How to Make a Sweet Dessert Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are a perfect way to infuse a party or gathering with creativity. But why not take that creativity one step further and create a board that’s not just for appetizers? A dessert charcuterie board can be an easy, beautiful, and delicious crowd-pleaser. And there are so many ways to do it up, depending on what you have in your house, what you feel like baking, how many guests will be enjoying it, and what kind of theme you want to go for.

Read on for all the ways you can make your dessert charcuterie board the best part of the party.

Dessert Charcuterie Board Ideas

When most people think of charcuterie boards, they think of meat and cheese. But charcuterie boards are so much more. 

A charcuterie board is really just a spread made up of a variety of delicious items, arranged prettily on a platter. When you want to serve more than one kind of dessert, they’re the perfect solution.

The basic ingredients for a sweets charcuterie board are cookies, candy, chocolates, pastries, and fruit. And ideally, you’ll add something salty to balance out the sweetness, like nuts or chocolate-covered pretzels. But you don’t need all these things—or even any of these things! 

When it comes to your dessert charcuterie board, the sky’s the limit. Here are just a few of our favorite dessert charcuterie ideas.

Birthday Charcuterie Boards

If you can’t decide what to serve at your child’s (or your own) birthday party for dessert, either as an accompaniment to cake or to replace the cake altogether, a birthday dessert charcuterie board is a great idea.

You can create a focal point, like one large cookie with “Happy Birthday” written on it, or skip that in favor of smaller treats. Cupcakes are common ingredients—bonus points for mini ones, because you can fit more on the platter. Cookies are always a good idea, ideally a few different kinds. Sprinkle in some candy, like chocolate or gummies, and voilà—a party dessert platter for everyone.

A way to make it even more fun? Arrange the desserts in the age or initial of the birthday person!

Easy Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards never have to be too complicated. 

But here’s the key to making them extra-easy: For a simple dessert charcuterie board, use pre-purchased desserts instead of making them all yourself.

Buy some gourmet cookies and delicious candy—even a box of chocolates will do. Throw in some color in the form of M&Ms, gummies, or any other candy you enjoy. Add some pre-cut fruit or small fruit like strawberries and blueberries. Arrange it nicely, and you’ve got a delectable but easy dessert charcuterie board.

Charcuterie Boards for Two

No party? No problem.

There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to make up a charcuterie dessert board. You can easily make one for just two people (or even just one, if you’re flying solo this evening!)

For your dessert charcuterie board for two, just get a smaller board, and fill it the way you normally would with the desserts you desire. Cookies, candies, fruit, whatever you like—and the best part is, there’s no one to please other than yourselves! 

French Dessert Charcuterie Boards

If you’re missing what you think is an essential ingredient in your dessert charcuterie board—cheese—you can always make up a French dessert charcuterie board.

The French often serve cheese and bread after dinner. Sometimes the cheese platter is its own part of the meal, with dessert served afterward. And sometimes cheese is served alongside dessert. 

For a French dessert charcuterie board, we suggest the latter. Pick up some high-quality cheeses, add in seasonal fruit, pair it all with French dessert pastries, macarons, chocolates, and whatever else you please. Just don’t forget the sliced baguette and jam!

Holiday Dessert Charcuterie Boards

Your holiday party is a perfect place to serve a dessert charcuterie board.

You can lay out desserts the traditional way or make your board in the shape of a Christmas tree. The key to this is layering—arranging each item like garland on a tree will give it that festive look.

As for what to include, there really are no rules, so choose your holiday favorites: gingerbread cookies, sugared nuts, Christmas cookies and chocolates, peppermints, nut brittle, and anything that comes in red and green, be it homemade or bought, like holiday Hershey’s Kisses. 

As a final festive touch, place a sprig of holly here and there.

Healthy Dessert Charcuterie Boards

“Healthy food” isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to dessert. But if you’re striving for a healthier charcuterie board option, there are ways to make one—yes, even for dessert.

The key ingredient here is fruit. Make sure to get a variety of bite-sized options—strawberries, watermelon slices, melon balls, pineapple chunks, and blueberries—and arrange them nicely. Dip some of it in chocolate or include a delectable dip, like frosting or whipped cream, and you have a perfect, (mostly) healthy dessert charcuterie board. 

Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Boards

Another way to branch out from the norm: Make a big pot of hot chocolate, either homemade or from a mix, then make that the center of your dessert charcuterie board. On the board itself, arrange all the fixings: marshmallows, peppermints, sprinkles, small cookies, chocolates, or whatever else you please.

How Will You Make It?

The great thing about dessert charcuterie boards is how versatile (and easy!) they can be. You can include pretty much any sort of snack-sized dessert, arrange it creatively, and put it out for all to enjoy. So the only question now is: What will yours look like?

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