Save A festive, visually stunning arrangement of sweet treats and themed snacks, dessert boards are the perfect centerpiece for holidays or game nights. This customizable spread brings together a colorful variety of flavors and textures that guests of all ages will love sharing.
I first made a themed dessert board for a holiday movie night with friends, and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved getting to choose their favorites and discovering new treats they hadn't tried before.
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 the Board:
- Choose a large wooden board, platter, or tray as your base.
- Set Up Dips and Candies:
- 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.
- Fill In Chocolates & Snacks:
- Fill empty spaces with chocolates, candies, and themed treats.
- Display Fruits:
- Fan out fresh fruits in colorful sections for visual appeal.
- Add Extras:
- Add popcorn, marshmallows, and extra garnishes to fill any gaps.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the board for a finishing touch. Serve immediately, providing small tongs, spoons, and napkins for guests.
Save My nieces always ask to help assemble the board and proudly show off their designs to everyone at our family parties. It's become a fun tradition each season!
Customize & Pairings
Change up treats and colors to match Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day or team spirit for sports nights. Pair with hot chocolate, coffee or sparkling wine for adults to complement the sweet snacks.
Required Tools
A large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, spoons, tongs, small plates and napkins ensure smooth presentation and serving.
Nutrition Info
Each serving offers about 350 calories, 15 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein—nutritional details vary with ingredients you choose.
Save Design your dessert board with creativity and enjoy the delight it brings to your gatherings. Happy snacking!
Kitchen Q&A
- → What snacks work best for themed boards?
Choose cookies, brownie bites, chocolates, fresh fruits, and candies in colors matching your theme or holiday.
- → How do I assemble a dessert board?
Start with bowls for dips, then arrange baked treats, chocolates, and fruits. Fill gaps with mini snacks and garnishes.
- → Can I make the board allergy-friendly?
Swap in gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan treats. Check all labels and adapt ingredients as needed for guests' safety.
- → What tools do I need for serving?
Use a large tray or board, small bowls, tongs, serving spoons, and napkins for easy sharing and clean-up.
- → How far in advance can I prepare?
Assemble just before serving to keep fruits fresh, but baked treats and candies can be arranged ahead.
- → What drinks pair well?
Hot chocolate, coffee, sparkling wine, or cider all pair nicely, depending on guest preferences and occasion.