Pin A festive arrangement of themed desserts and snacks makes any gathering memorable, from holidays to game nights. This customizable dessert board brings together colors, textures, and flavors for a sweet treat everyone can share.
I made a dessert board for last Halloween using a mix of spooky cookies and themed candies, and it quickly became the centerpiece of our party. Everyone loved the variety, and it was a fun way to get creative with snacks.
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)
- 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
- Prepare the Base:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your foundation.
- Add Containers:
- Place bowls or ramekins for dips, spreads, and loose candies where you want them to be.
- Arrange Baked Treats:
- Group the cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes together around the board.
- Fill with Chocolates & Themed Snacks:
- Place assorted chocolates, M&Ms, and themed treats in empty spaces.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in sections for color and visual interest.
- Add Popcorn & Marshmallows:
- Fill remaining gaps with popcorn, mini marshmallows, and any extras.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board.
- Serve:
- Offer small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests to enjoy immediately.
Pin My kids love helping arrange the board and picking their favorite treats, turning snack prep into a fun family activity before guests arrive.
Required Tools
Use a large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins for dips, and spoons or tongs for easy serving. Set out small plates and napkins so guests can build their own plates.
Allergen Information
Dessert boards may contain wheat, milk, egg, soy, and nuts, depending on the treats chosen. Always check labels and use allergy-friendly substitutes if needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin Finish with festive sprinkles and let guests customize their plates. Dessert boards are always a hit, no matter the occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I choose the best base for my dessert board?
Pick a large wooden board, platter, or tray. Ensure it fits all treats without crowding for easy arranging and serving.
- → What fruits work well on a themed board?
Choose colorful, easy-to-eat fruits like strawberries, grapes, or apple slices. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- → How can I customize the treats for special occasions?
Select cookies, candies, and sprinkles in holiday or team colors to match the event. Use themed shapes or toppings as desired.
- → Can I make this vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly?
Swap in dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan sweets and dips. Always check ingredient labels for common allergens and adapt as needed.
- → What beverages pair well with a sweet snack board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling drinks complement the sweet flavors and festive atmosphere for both kids and adults.
- → How far in advance can I assemble the dessert board?
Prepare most dry treats ahead; add fresh fruit and fragile garnishes just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.