Save A vibrant, whimsical dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, creamy whipped cream cheese, and playful butterfly shapes — perfect for spring gatherings.
This dessert board has become a hit at our spring family gatherings, bringing smiles with its bright butterfly shapes and creamy components.
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 recipe brings joy to our family, especially watching the kids admire the butterfly shapes and dig in together.
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 crackers. Double-check all dippers and garnishes for allergens.
Save This board is a delightful centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is charming, perfect for any spring occasion.
Cooking Questions
- → How do I make the cream cheese spread fluffy?
Beat softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla, then gradually whip in heavy cream until light and airy.
- → Which fruits work best for this platter?
Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple cut into shapes, grapes, and orange segments provide vibrant colors and flavors.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to keep freshness before serving.
- → What can I use as dippers?
Gluten-free graham crackers or cookies complement the cream cheese and fruit combination perfectly.
- → How to add decorative elements to the board?
Use small cookie cutters for pineapple shapes, edible flowers, and fresh mint leaves for a springtime look.