This dessert charcuterie board is perfect for your guests to graze and makes menu planning a breeze for you! Then, check out these charcuterie board ideas for almost every occasion!
So, before we get started, technically a charcuterie board should have charcuterie meats on it, right? But, these days the term “charcuterie board” is used as an easy term of reference for graze boards, snack boards, etc.
When planning a dinner party, desserts can seem overwhelming. That’s why we like to focus on easy party desserts, party dessert finger foods, and graze boards like this dessert charcuterie board!
A dessert charcuterie board is also a great way to have a dessert tasting party with your friends or family! Download our dessert tasting mat and have a deliciously fun time!
How many desserts per person?
An easy rule of thumb to follow is to have 8-10 different dessert options, with each dessert providing 1-2 “bites” or 1 serving of each dessert. Finger food desserts are great items to have on your board so your guests can have a taste of multiple desserts without getting too full.
- 8-10 different desserts – store-bought desserts are a great option!
- 1-2 “bites” or one serving of each dessert per person
- Fresh fruit and herbs, such as mint, for pops of color
Best desserts for a dessert charcuterie board
- Finger food desserts like petit fours, truffles, bite-sized pastries, cookies, and fruits
- Mini-desserts like mini-cheesecakes, mini-pies, mini-cakes
- Swiss roll cakes cut into slices
- Fresh fruit and fruit dip
- Single serve pies and cakes
How to arrange your dessert charcuterie board
- Start by placing your larger items on the board, and then fill in gaps with the smaller items.
- Also, pay attention to colors and try to vary the color coordination across the board.
- If you’re included a full-size cake or pie, slice and arrange in the center of the board.
How do you make a dessert charcuterie board step by step?
- Start by selecting the right board for your spread. You can use large cutting boards, slate boards, or large marble or ceramic platters.
- Think of your board as a blank canvas and let your creativity flow. I recommend starting with the larger items and then filling in from there. Start by adding any small bowls you may use for fruit dips or chocolate.
- Next, add in the next larger sized desserts like eclairs, mini-pies, etc. .
- Fill in any remaining gaps with all of your small, bite-sized desserts. If you have fruit dips or chocolate on your board for fresh fruit, be sure to place those near the dip bowl.
- Lastly, garnish with fresh mint.
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs and Notes
How big should a charcuterie board be?
This will depend on how many people you are serving. If you’re serving 2-4 people, a small 12-14 inch round board would be a sufficient size. If you’re serving a larger group, you’ll want to go with a larger round board or large paddle-style board.
How early can you prepare a dessert charcuterie board?
Desserts tend to be more fragile, so I would prepare the board just before serving. But, if using store-bought desserts (everything on my board was purchased at a local bakery), you can have them all purchased and ready to assemble.
Must-Have Items for your Charcuterie Board
You can find affordable items for your charcuterie board at places like Home Goods or Target. Or, shop my Amazon Store for all of my favorite charcuterie boards and accessories!
Wanderlust and Wellness participates in the Amazon affiliate program. Please see my affiliate disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out these additional charcuterie board ideas!
- Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
- Fall Charcuterie Board
- Holiday Charcuterie Board
- Wild Game Steak Graze Board
Jennifer is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Wanderlust and Wellness since 2016. She creates easy, approachable gluten-free recipes for the everyday home cook; because cooking gluten-free doesn’t mean food has to be complicated or tasteless.
Leave a Reply