If you’re looking to wow your guests this holiday season with something both playful and utterly delicious, you have to try the Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe. This dessert board is such a joyful celebration of flavors and textures—from rich chocolate ganache and creamy peppermint whip to crunchy shortbread cookies and festive candy accents. Each bite is like unwrapping a little holiday gift, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family night or a lively party with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, delightful ingredients come together to create a show-stopping board that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Each component plays its part, from the luscious chocolate ganache to the crisp shortbreads and festive garnishes, layering flavors and textures in a way that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
- Heavy cream: Essential for the silky chocolate ganache that ties the board together.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds a smooth, balanced sweetness to the ganache.
- Dark chocolate chips: Provides the rich depth that makes the ganache irresistible.
- Butter: Enhances the ganache’s creaminess and shine.
- Cool whip: The base for a fluffy peppermint whip that’s light and refreshing.
- Crushed candy canes: Adds that unmistakable holiday peppermint crunch.
- Cream cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth marshmallow dip for dipping delights.
- Marshmallow creme: Sweet and stretchy, perfect for the marshmallow dip.
- Powdered sugar and vanilla (optional): For extra sweetness and warmth in the dip.
- Walkers Shortbread Gingerbread Men: Festive and buttery classics that bring holiday cheer.
- Walkers Shortbread Mini Festive Stars: Cute, crisp bites perfect for dipping.
- Walkers Shortbread 3D Snowman Carton: Adds whimsical charm to the board.
- Walkers Mini Shortbread Fingers: Elegant dippers that hold up well to creamy dips.
- Marshmallows: Soft and sweet, another dipper option.
- Pretzels and white chocolate covered pretzels: Provide a salty-sweet crunch contrast.
- English Toffee and Almond Nougat Candy: Rich, buttery textures complement the chocolatey treats.
- Meringues: Light and airy bites that add visual variety.
- Chocolate covered almonds: Nutty and chocolatey, perfect for snacking.
- Non-pareil chocolates: Colorful and festive candy accents.
- Pecans and pistachios: Nuts for crunch and earthiness.
- Hard shell candy coated chocolates (mint green preferred): Adds color and a minty kick.
- Fresh cranberries, rosemary, or mint: Garnishes that brighten the look and freshen the palate.
How to Make Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache
Start this dessert magic by making the smooth chocolate ganache. Gently warm heavy cream in the microwave in short bursts until bubbles appear around the edges. Then, add both semisweet and dark chocolate chips, allowing them to sit briefly before stirring in creamy butter. This step is where richness and shine come alive, forming a luxurious dip that will delight everyone’s taste buds.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppermint Whip
Next, revive your tub of cool whip by thawing it gently, then fold in generous crushed candy canes. This peppermint whip is a dreamy, fluffy dip bursting with festive flavor that complements the cookies and sweets beautifully. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you move on to the marshmallow dip.
Step 3: Make the Marshmallow Cream Cheese Dip
Beat softened cream cheese until velvety smooth, then blend in marshmallow creme. If desired, a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla transform this into a sweet, tangy delight perfect for dunking everything from shortbread to pretzels. Chill this dip as well to keep it fresh and ready for serving.
Step 4: Lay Out Your Board Base
Grab your favorite board or platter—an 18-inch round one works perfectly, but any size will do! Start by placing small bowls on the board for the dips, but hold off filling them just yet if you want to avoid any dip accidents while arranging other treats.
Step 5: Add the Festive Shortbread Favorites
Now the real fun begins—arrange those adorable Walkers shortbread figures like gingerbread men, mini stars, snowmen, and delicate fingers. Placing little bowls or parchment paper here and there adds height and texture, making the board visually inviting and easy to explore.
Step 6: Incorporate Larger Dunking Treats
Fill in with pretzels, white chocolate-covered pretzels, meringues, English toffee, almond nougat, and other goodies that are perfect for dipping. Don’t hesitate to throw in graham crackers, macarons, or fresh fruit for extra flair and flavor variety.
Step 7: Add Smaller Candy and Nuts
Sprinkle in smaller bites such as nonpareil chocolates, pecans, pistachios, candy canes, and starlight mints. These little pops of color and texture make the board feel abundant and festive, inviting everyone to nibble at their leisure.
Step 8: Finish with Festive Garnishes
To truly elevate your Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe, garnish with fresh sprigs of rosemary or mint, bright cranberries, and that extra crushed candy cane sparkle. These final touches make the whole spread look like holiday magic on a platter.
How to Serve Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes in making your dessert board pop. Fresh rosemary and mint not only add greenery but also a subtle herbal aroma that balances the sweetness. Cranberries provide festive color and a slight tartness that refreshes the palate after rich bites.
Side Dishes
This dessert board is quite the crowd-pleaser on its own, but pairing it with a hot chocolate station or a pot of spiced mulled cider can make your holiday event feel downright magical. Light cheese plates or fresh fruit trays also complement the sweeter board to offer variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional wooden board. Consider using decorative trays layered with festive napkins or even tiered stands to add height and dimension. Including small holiday-themed bowls or vintage glass dishes can add charm and make the experience feel personalized and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your dessert charcuterie board tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Most components will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the dips may thicken a bit—simply give them a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
While the whole assembled board isn’t freezer-friendly, many individual elements like the shortbread cookies and homemade peppermint whip can be frozen separately. Wrap them well in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor for future holiday treats.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t typically necessary for this festive board since it’s served cold or at room temperature. If your chocolate ganache firms up too much, heat it gently in the microwave for small increments until it’s back to its luscious pourable state.
FAQs
Can I substitute homemade whipped cream for cool whip?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream is a wonderful option and tastes fantastic in the peppermint whip. Just be sure to stabilize it if you want it to hold up longer on the board.
How do I keep cookies from getting soggy on the board?
Place cookies on the board right before serving and avoid putting them directly in contact with wet dips. Using small bowls or parchment paper helps maintain their crispness throughout your event.
Can I make this board vegan or dairy-free?
With a few adjustments, yes! Use dairy-free whipped toppings, vegan cream cheese alternatives, and dairy-free chocolate chips. There are many delicious substitutes that won’t compromise on flavor.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This contains any stray shards and makes it easier to control the size of the pieces.
How far in advance can I prepare the dips?
You can prepare the chocolate ganache, peppermint whip, and marshmallow dip up to 2 days ahead. Keep them refrigerated in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday favorite that brings smiles and sweet memories around any table. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to share, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the season in every luscious bite. Don’t wait to create your own joyful masterpiece this year—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Create a stunning and festive dessert charcuterie board featuring an assortment of sweet treats, dips, and garnishes perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. This easy-to-make board combines indulgent chocolate ganache, peppermint whipped cream, and marshmallow dip with a variety of shortbread cookies, candies, nuts, and fresh garnishes to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Peppermint Whip
- 1 (8-oz) tub cool whip
- 8 candy canes (crushed, about 2/3 cup)
Marshmallow Dip
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 (7-oz) tub marshmallow creme
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Shortbread and Cookies
- 2 packages Walkers Shortbread Gingerbread Men
- 2 packages Walkers Shortbread Mini Festive Stars
- 1 Walkers Shortbread 3D Snowman Carton
- 2 packages Walkers Mini Shortbread Fingers
Other Snacks and Garnishes
- Marshmallows
- Pretzels
- White chocolate covered pretzels
- English toffee
- Almond nougat candy
- Meringues
- Chocolate covered almonds
- Non-pareil chocolates
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hard shell candy coated chocolates (mint green ones recommended)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary or mint (for garnish)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small bowl, microwave 1/3 cup heavy cream in 30-second bursts until bubbles form around the edges. Immediately add both 1/3 cup semisweet and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to melt, then stir in 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk thoroughly until the ganache is smooth. It will thicken as it cools; reheat briefly if needed before serving.
- Prepare the Peppermint Whip: Thaw 1 tub of cool whip completely. Gently fold in 8 crushed candy canes (or adjust the amount to taste) until well combined. Refrigerate this peppermint-flavored whipped topping until ready to use.
- Create the Marshmallow Dip: In a bowl or stand mixer, beat softened 8-oz cream cheese until completely smooth. Add 7 ounces of marshmallow creme and continue beating until the mixture is homogenous and fluffy. Optionally, mix in 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added sweetness and flavor. Chill this dip until assembly.
- Assemble the Dessert Board Base: Using a large board (18 inches round recommended), strategically place bowls for the dips without filling them yet to avoid accidental spills during setup.
- Add the Shortbread Cookies: Arrange Walkers Shortbread Gingerbread Men, Mini Festive Stars, 3D Snowmen, and Mini Shortbread Fingers around the bowls. Use small bowls or parchment paper to add visual texture and elevate some sections for a more dynamic presentation.
- Incorporate Larger Dippable Items: Place pretzels, white chocolate covered pretzels, meringues, English toffee, almond nougat candy, and other chunky treats on the board. Feel free to include additional items such as graham crackers, rice crispy treats, macarons, or fresh fruit to vary texture and flavor.
- Add Smaller Items: Fill in spaces with smaller candies like nonpareil chocolates, pistachios, pecans, hard candy coated chocolates, candy canes, and starlight mints to add color and festive appeal.
- Finish with Garnishes: Decorate the board with fresh herbs like rosemary or mint, fresh cranberries, and sprinkle crushed candy canes to enhance the holiday look and add fresh, bright flavors.
- Serve: Once fully assembled, fill the bowls with the chocolate ganache, peppermint whip, and marshmallow dip just before serving for dipping fun.
Notes
- If cool whip is unavailable, you can prepare homemade whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form before folding in crushed candy canes.
- Reheat ganache gently in short microwave bursts if it thickens too much before serving.
- Feel free to customize the board with additional candies, seasonal fruits, nuts, or cookies based on your preference.
- Use small bowls or dishes within the board to separate sticky or melting items for easy cleanup and presentation.
- This dessert board can be made a few hours ahead; keep refrigerated and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
