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Festive Dessert Charcuterie Board with Chocolate, Peppermint, and Holiday Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

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Find it online: https://easydinnerinminutes.com/festive-dessert-charcuterie-board-with-chocolate-peppermint-and-holiday-treats-recipe/