Pin 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 this dessert board for a weekend party with friends and was amazed at how quickly everything disappeared. Everyone loved picking their own treats, and the themed presentation made for great photos.
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
- Select Your Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Prepare 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.
- Add Chocolates & Candies:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display Fresh Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Include Snacks & Extras:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Finish with Sprinkles:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Pin We love making these boards for movie night at home. Everyone gets to pick their favorites & the experience always feels special.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons/tongs for serving, small plates and napkins
Allergen Information
Check each treat for ingredient labels if serving guests with allergies. Alternatives can include gluten-free or vegan options.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 350. Total fat: 15 g. Carbohydrates: 50 g. Protein: 4 g.
Pin Add extra napkins for easy clean-up. Remember: switching up treats keeps your dessert board fresh for every occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep fruit fresh on the board?
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, and arrange fruit just before serving to keep everything vibrant and appetizing.
- → Can I make this board gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute cookies and candies with gluten-free or vegan alternatives, and check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → What dips pair best with sweet snacks?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla yogurt dip are all excellent choices for dipping sweets and fruit.
- → How do I style the dessert board for visual appeal?
Fan out colorful fruits, cluster treats in small groups, and use edible glitter or festive sprinkles for a stunning final touch.
- → What size board is needed for a group?
A large wooden serving board or platter works best for 8–10 guests, allowing enough space for variety and easy access.
- → Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
Assemble dry items in advance, but add fresh fruit and garnishes right before serving to maintain presentation and freshness.