Introduction
Forget the stress of baking a complicated Christmas cake. The Christmas Candy Dessert Board is the ultimate holiday culinary centerpiece—a visually stunning, customizable, and delightfully easy way to serve dessert to a crowd. Originating from the charcuterie and grazing board trend, this festive adaptation replaces savory meats and cheeses with a decadent array of seasonal sweets, homemade treats, and fresh fruit. It encourages communal grazing and offers something for every palate, making it a truly special and memorable addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- Homemade Peppermint Bark:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) White Chocolate Melts (high quality)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Crushed Peppermint Candies (candy canes)
- Assorted Baked Goods:
- 1 dozen Gingerbread Cookies
- 1 package (200 g / 7 oz) Vanilla Shortbread
- 1 batch of Homemade Chocolate Fudge (cut into small squares)
- Store-Bought Candies:
- 150 g (5 oz) Chocolate Truffles or Ferrero Rocher
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Red and Green Gumdrops or Gummy Bears
- 1 bag (150 g / 5 oz) Foil-wrapped Chocolate Coins
- Dips and Sauces:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Vanilla or Marshmallow Fluff
- Fresh Elements:
- 3-4 Clementine Oranges (peeled and segmented)
- 1 cup (150 g) Fresh Raspberries and Blackberries
- Small sprigs of fresh Rosemary (for garnish)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Peppermint Bark (Make Ahead): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave (in 30-second intervals), stirring until completely smooth. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared sheet and spread thinly (about 5 mm / 0.2 inches thick). Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top. Allow to set completely at room temperature for 2 hours, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once solid, break into irregular pieces.
- Gather and Prep the Board: Select a large wooden board, slate platter, or serving tray. Place small dipping bowls (for the caramel and fluff) directly onto the board first. This anchors the design.
- Arrange the Anchor Items: Place the largest items first—the gingerbread cookies, fudge squares, and the Peppermint Bark pieces. Create visual mounds, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the board.
- Fill with Candies and Truffles: Scatter the smaller, brightly colored candies (gumdrops, truffles) into the empty spaces between the larger items. Use the foil-wrapped coins to add height and shine. The goal is to leave minimal visible board space.
- Add Freshness and Garnish: Tuck the fresh fruit (clementines, berries) into the remaining gaps, using the bright colors to contrast the chocolate. Finish by placing small sprigs of fresh rosemary throughout the board. The rosemary adds a beautiful festive scent and color, making the board look like a holiday wreath. Serve immediately at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Due to the variety of ingredients, exact nutritional information varies widely. Assuming 8-10 servings, an average serving size (a small handful of items) contains approximately 400–550 calories, 15–25 g of fat, and 50–70 g of carbohydrates. While high in sugar, the inclusion of fresh berries and citrus provides beneficial antioxidants and Vitamin C, balancing the richness of the candies.
Storage
Because this board contains both fresh and shelf-stable items, it is best enjoyed the day it is assembled. If you have leftovers, store components separately. Homemade fudge and peppermint bark can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week. Discard any dipping sauces or fresh fruit that have been left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours.
Conclusion
The Christmas Candy Dessert Board is designed for maximum impact with minimum effort. For an extra festive touch, serve alongside mulled wine, a rich port, or hot chocolate. If you prefer a variation, swap out the peppermint bark for homemade peanut brittle or chocolate-covered pretzels. This board isn’t just dessert; it’s an interactive experience that encourages lingering and conversation—the true spirit of Christmas entertaining.