Save A festive, elegant dessert board inspired by the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for luck. This vibrant platter combines fresh grapes with sweet treats, cheeses, and crunchy accompaniments for a delightful end to your New Years celebration.
This dessert board has become our family favorite for New Years, bringing everyone around to enjoy the tradition with a colorful and delicious spread.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 96 seedless grapes (red, green, or mixed about 12 per person), 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), 1 orange thinly sliced
- Cheeses: 200 g brie cheese, 150 g manchego cheese, 150 g blue cheese
- Sweet Treats: 150 g dark chocolate squares or truffles, 12 almond cookies or biscotti, 1/2 cup candied nuts (almonds or pecans), 1/2 cup honey or fruit preserves
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced, 1 box assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh mint sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry the grapes and berries thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the grapes in small clusters or piles of 12 to represent each month of the New Year across the board.
- Step 3:
- Add the cheeses spacing them around the board for visual appeal.
- Step 4:
- Fill in gaps with berries orange slices chocolate cookies and candied nuts.
- Step 5:
- Place honey or preserves in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Step 6:
- Add baguette slices and crackers in stacks or fans around the edges.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers if using.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately inviting guests to select their 12 grapes of fortune and enjoy the assortment.
Save Gathering around this dessert board has created many cherished family moments celebrating luck and togetherness every New Years Eve.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, Small bowls for honey preserves, Serving knives for cheese, Spoons for honey preserves, Small tongs or forks optional
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) nuts (candied nuts almond cookies) gluten (bread cookies crackers) and possible traces of soy (chocolate). Double-check all labels for allergens and cross-contamination if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 350, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 8 g per serving approximately.
Save This grapes of fortune dessert board is an elegant and meaningful way to ring in the New Year with family and friends.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How should the grapes be arranged on the board?
Arrange grapes in small clusters or piles of 12 to symbolize each month, distributing them evenly across the board for visual appeal.
- → Can this board be adapted for vegan preferences?
Yes, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan chocolates and cookies to maintain flavors while keeping it vegan-friendly.
- → What cheeses pair well with grapes on this board?
Brie, manchego, and blue cheese provide a balanced variety of creamy, nutty, and tangy flavors that complement fresh grapes perfectly.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments to enhance the board?
Additions like sliced oranges, fresh berries, almond cookies, candied nuts, and crackers add texture and sweetness, rounding out the platter.
- → What is the suggested serving size for this platter?
Designed to serve 6–8 people, offering about 12 grapes each alongside cheeses and treats for balanced sharing.
- → How long does preparation typically take?
The board can be assembled in approximately 20 minutes without any cooking required.