Dessert Charcuterie Board
A dessert charcuterie board is the easiest showstopper you can put on a party table! Loaded with cookies, candy, chocolate, and fresh fruit, it comes together in 20 minutes and works for any occasion.
Servings: 12 people
Cost: $30
Ingredients
Candy
- 1/4 cup chocolate-covered cherries
- 8 truffles
- 6 caramels
Cookies
- 10 chocolate chip cookies
- 10 lemon cookies
- 10 wafer cookies
- 6 meringue cookies
- 15 chocolate covered pretzels
- 6 palmier cookies
Fruit
- 6 whole candied orange slices
- 8 whole strawberries sliced
- 8 dehydrated strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup blackberries
Nuts
- 1/4 cup candied walnuts
- 1/4 cup pecans
Instructions
- Set your base: Choose a large wooden board, platter, or marble slab.
- Add dips first: Spoon caramel sauce, marshmallow dip, or ganache into small bowls and place them on the board to anchor the layout.
- Layer larger items: Arrange bigger treats like cookies, small cakes, and large candies around the dips.
- Fill with smaller treats: Add chocolate truffles, peanut butter cups, berries, and dried fruits to fill in gaps.
- Add salty elements: Sprinkle in pretzels, nuts, or salty popcorn for contrast and texture.
- Finish with fresh elements: Place fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, or apple slices last so they stay crisp and vibrant.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs (like mint) or edible flowers for a beautiful final touch.
Video
Notes
Cost: $25–$40 for 6–8 guests; $40–$65 for 10–12 guests using a mix of store-bought and homemade items.
Best stores to shop: Trader Joe's (incredible seasonal selection), Target's seasonal candy aisle, Whole Foods bulk bins, and Amazon for specialty items.
Make-Ahead: Assemble cookies, candy, chocolate, and nuts up to 24 hours ahead. Add fresh fruit and dips day-of only.
Kid-Friendly Swap: Replace truffles and cheese with gummy candy, animal crackers, mini cupcakes, and colorful M&M's.
Start with Dips: Always place your small dip bowls on the board first — everything else gets arranged around them for the best look.
For themed boards: See the Dessert Charcuterie Board Ideas and Themes section for holiday-specific ingredient ideas.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 66mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
