Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving, wow your guests with an amazing dessert charcuterie board! As far as dessert board ideas go, this Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board filled with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip and a variety of cookies and cakes is easy and impressive!

Dessert Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are generally considered to be savory but lately I’ve been seeing so many ideas for dessert board ideas!

And a dessert board is the perfect way to bring together a variety of sweets and flavors, making it the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving!

Here we’ll show you how to create the perfect sweet charcuterie board, complete with ideas on what to include, as well as tips and tricks for presentation.

Whether you’re entertaining a small group or a large gathering, a Thanksgiving dessert charcuterie board is sure to be a hit!

Why you’ll love this Fall Dessert Charcuterie Board

First, it’s easy. The dip at the center of this sweet charcuterie board only takes 5 minutes to make and can easily be made ahead of time.

Also, the cookies, cakes, and candies surrounding the pumpkin dip are all store-bought. Of course, if you want to make them homemade, you can, but buying pre-made fall desserts makes putting this charcuterie board together a breeze.

Second, this dessert charcuterie is versatile. It can serve as an appetizer for a party or a dessert for after dinner. I have a list of sweets to serve on the board but you can change it up to what you have on hand or what you and your crowd will love.

Third, you can make a small fall dessert board for an intimate family gathering or double or triple the size of the board for a large party!

Video

How to pronounce charcuterie board?

Before we get too far – when I was writing this post, one of my teen sons sat down beside me and tried to read the title. He was struggling.

Since charcuterie boards are a trendy, somewhat “new” thing for a lot of us, the word itself can be intimidating. I’m saying this because I still have to pause before saying it 😉. And I’m sure I’m not alone – a lot of people don’t know how to say the word.

So I thought it would be fun and informative to tell you how to say this word if you struggle like I did. You ready?

sharh-koo-tur-ee

With an emphasis on the “koo”… some people even say it with the “koo” sounding like the word “cue.” And according to the video below, that’s how it should be. If you’d do better hearing it, watch this YouTube video for how to pronounce charcuterie.

Thanksgiving Dessert Board Ingredients

I’m going to list the fall desserts I used on my board and then below that, I’ll share suggestions for other things that would work!

With the exception of the dip, you can buy everything you’ll need in a grocery store bakery or on the cookie/candy aisle of your grocery store.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip – the recipe is here and it’ll only take you 5 minutes to put it together.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Lofthouse Cookies

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bakery Cookies

Pumpkin Sugar Cookie

Mini Cupcakes – any flavor or flavors you like

Pumpkin Roll – chilled and sliced before putting on the board

Caramellos – chocolate-covered caramels

More Dessert Charcuterie Board Ideas

In addition to the things I have on my board, here are some more cookie and candy ideas. I kind of love the idea of a cookie charcuterie board and might use all cookies next time!

Also, you can make so many of these fall desserts homemade if you like! Of course, there will be more time involved but homemade is almost always best!

• Caramel Sauce – as a dip alternative or extra dip! Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts to make it extra special.
• Jam as a dip is another great way to add fruity flavor to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board
• Gingersnaps
• Cheesecake Bites
• Mini Pie Bites (pumpkin, apple, pecan, etc.)
• Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn Balls – make them mini!
• Biscoff Cookies
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Sugar Cookies – homemade and shaped like pumpkins with orange sanding sugar!
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Buttercream
• Graham Crackers (honey or cinnamon)
• Vanilla Wafers
• Pretzels or pretzel rods
• Snickerdoodles
• Candy Corn and/or Mellowcreme Pumpkins
• Pumpkin Spice Mini Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Glaze
• Werthers
• Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Hershey Kisses
• Candied Pecans or other nuts

How to Make a Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

You can see the video here to watch me make the dip and put the board together, but for the most part, it’s self-explanatory!

1. Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip (recipe HERE).
2. Move your dip (or dips) to a small serving dish and place in the center of the board.
3. Surround with fall desserts: cookies, cake, candies, etc.
4. Start with cookies and desserts that are larger first – then fill in with smaller items as you finish up the board.
5. Use small candies, such as the Caramellos or Candy Corn to fill in any spaces.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for a Dessert Charcuterie

• Choose a board or tray that works for the amount of desserts you’ll need. A smaller cutting board or presentation tray will work for a small gathering. The entire surface of a small table or a large charcuterie board may be needed for a big party.
• Keep it simple. A dessert charcuterie board is all about showcasing a variety of flavors and textures, so don’t feel the need to go overboard with too many options. Choose a few key desserts that you know will be crowd-pleasers and focus on making them the star of the show.
• Use a Fall Theme. Next, think outside the box and don’t focus only on Thanksgiving. Consider it a fall-themed charcuterie board. Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the harvest season, so incorporate fall flavors and colors into your dessert selection. Think pumpkin spice cookies, apple pie bites, and maple-glazed pecans. These flavors will not only complement each other but will also add a cozy and festive touch to your board.
• Presentation. When arranging your dessert charcuterie board, start with the small bowl or bowls of dips or sauces Then go with the larger items and place them strategically around the board. This will serve as your anchor points. Then, fill in the empty spaces with smaller treats of different colors and textures.
• Have Fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Experiment with different flavor combinations, textures, and even presentation styles. You can use themed decorations, such as miniature pumpkins or fall leaves, to enhance the festive atmosphere.
• Keep extra sweets on hand to refill the board. During your party, you may need to refill your board as people graze – keep extra desserts on hand to fill it back up as needed.

Serving suggestions 

• There are endless dessert ideas for Thanksgiving but having an Easy Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board changes things up by providing a variety of smaller desserts on on a dessert board instead of a single pie or cake.
• This idea is not limited to Thanksgiving Day – you could have a fall themed charcuterie board for an office party, Sunday School get-together, potluck, Halloween snack board, girls night, family gathering and more!
• Use a round board and make a Pumpkin Charcuterie board primarily with orange-colored foods for a fun board that feels really festive!

Storage directions 

• Storage/refrigerating: the Pumpkin Dip can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. The board can be prepped a few hours ahead of time but it must be wrapped tight in plastic wrap in the fridge.

FAQ

More Fall Recipes You’ll Love

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• Smores Rice Krispie Treats
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• Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball (Easy Fall Appetizer)