Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks creates the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday or game night. This customizable dessert board brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and colors for a memorable sharing experience.
I remember the excitement on my nieces faces when I surprised them with a team-themed dessert board for our family movie night. Everyone found something they loved, and it quickly became our new party tradition.
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
- Prepare Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set Bowls:
- Place bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.
- Arrange Baked Goods:
- 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 Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Include Snacks & Extras:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Garnish:
- 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 My family loves gathering around the dessert board, debating their favorite treat combinations and making sweet memories together after every holiday dinner.
Customization Options
Change up the board for any celebration by using different cookie cutters, team-color candies, or themed decorations. Gluten-free or vegan sweets work just as well for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your board with beverages like hot chocolate for winter, lemonade for summer, or sparkling wine for festive adult gatherings. Small plates and napkins keep things tidy.
Storage & Make Ahead
Most items can be prepped a few hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate fruits and dips until serving. Leftover treats can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Save Build your dessert board with a mix of treats that everyone will enjoy. Have fun creating designs that highlight your theme and watch your guests dig in with delight.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I customize the board for different occasions?
Swap out treats and garnishes to reflect holiday colors or team themes. Choose candies and cookies fitting the celebration.
- → What dips work best with these treats?
Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla yogurt are popular dip options for sweet snacks.
- → Can I make this platter allergy-friendly?
Use gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free treats, and always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
- → How do I keep fruits fresh on the board?
Toss sliced fruits, like apples, with lemon juice to prevent browning and add fruits just before serving.
- → What drinks pair well with this dessert board?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, and flavored sodas complement sweet and fruity selections.