I made this chocolate and strawberry dessert board for a cozy movie night last February, and my kids devoured it before the opening credits finished. The combination of fresh berries and rich chocolate creates a balance that satisfies every sweet tooth without feeling too heavy after dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chocolate & Strawberry Dessert Board
I usually pick up everything for this board in one quick shopping trip. The key is choosing ripe but firm strawberries that won’t get mushy sitting out, and selecting a variety of chocolate types so there’s something for everyone. I recommend using a wooden board because it looks warm and rustic, though a large platter works just as well.
- 1 round wooden serving board (12 to 14 inches diameter)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (rinsed and dried thoroughly) – Look for berries with bright green tops and firm texture
- 12 to 15 assorted chocolate truffles (dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties)
- 2 chocolate bars (3.5 oz each, your favorite brands, broken into pieces) – I usually grab one dark and one milk chocolate
- 15 to 20 heart-shaped cookies (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pink marshmallows
- 2 small dip bowls (for chocolate sauce)
- ½ cup chocolate syrup (warmed) – In my experience, Hershey’s or Ghirardelli work perfectly
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with your strawberries first since they take the most prep work, then building outward from your chocolate syrup bowl as an anchor point.
Step 1: Rinse strawberries under cool water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This step matters more than you’d think because wet berries will make everything else soggy. Cut 4 to 5 strawberries in half lengthwise to reveal the vibrant red centers.
Step 2: Warm the chocolate syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 to 30 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through. You want it smooth and pourable but not hot. Place the small dip bowl filled with warmed chocolate syrup near the center or edge of your wooden board.
Step 3: Break chocolate bars into irregular bite-sized pieces rather than perfect squares. This creates a more rustic, inviting appearance. Arrange these pieces in a small pile on one section of the board.
Step 4: Position chocolate truffles in groups of 3 to 4 around different areas of the board, creating visual balance. Place heart-shaped cookies in another section, slightly overlapping them for a casual, abundant look.
Step 5: Add pink marshmallows to fill smaller gaps between the chocolate items. Then arrange whole and halved strawberries throughout the remaining spaces until no large gaps remain visible. The halved strawberries should face upward to showcase their red interiors.
What to Pair with Your Chocolate & Strawberry Dessert Board
This dessert board pairs beautifully with beverages and light sides that complement the sweet, fruity flavors without overwhelming them.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The bubbles and slight acidity cut through the richness of chocolate while highlighting the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, making it ideal for romantic celebrations.
Coffee or Espresso: A bold coffee provides the perfect counterbalance to sweet chocolate treats, and the slightly bitter notes enhance the complexity of dark chocolate varieties on your board. If you’re looking for dinner ideas to serve before dessert, try this easy garlic butter steak bites recipe.
Hot Chocolate: For a cozy movie night, serving hot chocolate alongside this dessert board creates a comforting, indulgent experience that feels special. A heartier appetizer like cheesy garlic chicken wraps makes a great savory start to the evening.
Fresh Berries on the Side: Adding a small bowl of raspberries or blueberries provides guests with lighter, refreshing options that cleanse the palate between richer chocolate bites.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A small bowl of vanilla ice cream offers a cool, creamy element that guests can use for dipping strawberries or pairing with cookies for added decadence. For a complete dinner party menu, consider starting with mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips & Serving Ideas
You can prepare this dessert board up to 2 hours before serving by keeping it at room temperature, which prevents strawberries from releasing moisture and chocolate from sweating. Cover loosely with plastic wrap if preparing in advance.
For best results, warm the chocolate syrup just before guests arrive and add fresh strawberries at the last moment to maintain their vibrant appearance. This board serves 4 to 6 people comfortably for a movie night or intimate gathering.
Pro tip: if you have leftover items, store chocolate and cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Strawberries should be consumed within 24 hours and refrigerated separately to maintain freshness. This dessert board also works wonderfully for birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, or any time you want to create a festive, shareable sweet spread.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert board ahead of time?
You can assemble most components up to 2 hours before serving, but add fresh strawberries just before guests arrive to prevent them from releasing juice and making the board soggy.
What if I can’t find heart-shaped cookies?
Regular cookies work perfectly fine. Choose any festive shapes or your favorite varieties like chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or shortbread to maintain the dessert board’s variety.
How do I keep chocolate from melting on the board?
Keep your serving area at comfortable room temperature (68 to 72°F) and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. If your kitchen runs warm, you can chill the board briefly in the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.
Chocolate & Strawberry Dessert Board
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse strawberries under cool water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Cut 4 to 5 strawberries in half lengthwise to reveal the vibrant red centers.
- Warm the chocolate syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 to 30 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through until smooth and pourable. Place the small dip bowl filled with warmed chocolate syrup near the center or edge of your wooden board.
- Break chocolate bars into irregular bite-sized pieces. Arrange these pieces in a small pile on one section of the board.
- Position chocolate truffles in groups of 3 to 4 around different areas of the board. Place heart-shaped cookies in another section, slightly overlapping them.
- Add pink marshmallows to fill smaller gaps between the chocolate items. Arrange whole and halved strawberries throughout the remaining spaces until no large gaps remain visible. The halved strawberries should face upward to showcase their red interiors.
