• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Howe We Live logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • By Category
      • Appetizers
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Breakfast/Brunch
      • Christmas
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Courses
      • Sides
      • Soups/Salads
    • By Cooking Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • One Pan
      • Sheet Pan
      • Slow Cooker
    • By Ingredient
      • Beef
      • Eggs
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
  • Resources
    • Book Recommendations
    • Cookbook Recommendations
    • Balanced Eating As a Family
    • Kitchen Hacks & Tips
    • Lifestyle
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • All Recipes
  • Resources
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Valentine’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board

    Valentine’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board

    Published: Jan 27, 2021 by Andrea Howe · This post may contain affiliate links.

    16 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Create a Valentine’s Day dessert charcuterie board using a mix of candies, cookies, cakes and even ice cream! Completely customizable to suit any family’s taste preferences, this easy guide will help you create a dreamy dessert board for any occasion.

    dessert charcuterie board set for Valentine's Day

    Before we start, I know this isn’t technically a charcuterie board. To be true charcuterie, it must contain cured meats and cheeses. I discussed this in my very first posts on the subject. But charcuterie in any form has become so very popular, that we’ve all become a little loosey-goosey when using the term. I’m using it here as a reference to various little snack items arranged in a way that is appealing to the eye.

    Why make a dessert charcuterie board?

    • They’re easy to put together since they mainly use store-bought treats.
    • People love eating foods that are artfully arranged – presentation is everything!
    • Kids absolutely love dessert boards because all their favorites are in one place. Plus they get to choose more than just 1 sweet treat!
    • It’s a great way to clean out the pantry, using half-eaten (but still good) boxes and bags of treats that may have been forgotten about.
    • You can make them any theme you like. This one’s obviously for Valentine’s day, but you can easily customize it for any holiday or special occasion.
    • You can add in homemade treats to really make your dessert board your own special creation.

    red and pink desserts arranged artfully on a platter for Valentine's DayHow to choose items for your dessert board

    Begin by deciding your theme of course. For my Valentine’s dessert charcuterie board, I of course knew I needed lots of pink and red! Stores typically start stocking holiday treats weeks before the actual holiday, so I had no problem finding great options!

    Most of the items I featured here are from Trader Joe’s. I then filled in a couple of additional candies from Sprouts. I like the candy options from Trader Joe’s because they typically limit the use of artificial dyes. They are often a tiny bit lower in sugar than conventional candy. I don’t get super strict about this stuff, but if one can easily find “healthier” alternatives, why not use them?

    Once your theme is decided, gather a good variation of candies, cookies, and maybe even a small cake or cupcakes. I also added mochi ice cream since my kids LOVE them and the strawberry flavor perfectly fit the color theme. I added in some strawberries and almonds to healthify it a bit haha!

    desserts from Trader Joe's for Valentine's Day

    Arranging your board

    Start by choosing how you will present your dessert board. With the items I bought, I used a rimmed platter to neatly hold all the little pieces of candy and such. With a traditional charcuterie board, foods are typically arranged directly on the platter. Here though, I used several different small bowls and plates to neatly hold items and keep them separated.

    Woman placing a heart chocolate cake on a wooden platter for Valentine's Day

    Once you have your board, begin by placing your focal point item. For me, it was the heart shaped cake I found at Trader Joe’s. I then began adding in bowls of candy.

    woman's hand placing Valentine's day candy on a wooden tray, surrounded by other sweets

    One of the last things to place are any items that need to stay cold/frozen till serving. For me, it was the cute strawberry mochi ice cream balls. Then finish off the charcuterie dessert board by filling in any obvious holes with candy, confetti and cookies!

    pink mochi ice cream surrounded by other pink and red sweets on a wooden platter

    I have an assortment of small bowls and plates on hand to use for any occasion, but I also have a few holiday themed vessels. Here, you see I have ceramic heart bowls and plates. Adds a little extra nod to the holiday.

    Valentine's dessert charcuterie board filled with pink and red candies, cookies and cakes

    Other board ideas that aren’t such a sugar rush

    This spread definitely packs a sugar rush punch! Perhaps you have really little kids who are more susceptible to the highs and lows of sugar crashes. Or you just aren’t a huge sweets fan. Either way, here are a few other ideas:

    • Focus on fruit! Pick from an assortment of berries and sliced apples. Make a naturally sweetened yogurt dip (where you control the added sugar), for some protein & healthy fats.
    • Swap out a decadent chocolate cake for a light and airy angel food cake. Serve alongside loads of fruit options, and a couple of fun flavored whipped creams. Throw in a few simple sprinkle or candy options to make it a little extra festive.
    • Create a cookie decorating board. Sugar cookies, alongside frosting and a couple of sprinkles and toppings. Arranged in an eye-appealing and festive way will get kids excited and ready to dig in. Plus, it creates an activity to keep little hands busy for a bit.
    • Throw together a cheese and chocolate pairing, that is heavier on the chocolate. Add in some fresh fruit and nuts, and you have a well-balanced dessert board that feels decadent, but won’t leave you with a sugar hangover. This one from Two Peas & Their Pod looks amazing!

    Valentine's day themed dessert charcuterie board

    It goes without saying that creating a dessert charcuterie board can be customized to just about any theme or holiday. Christmas is a no-brainer, but some other fun ideas include:

    • Halloween (very similar to my spooky charcuterie board, but just focus on sweets)
    • Other colorful holidays like St. Patrick’s Day (shades of green, white and gold), or 4th of July (red, white and blue)
    • Baby shower (pastel pinks, yellows and blues)
    • Sports themed with the colors of your favorite team and little sports themed decorations (paper football cutouts, checker flags, etc)
    • Poker night (red, white and black)
    • Movie night (different popcorn flavors, licorice bites and other favorite movie theater candy)

    Sweets from Trader Joe's arranged on a wood platter for a dessert charcuterie board

    I love to offset savory with sweet, and always call for adding sweets to my traditional charcuterie boards. But with the dessert charcuterie board, I’ve gotta just be a purist and suggest you keep it all sweet. Trying to add in some savory items, like different cured meats or even cheese may just feel weird and out of place. My advice to you is just embrace the sugar rush and go all in with the sweets!

    Valentine’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board

    dessert board set for Valentine's Day

    Dessert Charcuterie Board

    Create a Valentine's Day dessert charcuterie board using a mix of candies, cookies, cakes and even ice cream! Completely customizable to suit any family's taste preferences, this easy guide will help you create a dreamy dessert board for any occasion.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Author:Andrea

    Equipment

    • Pretty board or platter

    Ingredients

    • Assorted Candies
    • Assorted Cookies
    • A centerpiece cake or cupcake
    • Fresh fruit
    • Mochi ice cream optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Choose a nice board or platter to arrange your items on, and gather little bowls and plates to hold everything.
    • Begin by placing your centerpiece item, like a cake or grouping of cupcakes
    • Add various little bowls and plates of candy and fruit around the centerpiece in an eye catching way
    • Set out any item that needs to be kept cold or frozen until the very end
    • Finish off with filling in any gaping holes with little candies or decorations, like confetti or paper cutouts

    Notes

    Other dessert board ideas that are a little less sugar:
    • Focus on fruit! Pick from an assortment of berries and sliced apples. Make a naturally sweetened yogurt dip (where you control the added sugar), for some protein & healthy fats. 
    • Swap out a decadent chocolate cake for a light and airy angel food cake. Serve alongside loads of fruit options, and a couple of fun flavored whipped creams. Throw in a few simple sprinkle or candy options to make it a little extra festive.
    • Create a cookie decorating board. Sugar cookies, alongside frosting and a couple of sprinkles and toppings. Arranged in an eye-appealing and festive way will get kids excited and ready to dig in. Plus, it creates an activity to keep little hands busy for a bit. 
    • Throw together a cheese and chocolate pairing, that is heavier on the chocolate. Add in some fresh fruit and nuts, and you have a well-balanced dessert board that feels decadent, but won't leave you with a sugar hangover.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 300kcal
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

    Other Valentine’s Day Ideas!

    • Savory Buttermilk Cheddar Heart Waffles
    • Valentine’s Day Breakfast Spread
    • DIY Hanging Floral Chandelier for Valentine’s Day
    • DIY Painted Heart Jeans
    « Valentine’s Day Breakfast Spread!
    Game Day Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bark »

    About Andrea Howe

    Andrea Howe is the recipe developer and photographer of Howe We Live. She is also a seasoned home cook of over 20 years, for her family of 5. Andrea has spent over 10 years in the food industry, writing for various publications including Babble and Disney. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Taste of Home, Yahoo, Buzzfeed and ABC News.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Caucasian women sitting on a kitchen counter smiling, holding a glass of white wine

    Welcome to Howe We Live. I’m Andrea, a passionate home cook and mother of 3. I’ve been cooking and writing about healthy eating for almost a decade, and my number one goal here is to help you develop the tools needed to throw together a great meal at home that is both delicious, and healthy-ish. All eaters are welcome here! Read More

    Latest Posts

    • 6 Sweet and Savory Cottage Cheese Toast Ideas
    • Miso Butter Salmon – Quick & Easy!
    • Nourishing Fiesta Salad Recipe
    • Easy Creamy Protein Hummus
    • Creamy Spicy Ranch Dressing
    • Homemade Air Fryer Taquitos

    Top Posts

    • picture of 2 glasses filled with coconut pineapple margarita
      Coconut Pineapple Margarita Recipe
    • white plate with top sirloin steak tips and potatoes served on top, with a fork set to the side
      Beef Sirloin Tip Steak With Garlic Butter Potatoes
    • brown rice and turkey meatballs in a cast iron skillet
      Skillet Turkey Meatballs & Rice
    • A piece of chicken cutlet cooked in air fryer dipped in ranch dressing
      Chicken Cutlets In the Air Fryer

    As Featured In:

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • About

    Newsletter & Contact

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Contact

    Notable Links

    • Recipes by Category
    • Shop Clean Beauty

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · Howe We Live · Privacy Policy