items in groups for visual appeal and supply utensils for easy serving.