How to Make a Dessert Charcuterie Board {Perfect For Any Party}

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. Make sure to check out our Movie Night Dessert Charcuterie Board recipe below!

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 flavor. You want a little bit of everything – sweet, salty, crunch, creamy, chocolate, fruit, etc.

Dessert Charcuterie Board Ideas

There are so many delicious options for a dessert board! Feel free to use store-bought treats or make some of your own at home. Try some of our favorites and let us know your favorites below! 

• ​Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Macarons
• Brownies
• Donuts
• Cupcakes
• Chocolate Bars
• Peanut Butter Cups
• Candies
• Chocolate Truffles
• Marshmallows
• Graham Crackers
• Fresh Fruit – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana slices, orange slices, apple slices
• Dips – caramel, chocolate ganache, cookie butter, Nutella

Valentine’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board

A few years ago I made this Valentine’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board for a Galentine’s Day party and it was a hit! Here’s what I used to make it.

• 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.

Measurements are approximate. I used an 18in x 24in board, but you can scale this recipe up or down depending on the size of your board. 

The serving size of 50 is approximate. This would provide a minimum of 2 cookies and about ¼ cup of candy per person.

How to Make a Movie Night Dessert Charcuterie Board

We love Dessert Charcuterie boards in every theme, but this Movie Night Charcuterie Board is one of our favorites! It is perfect for a night cuddling up on the couch and watching your favorite flick. Give everyone a little bowl and let them make their own snack mix!