11 Dessert-Board Layouts For Sugar-Lovers On Halloween
Ghostly Marshmallow Delight
Ghostly Marshmallow Delight is a fun and festive dessert perfect for Halloween gatherings. These delightful treats are fluffy marshmallows decorated to resemble friendly ghosts, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike. They are easy to make and can be displayed on a dessert board to create a spooky yet sweet Halloween atmosphere.
Prepare the Workspace: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to place your finished ghostly marshmallows on.
Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips. Microwave in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
Coat the Marshmallows: Holding each marshmallow by the base, dip it into the melted white chocolate until it’s fully covered. Use a fork or a skewer to help lift it out of the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Place on Parchment: Carefully place the coated marshmallow on the prepared parchment paper. This will be the ghost body.
Repeat the Dipping: Continue the dipping process for all the marshmallows until they are all covered with white chocolate.
Chill to Set: Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
Melt the Black Candy: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the black candy melts using the same method as the white chocolate (20-30 seconds bursts). Stir until smooth.
Create Eyes: Using a toothpick or a piping bag, dip it into the melted black candy and dot two small eyes on each marshmallow to create a ghostly face. If preferred, you can also use edible ghost eyes or even candy corn for a fun twist.
Final Setting: Allow the marshmallows to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the black candy can set fully.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything has cooled and set, arrange your Halloween Ghostly Marshmallow Delights on a dessert board for a spooky display. Enjoy while sharing the frightful fun with family and friends!
Candy Corn Wonderland
Candy Corn Wonderland is a vibrant and festive dessert that embodies the spirit of Halloween with its cheerful colors and sweet flavors. This delightful dessert features layers of candy corn-flavored treats, perfect for enhancing your Halloween dessert board and creating a whimsical display. The combination of creamy textures and the iconic candy corn flavor makes it a favorite for kids and candy lovers alike.
Ingredients
Quantity
Candy corn
2 cups
Vanilla cake mix
1 box (15.25 oz)
Eggs
3
Water
1 cup
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup
Butter (softened)
1/2 cup
Powdered sugar
2 cups
Cream cheese
8 oz
Whipped topping
1 cup
Food coloring (yellow)
1-2 drops
Food coloring (orange)
1-2 drops
Candy corn for topping
As needed
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until well combined and smooth.
Divide the Batter: Divide the cake batter into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl as-is for the white layer. Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the second bowl and mix until the desired shade is reached. In the third bowl, add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until you have a vibrant orange color.
Layer the Batter: Start by pouring the white batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, gently pour the yellow batter over the white layer, allowing it to spread naturally. Finally, add the orange batter on top, smoothing it out to cover the surface evenly.
Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to verify it doesn’t over-bake.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated. You can add a splash of milk if the frosting is too thick.
Layer the Frosting: Once the cake is completely cool, spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Add Candy Corn Topping: Generously sprinkle candy corn over the frosted cake, making sure to cover it completely for that extra festive look.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and arrange the Candy Corn Wonderland pieces on your dessert board. This fun and colorful treat is sure to impress your guests and add a pop of Halloween cheer to your gathering!
Spooky Chocolate-Covered Treats
Spooky Chocolate-Covered Treats are a fun and festive Halloween dessert that combines the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate with a variety of treats perfect for the occasion. Whether it’s cookies, pretzels, or marshmallows, coating them in chocolate and adding some Halloween-themed decorations brings a delightful twist to your Halloween dessert board. These treats are not only easy to make but also allow for creativity and personalization.
Melt the Chocolate: Begin by melting the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Repeat this process for the dark chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the treats from sticking and to catch any drips from the chocolate.
Dip the Treats: Take the mini pretzels and dip each one into the melted milk chocolate using a fork, confirming they are thoroughly coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. For marshmallows, insert a skewer or lollipop stick into each marshmallow, dip in chocolate, and gently shake off excess.
Add Decorations: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some Halloween-themed sprinkles onto the treats. For added fun, place edible eyes onto the marshmallows to create spooky little monsters.
Chill to Set: Once you have completed dipping all your treats, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
Melt White Chocolate for Drizzling (Optional): If you’d like to add an extra detail, melt the white chocolate in the microwave as you did with the others. Use a fork or a piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the hardened treats for a ghostly effect.
Final Chill: Return the treats to the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes to ascertain the drizzled white chocolate sets properly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once all the chocolate has set, carefully remove the treats from the parchment paper and arrange them on your Halloween dessert board. Enjoy the spooky creations with friends and family!
Mummy Pretzel Bites
Mummy Pretzel Bites are a fun, delightful Halloween treat that combines the crunchiness of pretzels with the sweetness of white chocolate and the spooky charm of mummy decorations. These bites are easy to assemble and make for a perfect addition to any Halloween dessert board, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Melt the White Chocolate: Start by placing the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to guarantee that the Mummy Pretzel Bites do not stick.
Coat the Pretzels: Dip each mini pretzel twist into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to guarantee it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.
Create the Mummy Wrappings: Using a piping bag or a spoon, drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the pretzels in a back-and-forth motion to create the mummy’s wrappings. Make sure to leave some gaps in the drizzle to give the appearance of bandages.
Add the Eyes: Before the white chocolate sets, place two mini chocolate chips on top of each pretzel to create the mummy’s eyes. You can use a dot of melted chocolate to help them stick if needed.
Decorate (Optional): If using Halloween-themed sprinkles, add them on top of the white chocolate drizzle while it is still soft for an extra festive touch.
Let Set: Allow the Mummy Pretzel Bites to sit at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until the white chocolate is completely set.
Serve: Once set, carefully remove the pretzel bites from the parchment paper and arrange them on your Halloween dessert board for a spooky and festive presentation. Enjoy these Mummy Pretzel Bites with friends and family!
Vampire Fruit Skewers
Vampire Fruit Skewers are a creative and healthy Halloween-themed treat that adds a fun twist to your dessert board. These skewers feature a mix of fruit and cleverly designed “vampire” elements, such as strawberry vampire fangs, that make them eye-catching and delicious. They are perfect for kids and are sure to delight adults as well, combining the freshness of fruit with a spooky flair.
Prepare the Fruit: Start by washing the strawberries and grapes thoroughly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and set them aside. Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
Create Vampire Fangs: Take a clean, sharp knife and slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Cut small wedges from the tip of each half to create “fangs.” You’ll want them to resemble sharp vampire teeth, so aim for pointed ends.
Assemble the Skewers: Take a toothpick or skewer and thread one banana slice onto it first. Follow this with a grape, and then insert the strawberry half (with the fangs facing outward) to create the vampire’s face.
Add Mini Marshmallows: After the strawberry, add a mini marshmallow for the “nose” if desired. You can also thread another grape behind the strawberry to create a three-dimensional look.
Melt the Chocolate (Optional): If you wish to add a chocolate drizzle, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating them in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir well to verify even melting.
Decorate with Chocolate (Optional): Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the assembled fruit skewers for an extra touch of richness.
Chill (Optional): You can place the skewers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set and cool, making them even more invigorating.
Serve: Once finished, arrange the Vampire Fruit Skewers on your Halloween dessert board, creating a spooky yet enticing display. Enjoy them with family and friends during your Halloween celebrations!
Creepy Crawly Gummy Insects
Creepy Crawly Gummy Insects are a fun and playful addition to any Halloween dessert board. These edible gummy treats shaped like insects will creep out your guests while satisfying their sweet tooth. They can be made with various flavors and colors, making them a customizable option that blends perfectly into the spooky theme of your celebration.
Ingredients
Quantity
Gummy insect molds
1 set
Fruit juice (your choice)
2 cups
Gelatin powder
1 packet (3 oz)
Corn syrup
1/4 cup
Sugar
1/4 cup
Food coloring (optional)
As needed
Cooking spray
For greasing molds
Instructions:
Prepare the Molds: Start by lightly greasing your gummy insect molds with cooking spray to guarantee that the finished gummies can be removed easily once set.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fruit juice, corn syrup, and sugar. Stir together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat the mixture until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Add Gelatin: Once the mixture is hot, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the top and whisk continuously until it is fully dissolved. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add Food Coloring: If you’d like to enhance the colors of your gummy insects, add a few drops of food coloring and stir until you achieve your desired shade.
Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the warm gelatin mixture into the prepared molds, filling each cavity to the top.
Chill the Gummies: Place the filled molds in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the gummies are firm to the touch.
Remove from Molds: Once the gummies are set, gently pull them out of the molds. If necessary, you can use a toothpick or small knife to assist in removing them.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the Creepy Crawly Gummy Insects on your Halloween dessert board. These deliciously spooky treats are sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering!
Pumpkin Spice Brownies
Pumpkin Spice Brownies are an irresistible combination of fudgy brownies and warm autumn spices, making them a perfect addition to your Halloween dessert board. These rich and moist brownies are infused with pumpkin puree and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, providing a delightful twist on classic brownies that will impress your guests.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure to incorporate the dry ingredients well.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled and cut into squares, arrange the Pumpkin Spice Brownies on your Halloween dessert board. Their rich, spiced flavor makes for a delicious treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall!
Haunted Gingerbread Cookies
Haunted Gingerbread Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween. These deliciously spiced cookies can be shaped into hauntingly whimsical designs, such as ghosts, bats, and pumpkins. Once baked, they can be decorated with royal icing or melted chocolate to create a spooky yet delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it is manageable.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape while baking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use royal icing or melted chocolate to decorate them as desired. Create spooky designs with different patterns and colors to bring your haunted gingerbread cookies to life!
Enjoy these delightful treats at your Halloween gathering!
Witch’s Brew Cupcakes are a delightful Halloween treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate with a ghoulishly good twist. These moist and fluffy cupcakes are topped with a vibrant green frosting that resembles bubbling witch’s brew, making them the perfect addition to your Halloween dessert board. Not only are they delicious, but they also create a visual scare that will enchant your guests!
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the ingredients gently until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake the Cupcakes: Distribute the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Once well blended, add the heavy cream and green food coloring, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the color as necessary to achieve your desired “witch’s brew” hue.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or a spatula, to generously frost each cupcake with the green frosting.
Decorate: For a spooky touch, use black decorating gel to create fun designs or faces on top of the frosting. You can also add edible glitter or candy eyes for extra flair.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cupcakes on your Halloween dessert board and enjoy the whimsical delights of Witch’s Brew Cupcakes with family and friends!
Autumn-Themed Fruit Display
An Autumn-Themed Fruit Display is a beautiful and invigorating way to celebrate the fall season. This vibrant arrangement features seasonal fruits that not only delight the palate but also add a burst of color to your Halloween dessert board. Incorporating fruits like pears, apples, grapes, and figs can evoke the essence of autumn while providing a visually appealing treat for your guests.
Prepare the Fruits: Begin by washing all the fruits thoroughly under cold water. If using organic fruits, you can keep the skin on for added texture and flavor. Cut the pears and apples into wedges or slices, removing the core. For the figs, simply slice them in half to showcase their beautiful insides.
Seed the Pomegranate: Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half over a large bowl, cut side facing down, and hit the back with a wooden spoon to release the seeds, allowing them to fall into the bowl. Repeat with the other half, discarding the peel and pith.
Assemble the Display: On a large platter or wooden board, arrange the prepared fruits artfully. Start with the pears and apples, fanning them out along one side of the board. Then, cluster the grapes in the center, followed by the figs arranged around them. Finally, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the top and add the nut assortment in groups to create texture and contrast.
Drizzle and Season: In a small bowl, mix the honey or maple syrup with lemon juice and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle this mixture lightly over the entire fruit arrangement to add sweetness and prevent browning.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Autumn-Themed Fruit Display is ready to serve! Confirm that guests have small plates or napkins available as they enjoy the fall-inspired fruits. You can also offer toothpicks for easy serving. This delightful display is sure to brighten up your Halloween celebration!
