If you’ve never made a festive dessert board before, then you’re in for a treat! It takes minimal time to set up but definitely sparks a conversation as guests get a glimpse at it. It’s a showstopper.
Hosting can become stressful, especially when you’re trying to cater to everyone’s preferences so filling your board with your favourite treats allows options for your guests. This year, Kitchen Stuff Plus has a variety of festive bakeware that will get you ready to prepare this holiday sweet board without the stress!
What to include on a dessert board
The beauty of these boards is that you can include as many of your favourite sweets as you want! For my board, I chose to add some homemade cookies, peppermint and white chocolate blondie bars, festive candies and more.
Cookies are always a great option for these boards and you can elevate your board by simply adding some homemade cookies! I made a few different types of cookies but the show stoppers were definitely the nutcracker and gingerbread people! For the sugar cookies, I used this adorable Nutcracker Stamp which comes in a set with three other festive cutters and piping bags. This kit is convenient for those that may not bake as often and need all the pieces to get started. The Gingerbread Family Cookie Cutter is such a fun set. It comes with four cutters and would be a perfect set to fill a stocking! I used the red Wilton Cookie Sheet to bake all my cookies. It’s non-stick making it ideal for those that don’t enjoy scrubbing stuck on food!
Caramel popcorn drizzled with some white chocolate and sprinkles add a festive twist and is such an easy grab and go snack. Pretzels add a perfect sweet and salty addition to your board too!
Candies and chocolate are always great fillers as you can sneak them into any gaps on the board and marshmallows are the cutest addition to any hot chocolate you’re serving alongside these sweets.
I had to include my favourite festive bars too: the peppermint white chocolate blondies. They’re sweet, minty and taste like the holidays! I used this Wilton Cake Pan which is also non-stick and comes in the same red as their cookie sheet. You can get creative with how you cut and decorate them. I added some festive sprinkles using the Wilton Christmas Sprinkles.
Dessert boards are such a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday season, whether it’ for two or twenty!
Happy Holidays!
Recipe: Peppermint White Chocolate Blondies
For the Bars:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/ 2 tsp salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Sprinkles, for topping
For the Frosting:
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
2 ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp peppermint extract
DIRECTIONS FOR BARS:
- Preheat oven to 350F and line 9×13 pan. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Combine butter and brown sugar in stand mixer. Mix well. Add eggs, one at a time then vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Remove from stand mixer and fold in white chocolate. Spread into pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until they become golden.
- Once bars have cooled, spread frosting over top and add crushed peppermint candy canes and sprinkles.
DIRECTIONS FOR FROSTING:
- Beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream and peppermint extract while mixer runs on low. Increase to high speed and beat for a few minutes.
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Christine Kozovski is a new mom, food photographer and health & safety professional based out of Toronto Ontario. She shares her passion for food through easy and fresh recipes that can be found on her blog and Instagram account. She gets her food inspiration from her parents, growing up with both Asian and Mediterranean influences as well as places she’s travelled. Her adventurous side shines through when she gets to explore new cities and try new foods. She’s excited to start a different type of adventure now that her family has grown to include her 10 month old son.
