How to Make a Dessert Charcuterie Board

I love hosting parties, I even wrote a book about it! And I firmly believe that sweet and savory snacks are the key to a successful party. I usually serve a beautiful cheese board or a mezze board, but this time, I decided to create a sweet charcuterie board to go with it.

Why a Dessert Charcuterie Board?

Creating a dessert charcuterie board is not only easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Guests can customize their plates according to their preferences, making it a fun and interactive experience. Plus, with something for everyone, it’s the perfect dessert solution for any celebration.

If you’re a fan of themed boards, you’ll love my Christmas dessert board, complete with gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark, or my Halloween charcuterie board, featuring spooky-shaped cookies and gummy worms. And for those cozy winter nights, there’s nothing better than a hot chocolate board with all the fixings!

This is an easy dessert for holidays and special occasions. It’s the easiest dessert you’ll ever make and a great way to combine and serve your favorite treats. I’m already planning my next charcuterie dessert board, and I can’t wait to see what tasty treats I come up with next! 

3. Popcorn and Pretzels

Add a touch of saltiness to your board with these crunchy snacks:

• Chocolate-covered pretzels
• Yogurt-covered pretzels
• Candy-coated popcorn
• Caramel corn

4. Chocolate-Covered Fruit

For a healthier option that still satisfies the sweet tooth, include:

• Dark chocolate cherries
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Milk chocolate-filled raspberries

5. Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit adds color, flavor, and a refreshing balance to the desserts:

• Grapes
• Fresh berries
• Apple, pear, and orange slices
• Dried, candied, or dehydrated fruits

6. Sweet Dips

Elevate your board with delicious dips:

• Marshmallow Dip: A fluffy, sweet dip that pairs perfectly with fruit and cookies.
• Caramel Sauce: Rich and creamy, perfect for apples and graham crackers.
• Chocolate Ganache: An indulgent dip for strawberries or pretzels.

7. Cheese

Incorporating cheese adds a unique flavor and texture contrast:

• Choose soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness of the desserts.

8. Dried Fruit, Candied Fruit, and Dehydrated Fruit 

All of these look beautiful on a platter. Candied fruit can be found in the snack aisles of your local grocery store. We love the different textures and flavors these fruits bring to a platter. 

• Candied oranges
• Candied pineapple
• Dehydrated strawberries
• Dried orange slices

How to Assembling a Dessert Charcuterie Board

Choose Your Base: A large wooden board or platter is your foundation.

Layer Larger Items First: Begin by placing larger treats like cakes or pies in focal points, then add height with small stands or bowls.

Arrange by Color and Texture: Group items by color for visual appeal and mix textures to keep it interesting (smooth, crunchy, creamy).

Fill Gaps with Smaller Items: Use candies, nuts, or popcorn to fill in empty spaces and create a cohesive look.

Add Dips and Garnishes: Include small bowls of sweet dips and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

I would love to hear how your dessert charcuterie board turns out! Leave a comment and let me know your favorite combinations or tag me on social media with your beautiful boards.

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