Dessert Charcuterie Boards are the perfect thing to make for a party. You can tailor it to fit any theme, and there is always something for everyone.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie boards (pronounced “shar-KOO-tuh-ree”) are a trend that I have seen popping up everywhere! “Charcuterie” is a French term for displaying a variety of cured meats, mostly pork. Originally they included things like salami, prosciutto, and sausages. Modern charcuterie boards can have any variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, olives, nuts, and sauces. Typically the boards are arranged in an aesthetically pleasing and abundant fashion. If you want to learn more about how to make a traditional charcuterie board, check out our recipe HERE.
So, What is a Dessert Charcuterie Board?
Since the idea of charcuterie boards have become so popular, people have taken the idea and run with it! Dessert charcuterie boards are arranged in the same smorgasbord style but with all sweets and treats instead of meats and cheeses. They are so fun and you can tailor them to any theme. I chose a Valentine’s Day theme since that is the next upcoming holiday. However, you can make one for Christmas, Easter, birthdays – pretty much any occasion.
Picking out Your Ingredients
It can be overwhelming to try and decide what to put on your dessert charcuterie board. I would suggest heading to a grocery store with a bulk section. That way, you can get a variety of ingredients without having to buy a huge bag of each one. Try to choose items with different sizes, textures, colors, shapes, and tastes.
How to Make a Dessert Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 10 ounces hot fudge sauce recipe here
- 14 ounces cookie butter or biscoff spread
- 13 oz marshmallow fluff
- 2 cups jelly beans
- 2 cups gummy candy
- 2 dozen macarons
- 1 dozen meringue cookies
- 1 dozen soft sugar cookies with icing recipe here
- 1 dozen shortbread sandwich cookies with raspberry jam
- 1 box Little Debbie Valentine's Day snack cakes
- 14 ounces Pirouette wafers
- 2 dozen chocolate truffles recipe here
- 6 ounces fresh raspberries
- 2 dozen small heart shaped chocolate cookies
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 dozen strawberry creme wafers
- 8 ounces English toffee recipe here
- 2 cups conversation hearts
- 10 oz pink, red, and white M&Ms
- 1 cup sour cherry candies
- sprinkles and chocolate roses for garnish
Instructions
- Start with your sauces and spreads. Pour out each one into a small bowl. Top with sprinkles (optional) and place on the board.
- Fill two more bowls – one with jelly beans and one with gummy candy. Place them on the board.
- Then, start arranging the bigger items on the board (cookies, meringues, snack cakes, etc). Make sure you aren't placing like colors or like textures next to each other. Try to create different heights by stacking some items up while putting others out in a single layer.
- Next, fill in open spaces with medium sized items (chocolate truffles, pretzel sticks, fresh raspberries, etc).
- Finally, fill in the rest of the spaces with the smallest items (M&Ms, conversation hearts, chocolate roses, etc). You want your board to look very full and abundant, so make sure to fill every space and the edges of the board.
Natasha says
This is such a great idea for a party! I can’t wait to try this soon.
Sara Welch says
What a beautiful board for entertaining! Love the presentation!!
Andie Thueson says
This is such a fun take on a classic! Thanks for the ideas
Kristie Wilson says
This looks AMAZING!!!