Save A vibrant, whimsical dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, creamy whipped cream cheese, and playful butterfly shapes — perfect for spring gatherings.
I enjoy making this board for spring parties because it feels festive and fresh every time.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
- Fruit: 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced, 1 cup pineapple, cut into butterfly shapes (use a small butterfly cookie cutter), 1 cup seedless grapes, halved, 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- Dippers & Garnishes: 1 cup gluten-free graham crackers or cookies, broken into pieces, 2 tbsp edible flowers (such as pansies or violets, optional), 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and whip until light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Spread the whipped cream cheese mixture onto a large serving board or platter, creating a base layer.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the sliced fruit on top of the cream cheese in a colorful pattern. Use the butterfly-shaped pineapple pieces as decorative focal points.
- Step 4:
- Scatter blueberries, grapes, and orange segments around the board for variety.
- Step 5:
- Add gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to one side of the board for dipping.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a springtime touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate (covered) for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save This board is always a hit when my family gathers for spring celebrations.
Notes
Drizzle with additional honey or a fruit coulis for extra sweetness. Pair with sparkling Moscato or a light herbal tea.
Required Tools
Electric mixer or whisk, Large serving board or platter, Small butterfly cookie cutter, Knife and cutting board, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese, heavy cream). Contains gluten if using regular cookies or crackers. Double-check all dippers and garnishes for allergens.
Save This dessert board brings color and joy to any occasion with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the butterfly shapes from pineapple?
Use a small butterfly cookie cutter to press into pineapple slices, creating decorative pieces that add visual appeal on the board.
- → Can I substitute other fruits for the kiwi or grapes?
Yes, seasonal fruits like raspberries or mango can be used to suit your preference or availability.
- → How should the cream cheese mixture be prepared for the board?
Beat softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla, then whip in heavy cream until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base layer on the serving board.
- → What are good options for dippers on this board?
Gluten-free graham crackers or cookies work well, but you can also use vegetable sticks or gluten-free biscuits as alternatives.
- → How can I make this platter suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with whipped coconut cream cheese to maintain texture and flavor without dairy.