A Spooky Halloween Dessert Charcuterie Board is a fun and simple way to impress at any Halloween party. It’s packed with treats that fit the theme, like candy eyeballs, chocolate skulls, and mini pumpkins. It’s easy to customize with your favorite sweets and Halloween decorations.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Servings: 8people
Equipment
1 wooden board
3 small bowls
Ingredients
1/4cuphazelnut spread
1/4cupsmooth peanut butter
3/4cupcandy corn
6large donutshomemade or store-bought (recipe link comments below)
6largechocolate chip cookieshomemade or store-bought (recipe link comments below)
6largepeanut butter cookieshomemade or store-bought (recipe link comments below)
15piecesReese's cupswhite and milk chocolate
1/2cupblackberrieswashed and dried
3/4cupfigswashed and dried
1cupmarshmallows
1cupchocolate covered nuts
1cupmini pretzels
6smallchocolate skullshomemade or store-bought
Instructions
Begin by placing the larger items on a cutting or wooden board. I started with spreads and candy corn, which I placed in small bowls at the center. If you're using jams, include a small spoon for easy serving. If not using spreads or dips, you can start with something small like chocolate-covered nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries in a small bowl.
Next, I added the larger items from my ingredients, in this case, the Homemade Monster Donuts. You can also add the biggest items, like the chocolate chip cookies.Arrange them in the corners, in an organized way. I used different colors and textures. This variety and color contrast make the board more visually appealing.
6 large donuts
Now, move on to the medium-sized circular treats. Start filling the gaps around your spreads and in the corners of the board. If they aren’t flat, like cookies, and are more round or cubed, you can group them in small piles around the board.
6 large chocolate chip cookies, 6 large peanut butter cookies
I then added the Reese's Cups. I loved how these had 2 different colors. I placed them arranged around the spreads, filling the board even more.
15 pieces Reese's cups
After the Reese's Cups, I added the next smallest items: marshmallows, blackberries, and figs. I placed them in small piles, filling the gaps in spots around the board.
Finally, I added the smallest ingredients—mini pretzels, chocolate-covered nuts, and chocolate skulls. Use them to fill any remaining empty spaces on the board. If you can, include more than one type for added variety.
1 cup(180g) chocolate covered nuts, 1 cup(80g) mini pretzels, 6 small chocolate skulls
Notes
Other ingredients you can use
This board is totally customizable, whether you want to bake your own Halloween treats or stick to store-bought goodies from your favorite store. Here are some ideas for both!
Store-bought ingredients
Spreads:
Dulce de leche. Sweet and creamy, dulce de leche will be a great addition to your board.
Jams. Andy flavor of your choice!
Marshmallow dip. Who can resist marshmallow fluff or dip? it's the perfect addition to this board!
Fruit:
Orange slices. Add a pop of color, variety in your color palette, and a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Black grapes. Dark and spooky, perfect for the Halloween theme.
Blueberries. Small and easy to snack on, plus they fit the dark color scheme.
Candy:
Gummy worms. Perfect for a spooky touch, they’re playful and fun to eat.
Black licorice. Adds a bold flavor and sticks with the Halloween theme.
Candy bars. Any bite-size candy bars like Twix, Snickers, or Milky Way.
Chocolate:
White chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips. Fill small gaps on the board and add sweetness.
Chocolate truffles. Either white or dark chocolate truffles, they're the perfect addition to this Halloween snack board
Ghirardelli Chocolate squares. You can add a diversity of shapes with squared-shaped chocolate.
Cookies and treats:
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. Dark cookies that fit the spooky look, with a creamy center.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. A must! Chocolate chip cookies are always in season!
Chocolate-covered pretzels. You can add chocolate-covered pretzels instead of pretzels and spreads.
Rice Krispie treats. Classic treats for a sweet board!
Halloween Monster Chocolate Donuts. They're baked in a donut pan, packed with chocolatey goodness, and decorated with candy eyeballs for a playful touch.
Chewy Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies.Coffee lovers will appreciate the rich depth that makes these homemade cookies stand out from the usual chocolate chip variety!
Butternut Squash baked donuts. These treats combine the rich, nutty notes of butternut squash with the charm of a classic donut.
Black Velvet Cupcakes.What makes these cupcakes special is their striking black color, and the best part? There’s no need for black food coloring!
Halloween Trail Mix Recipe.Add a bowl of this Halloween trail mix, for the perfect combination between sweet and salty.
2-ingredient peanut butter fudge.You won’t need a candy thermometer or any complex methods to whip up this fudge. This recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners.
Homemade OREO Truffles.These truffles are soft and fudgy from the inside, dipped in creamy white chocolate, and sprinkled with more OREO crumbs on top. They’re made with only 3 ingredients!
Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts.This easy treat is made up of clusters of nuts covered in semi-sweet chocolate and topped with sea salt. It’s a no-bake dessert and prepared in under 15 minutes!
Decorations
plastic spiders
skeleton hands
Pumpkins
Skull head
Tips for the perfect board
Use a mix of colors to make your board stand out. Place desserts next to different colored items. For example, instead of grouping all your milk and dark chocolate together, break it up with some bright, fresh fruit for a pop of color.
Incorporate seasonal, fresh produce to give your board a natural, fresh vibe.
There are two ways to approach shapes: you can add variety to create interest, like using cookies in different shapes or slicing fruit to break up patterns. Alternatively, you can repeat the same shape across ingredients to create a sense of order on your board.
Textures are key to creating a diverse look. The saltiness of pretzels or chocolates, the creaminess of spreads, the texture of the sprinkles in the donuts, and the smoothness of chocolate all add to the board's appeal.
Don’t forget to include forks and dessert plates so guests can easily enjoy all the treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the charcuterie board ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the board a day or two in advance. Arrange all the non-perishable items and store the board covered in the fridge. Add fresh fruit and any delicate items just before serving to keep them looking their best.
How can I keep the fresh fruit from turning brown?
To keep fresh fruit like apples or pears from browning, brush them with a little lemon juice. Add the fresh fruit to the board right before serving to ensure it stays fresh.
What if I don’t have enough space on my board for everything?
If space is tight, consider using multiple smaller boards or trays. Arrange the items in layers or group similar ingredients together to make the most of your space.
How should I store leftover items from the board?
Store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Separate different types of treats to prevent flavors from mixing. Refrigerate or freeze as needed, depending on the item.
Can I mix savory items with sweet treats on the board?
Absolutely! Combining savory and sweet items can add variety and cater to different tastes. Just make sure to arrange them thoughtfully to balance flavors and keep everything visually appealing.
How do I keep the board looking nice throughout the party?
Refresh the board periodically by replacing any empty spots with extra treats. You can also have a few backup items ready to swap out as needed.