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 CookiesMacaronsBrowniesDonutsCupcakesChocolate BarsPeanut Butter CupsCandiesChocolate TrufflesMarshmallowsGraham CrackersFresh Fruit – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana slices, orange slices, apple slicesDips – 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 here14 ounces cookie butter or biscoff spread13 oz marshmallow fluff2 cups jelly beans2 cups gummy candy2 dozen macarons1 dozen meringue cookies1 dozen soft sugar cookies with icing recipe here1 dozen shortbread sandwich cookies with raspberry jam1 box Little Debbie Valentine’s Day snack cakes14 ounces Pirouette wafers2 dozen chocolate truffles recipe here6 ounces fresh raspberries2 dozen small heart shaped chocolate cookies2 cups pretzel sticks1 dozen strawberry creme wafers8 ounces English toffee recipe here2 cups conversation hearts10 oz pink, red, and white M&Ms1 cup sour cherry candiessprinkles 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! Share It on Instagram!
