Pin A vibrant, whimsical dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, creamy whipped cream cheese, and playful butterfly shapes — perfect for spring gatherings.
This recipe always brings smiles at our family gatherings and is a hit with kids because of the fun butterfly shapes.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
- Fruit: 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup kiwi peeled and sliced, 1 cup pineapple cut into butterfly shapes (use a small butterfly cookie cutter), 1 cup seedless grapes halved, 1 orange peeled and segmented
- Dippers & Garnishes: 1 cup gluten-free graham crackers or cookies broken into pieces, 2 tbsp edible flowers (such as pansies or violets optional), 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese honey and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and whip until light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Spread the whipped cream cheese mixture onto a large serving board or platter creating a base layer.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the cream cheese in a colorful pattern. Use the butterfly-shaped pineapple pieces as decorative focal points.
- Step 4:
- Scatter blueberries grapes and orange segments around the board for variety.
- Step 5:
- Add gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to one side of the board for dipping.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a springtime touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate (covered) for up to 2 hours before serving.
Pin My family especially loves creating the butterfly shapes together it adds a fun interactive element to our dessert time.
Notes
Drizzle with additional honey or a fruit coulis for extra sweetness. Pair with sparkling Moscato or a light herbal tea.
Required Tools
Electric mixer or whisk Large serving board or platter Small butterfly cookie cutter Knife and cutting board Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese heavy cream). Contains gluten if using regular cookies/crackers. Double-check all dippers and garnishes for allergens.
Pin This board makes a delightful centerpiece and is perfect for springtime celebrations or casual get-togethers.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do you achieve the light texture of the cream cheese spread?
Beat softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla until smooth, then slowly whip in heavy cream until fluffy and light.
- → What fruits work best for butterfly shapes?
Pineapple is ideal for cutting into butterfly shapes using a small cookie cutter, adding a whimsical touch to the platter.
- → Can the platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, using gluten-free crackers keeps it gluten-free, and swapping whipped cream cheese for coconut-based alternatives makes it dairy-free.
- → How should this platter be served for the best flavor?
Serve immediately or refrigerate covered for up to two hours to maintain freshness without compromising texture.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Edible flowers like pansies or violets and fresh mint leaves provide color and a springtime aroma complementing the fruit.