Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks makes for an unforgettable dessert board. Perfect for holidays or game nights, this customizable platter gathers flavors, textures, and colors everyone will love.
I first created a themed dessert board for my family's holiday movie night, and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved picking their favorite treats and sharing snacks together.
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 Board:
- Select a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Place Bowls:
- Arrange bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Add Baked Treats:
- Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes around the board.
- Fill with Chocolates:
- Use chocolates, candies, and themed snacks to fill empty spaces.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices in sections for color.
- Fill Gaps:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes wherever needed.
- Sprinkle Garnish:
- Scatter edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for flair.
- Serve:
- Offer small tongs, spoons, and napkins for easy sharing.
Save Our family loves building dessert boards together before holiday shows. Kids get creative with the snacks, and everyone finds a favorite treat to share.
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 chosen. Always check labels and adapt with allergy-friendly options if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein
Save This dessert board is perfect for sharing and can be changed up for every celebration. Have fun assembling and enjoy every sweet bite together.
Common Questions
- → How do I choose snacks for themed boards?
Select treats and colors that match your event, holiday, or team colors. Mix textures and flavors for variety.
- → Can the platter be made allergy-friendly?
Yes, swap in gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free treats. Carefully check ingredient labels to avoid allergens.
- → What fruits work best for the board?
Choose firm, colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, and apples. Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- → How do I keep snacks fresh during a party?
Arrange fruit just before serving. Keep dips covered until ready. Refresh or add items as guests enjoy them.
- → Which dips and spreads pair well?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt dip complement cookies, fruits, and snacks.
- → Can I prepare the platter ahead?
Prep dry treats and candies early, but add fruits and dips just before serving for optimal freshness and appeal.