Dessert Boards Themed Snacks

Featured in: Sweet Treats

Celebrate any occasion with visually captivating dessert boards filled with themed snacks, fresh fruits, and flavorful dips. Use a large tray or wooden board and assemble baked goods, chocolates, and candies in appealing clusters. Add bowls for fondue and spreads, then layer in colorful fruits, popcorn, and garnishes like festive sprinkles or edible glitter. This customizable platter suits all holidays and can be adapted to dietary needs. Serve with utensils for easy sharing, and pair with hot chocolate or sparkling wine for an extra festive touch. Enjoy the blend of sweet flavors and inviting presentation that encourages guests to sample and mingle.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:06:00 GMT
A colorful dessert board with sweets and fruit, perfect for holidays.  Pin
A colorful dessert board with sweets and fruit, perfect for holidays. | garlicgroove.com

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 love making dessert boards because everyone gets excited to pick & choose their favorites. Themed boards also add a touch of fun, whether it's matching holiday colors or team spirit for a big game night.

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

Select Your Board:
Choose 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.
Arrange Baked Treats:
Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes in small clusters around the board.
Add Chocolates & Candies:
Fill empty spaces with assorted chocolates, candy-coated chocolates, and themed treats.
Add Fresh Fruits:
Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices in colorful sections for visual appeal.
Fill Gaps:
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, and serve immediately with tongs, spoons, and napkins.
Festive dessert boards filled with treats and snacks, ideal for sharing.  Pin
Festive dessert boards filled with treats and snacks, ideal for sharing. | garlicgroove.com

My kids love decorating the dessert board with their favorite candies and sprinkles & it's become a family tradition during holidays. Watching everyone gather around and share treats always makes the occasion feel extra special.

Customization Ideas

Switch up the treats for different holidays or events, like pastel candies for Easter, red & green for Christmas, or your favorite team's colors for game night.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the dessert board with hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling drinks for a complete spread at parties or celebrations.

Allergy-Friendly Adaptations

Provide gluten-free and vegan treats, or include nuts and cheese if no allergies are present in your group. Clearly label allergy-friendly sections for guests.

Charming dessert board displaying cookies, chocolates, and fruits for gatherings. Pin
Charming dessert board displaying cookies, chocolates, and fruits for gatherings. | garlicgroove.com

Finish your dessert board with a touch of edible glitter for sparkle. Enjoy the fun, conversation, and sweet moments your themed board inspires.

Recipe Questions

How can I customize the board for different holidays?

Simply swap in holiday-specific treats, colored candies, and themed decorations for Christmas, Halloween, or any occasion.

Can I make this platter vegan or gluten-free?

Choose vegan or gluten-free cookies, candies, and dips to suit dietary preferences. Check labels for allergens.

What dips work well with sweet treats?

Chocolate fondue, hazelnut spread, marshmallow fluff, or vanilla yogurt make delicious pairings for fruits and snacks.

How can I keep fruits fresh on the board?

Toss apple slices with lemon juice and add fruits just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant color.

What drinks pair well for serving?

Hot chocolate, coffee, or sparkling wine are excellent choices to complement the sweet treats and snacks.

What tools do I need for assembly?

Use a large tray or board, small bowls for dips, tongs or spoons, and napkins for smooth serving and sharing.

Dessert Boards Themed Snacks

A festive board featuring assorted sweets, themed treats, fruits, and dips for holiday or party celebrations.

Prep duration
30 min
0
Complete duration
30 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Cookies & Baked Treats

01 12 holiday or themed sugar cookies
02 8 brownie bites or mini cupcakes
03 12 chocolate-dipped pretzel rods

Chocolates & Candies

01 1 cup assorted chocolates, such as truffles or wrapped candies
02 1 cup holiday or team-colored M&M's or similar candy-coated chocolates

Fresh Fruits

01 1 cup strawberries, halved
02 1 cup seedless grapes
03 1 cup apple slices tossed with lemon juice

Dips & Spreads

01 1 cup chocolate fondue or hazelnut spread
02 1 cup marshmallow fluff or vanilla yogurt dip

Themed Snacks & Extras

01 1 cup popcorn drizzled with white chocolate or colored sprinkles
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 1/2 cup festive sprinkles or edible glitter for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the Base: Select a large serving board, platter, or tray to serve as your foundation.

Step 02

Arrange Bowls for Dips and Candies: Place small bowls or ramekins on the board for dips, spreads, and loose candies.

Step 03

Add Baked Goods: Group cookies, brownie bites, and cupcakes around the board in small clusters.

Step 04

Fill with Chocolates and Candies: Distribute assorted chocolates, M&M's, and other candy-coated treats to fill empty spaces.

Step 05

Arrange Fresh Fruits: Fan out strawberries, grapes, and apple slices in visually appealing sections.

Step 06

Complete with Snacks and Garnishes: Add popcorn, mini marshmallows, and extra garnishes to balance the board.

Step 07

Garnish and Present: Sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles over the finished board for a decorative touch.

Step 08

Serve: Offer small tongs, serving spoons, and napkins for guests to enjoy.

Necessary tools

  • Large serving board or tray
  • Small bowls or ramekins
  • Serving spoons or tongs
  • Small plates and napkins

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains wheat, milk, egg, soy, and possibly nuts depending on selected sweets.
  • Always review product labels for potential allergens.
  • Adapt using allergy-friendly alternatives to accommodate sensitivities.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 4 g