Buttercream board ideas are taking dessert tables to the next level—and they’re way easier to make than you might think!
Whether you’re planning a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet weekend treat, this I am sharing fun, colorful dessert inspiration to help you build a show-stopping board your guests will love.
From choosing the right frosting flavors to selecting the perfect dippable treats, you’ll learn how to create a dessert masterpiece.
What is a buttercream board?
These are a sweet and playful take on the classic charcuterie board—only instead of meats and cheeses, it’s all about frosting and fun! Think of it as a frosting-lover’s dream: rich, creamy buttercream icing swirled, piped, or smoothed directly onto a serving board, surrounded by an assortment of tasty treats for dipping.
From cookies and pretzels to mini donuts and fruit slices, the idea is to scoop up that delicious buttercream with your favorite snack and enjoy every bite.
Buttercream boards are a fun, customizable dessert idea that works for any occasion—from parties to holidays—and can be easily themed with colors and toppings.
What to put on a buttercream board?
Here are some ideas to include, make your board as simple or as over the top as you’d like!
Dippers: Sugar cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, mini donuts, biscotti, marshmallows, fruit slices (like strawberries or apple wedges)
Serving tools: Mini knives or spatulas for spreading. Toothpicks or skewers for easier dipping. Small plates or napkins for guests to make their own treat plates.
Tips & Tricks for Making a Frosting Charcuterie Board
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and food safety.
Use piping bags and different tips (like star or round) for swirls, rosettes, and borders that add texture and visual appeal.
Mix colors and flavors: Divide your frosting into bowls and tint each batch with food coloring for a vibrant board.
Balance your dippers: Aim for a mix of crunchy, soft, salty, and sweet.
Keep it cool: Buttercream can melt if it’s too warm—store the finished board in the fridge until about 15 minutes before serving.
How far in advance can you make buttercream icing?
It can be made up to a week in advance if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it briefly to restore the smooth texture before spreading it onto your board. For longer storage, you can freeze buttercream for up to 3 months.
How much frosting do I need for a board?
For a small gathering (4–6 people), 2–3 cups of buttercream is plenty. Scale up for larger parties.
What kind of board should I use?
A wooden charcuterie board, tray, or even a rimmed baking sheet works well. Just line it with parchment if needed.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes! While homemade buttercream is fluffier and richer, store-bought frosting works in a pinch—just whip it with a mixer to make it smoother.
Here are a few more creative, crowd-pleasing party setups you’ll want to check out:
If you’re loving the idea of a themed food board, you’ll definitely want to check out how to set up a pancake bar—it’s another fun and interactive way to feed a crowd, especially for breakfast or brunch get-togethers.
Pair your buttercream board with something sippable! These iced coffee bar ideas are perfect for creating a party setup that feels both fun and fancy.
For more board-building inspiration, take a peek at these charcuterie board ideas—there’s something for every occasion, from savory spreads to sweet and snacky setups.
This Halloween Buttercream Board DIY is spooky-easy and perfect for party hosts who want a fun, festive dessert. With vibrant orange and black swirls plus candy dippers, your guests won’t stop raving about it.
This Pumpkin Buttercream Cookie Charcuterie Board blends rich pumpkin spice frosting with fall-themed cookies and pretzels. It’s a cozy, autumn-ready treat that captures all the seasonal flavors you crave.
Get quirky with a Dirt and Worms Frosting Board—crumbly cookie “dirt” topped with gummy worms and creamy frosting for a playful, fun dessert. It’s a hit for kids and Halloween fans alike.
Put a fun twist on Thanksgiving with a Turkey Buttercream Board—featuring chocolate “turkey feathers” and candy bits on a sweet buttercream base. It’s creative, colorful, and guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.
Score big at your watch party with a Super Bowl Buttercream Board decorated in team colors with chocolate footballs and pretzel-dippers. It’s a fun, shareable dessert that keeps the focus on both the game and the treats.
The Snowman Buttercream Board is an adorable winter treat featuring vanilla icing shaped into a jolly snowman face and surrounded by cookie “snowballs.” It’s a sweet, crowd-pleasing showstopper that’s both festive and easy to assemble.
With piped green buttercream shaped like a tree and topped with sprinkles and star-shaped cookies, this Christmas Tree Frosting Board is killer holiday décor—and edible too. It’s the perfect interactive dessert for family and friends to share.
Bring Santa to life with this adorable Santa Buttercream Frosting Board: piped icing forms his face while cookies, candy canes, and red-hatted treats bring the magic. It’s a jolly dessert idea that spreads holiday cheer.
Bring Rudolph to your table with this festive Frosting Board: piped icing makes his face, while pretzels create antlers and a red candy nose steals the show. Fun, festive, and oh-so-shareable!
Learn how to make Valentine Charcuterie Boards that blend romantic, heart-shaped treats with sweet buttercream for the ultimate date-night dessert. This guide walks you through styling a love-filled board that’s equal parts gorgeous and delicious.
This Buttercream Dessert Board Is Better Than Chocolate & Flowers
Move over boring bouquets—this Buttercream Dessert Board Is Better Than Chocolate & Flowers, combining stunning visuals with creamy, flavorful buttercream and dippable treats. It’s the ultimate gift that’s beautiful and edible.
Make birthdays extra bright with a Frosting Board For Birthday Fun—loaded with colorful swirls, cupcakes, and sprinkle-packed cookies. It’s a no-fuss way to create a party centerpiece that everyone will love.
Make Them The Best Birthday Buttercream Board For Smiles
This guide shows you how to make the Best Birthday Buttercream Board for Smiles—loaded with birthday-themed treats, bright frosting, and lots of sprinkles. It’s designed to bring joy and deliciousness to any party.
The Rainbow Buttercream Board is bursting with vibrant hues, mouthwatering marshmallows, and fruity dippers—perfect for a cheerful celebration. Easy to customize with your favorite colors, it’s a rainbow in dessert form.
Take your Barbie party poolside with these adorable dessert charcuterie ideas, including a dreamy pink buttercream board topped with fruity bites and candy pearls. It’s the perfect sweet treat for a glam girl’s day.
Make it magical with a Minnie Mouse Buttercream Board: pink and black icing, polka-dot cookies, and bow-shaped candies capture the iconic Minnie style. It’s a cute, kid-friendly dessert sure to delight.
Celebrate in red, white, and blue with a Flag Buttercream Board—swirled icing and star-shaped dippers create your edible flag art. Perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any patriotic gathering.
The Star Icing Charcuterie Board Recipe features star-shaped icing patterns and cookie dippers for a celestial dessert that’s easy and elegant. Great for holiday parties or any night you want a festive dessert layout.
Hop into spring with an Easter Buttercream Board full of pastel frosting swirls, egg-shaped candies, and bunny-shaped treats. It’s a delightful centerpiece that brings seasonal cheer to your dessert table.
Channel your inner wizard with a Butterbeer Frosting Board featuring butterscotch frosting, golden drizzle, and cookie “brooms.” This magical dessert is a fun nod to your favorite fantasy brew.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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