This mini pie board was so fun to make and look how pretty! You know me – I’m a sucker for anything with a scalloped edge. So when I stumbled upon these adorable mini pie dishes that matched my full-size ones, I just couldn’t resist!

It got me thinking: wouldn’t it be fun to whip up an assortment of mini pies for Thanksgiving? And then, boom! Inspiration struck. Why stop at just pies? Why not create an entire Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board featuring these charming little treats in their sweet ruffled dishes?

Just like that, a plan was born! I imagined creating a spread that would be as nice to view as it would be to sample. Who says the turkey has to be the only showstopper at Thanksgiving dinner?

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Dessert Charcuterie Boards

Let’s talk about dessert charcuterie boards – a fun twist on the traditional after-dinner spread. Instead of the usual cheese and meats, we’re loading up a board with an assortment of sweet treats.

Why does this work so well for Thanksgiving? It’s simple: variety and flexibility. With a dessert board, you can offer multiple flavors and textures without committing to several full-sized pies. It’s perfect for those who want to sample a bit of everything or for when guests are too full for a large slice but still crave something sweet.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and adds a unique touch to your Thanksgiving table. It allows guests to graze at their own pace, making it ideal for long, leisurely holiday gatherings.

Ready to try something new this Thanksgiving? Let’s explore how to create your own dessert charcuterie board!

The Star of the Show: Mini Pies

Thanksgiving Classics

For this dessert board, I went all out with a variety of mini pies. Each 6-inch pie was a little flavor bomb, perfect for sampling. Here’s what made the cut:

• Blueberry: A classic burst of fruity goodness
• Lemon Meringue: For that zesty, creamy contrast
• Apple: Because it’s not Thanksgiving without apple pie
• Pumpkin: The quintessential Thanksgiving flavor
• Pecan: Rich, nutty, and oh-so-traditional

The Crust of the Matter

Now, let’s talk about the foundation of any good pie – the crust. I’m typically the queen of a good ‘ole Pillsbury pie crust but for these Thanksgiving pies I wanted to try my hand at homemade crust. I bought this fabulous book, Easy As Pie by Saura Kline and followed the pie crust recipe in the book. It was perfect, flaky, buttery, and held up well to all of the fillings. Here’s a quick rundown:

Basic All Butter Pie Dough

I was able to put my Baking Station to good use with these pies! The pie dough is made with unsalted butter – lots of butter( 1 Cup)! Flour(2 1/2 Cups), sugar(1 Tablespoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon) and ice water (5-6 Tablespoons) is also used. The steps:

Prep: Cut the butter into small cubes and place in a metal bowl. put bowl in the freezer.

Mix: In a food processor, pulse flor, sugar and salt to combine. Add the butter cubes and pulse of 30 seconds. Then begin adding the ice water, 1 Tablespoon at a time and pulse of 20 seconds. Repeat until the dough comes together in large chunks.

Knead: Transfer dough to a clean, dry surface and gather and knead until it forms a ball. Cut the ball in half with knife. Shape each half into a round flat disk and wrap in plastic wrap.

Chill: Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until you are ready to use.

Note: The recipe listed above is for 9″ double crust pie. This will be enough for 2 – 6″ pies (1 double crust, 1 single crust)

Pie Fillings: Keeping It Simple

For this dessert board, I opted for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what I used:

• Blueberry and Apple: Ready-made fillings for a quick and reliable result
• Lemon Meringue: A traditional boxed mix for that classic tangy-sweet flavor
• Pecan: A simple recipe from the same Easy As Pie book for that quintessential holiday taste
• Pumpkin:Traditional pumpkin pie recipe using canned pumpkin for an easy, foolproof filling

While these shortcuts worked great for my board, don’t hesitate to use your favorite homemade recipes if you have the time. The beauty of a dessert board is its flexibility – you can go as simple or elaborate as you like with your fillings.

For those looking to try some homemade options, here are a few great recipes to get you started:

Apple Pie recipe from Spend with Penneys

Simply the Best Blueberry Pie from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Tastes better From Scratch

Lemon Meringue Pie from Simply Recipes

Remember, the key is to choose fillings you and your guests will love. Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s all about creating a variety of flavors for everyone to enjoy.

Why Mini Pies Steal the Show

Opting for mini pies on a dessert board is a game-changer. Here’s why:

1. Variety: Guests can try multiple flavors without overcommitting
2. Portion Control: Perfect for those who just want a taste
3. Visual Appeal: They look absolutely adorable on the board
4. Easy Serving: No messy cutting required
5. Customization: Easy to cater to different dietary needs

These little pies are the perfect centerpiece for a dessert board that’s sure to impress.

Setting the Stage: The Board

Picking the Perfect Platform

For this dessert extravaganza, I opted for a very large bread board. Here’s why it worked so well:

• Size: Big enough to hold all 12 mini pies plus extras. Check out this Extra large Acacia Board.
• Material: Wood adds a rustic, warm feel perfect for Thanksgiving
• Versatility: Flat surface makes arranging easy
• Presentation: Provides a neutral backdrop to let the desserts shine

When choosing your board, consider how many items you’ll display and the overall look you’re going for. Wood, slate, or marble all work great for different styles.

Pies Take Center Stage

Arranging the pies is where the fun really begins. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Created a pattern: Alternated colors and textures for visual interest
2. Left space: Made sure to leave room for accompaniments
3. Elevated some: Used small risers to create height variation

Remember, the pies are the stars here. Arrange them first, then build around them with your other treats and decorations.

Sweet Accompaniments

Sauces and Creams

To complement the pies, I added some delicious toppings:

1. Chocolate sauce: A rich, dark chocolate sauce for drizzling
2. Whipped cream: Homemade, lightly sweetened for a classic touch
3. Pumpkin cheesecake dip: A creamy, spiced dip that’s perfect for fall

Pro tip: Serve these in small ceramic pumpkin bowls for an extra festive touch!

Fresh Fruits

Adding fresh fruits brings color and a light, refreshing element:

1. Sliced pears: Adds a crisp, juicy contrast to the pies
2. Red grapes: Provides a pop of color and a sweet burst
3. Pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle these for a vibrant, tangy surprise

Extra Sweet Touches

To round out the board, consider adding:

1. Gingersnap cookies: Their spicy crunch pairs well with the pies
2. Store-bought treats: Save time with quality purchased items
3. Fall-themed candies: Think candy corn or chocolate leaves

Remember, the key is balance. Mix textures, flavors, and colors to create an inviting spread that offers something for everyone.

Decorative Elements

Charming Ceramic Pumpkins

I used ceramic pumpkin bowls that I bought at the dollar spot at Target to hold the sauces and creams. These cute containers:

• Add a festive, autumnal touch
• Keep sauces contained and easy to serve
• Came with little serving spoons

A Touch of Floral Elegance

Fresh white hydrangeas were the perfect floral accent:

• Their fluffy blooms add softness to the display
• White color complements the fall palette
• Small clusters tucked between pies create visual interest
• They mimic the fluff look of the whipped cream

Mini Pumpkins for Fall Flair

Scattered mini pumpkins throughout the board:

• Reinforce the Thanksgiving theme
• Fill empty spaces between pies and bowls
• Mix colors (white, orange, green) for variety

Remember, decorative elements should enhance, not overwhelm. Use them sparingly to accent your delicious desserts, not compete with them. But have fun with it!

Tips for a Successful Dessert Board

Balancing Flavors and Textures

• Mix sweet and tart flavors for variety
• Include crunchy elements (like nuts or cookies) alongside creamy ones
• Offer both rich and light options to suit different preferences

Considering Serving Size and Guest Count

• Plan for about 1/2 to 1 full of a mini pie per guest
• Provide enough serving utensils to avoid bottlenecks
• Consider making extra of the most popular flavors – Lemon Meringue and Pumpkin pie are hits for our family so I made more of those.

Keeping Items at Room Temperature

• Set out the board about 30 minutes before serving
• Keep delicate items (like whipped cream) chilled until the last minute
• Place fresh sliced fruits and floral blooms last to keep fresh

Filling Empty Spaces for a Bountiful Look

• Use small bowls of nuts or candies to fill gaps
• Scatter fresh herbs (like mint leaves) for pops of green
• Add extra fruit pieces to create a sense of abundance

Remember, a well-planned dessert board is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Take your time arranging items and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go.

Customization Ideas

Adapting for Different Holidays or Themes

• Christmas: Swap in mini fruit mince pies and gingerbread
• Easter: Feature pastel-colored treats and hot cross buns
• Halloween: Create spooky-themed desserts and use black serving dishes
• For more holiday inspiration, check out my Holiday Wreath Dessert Board . It’s a festive twist on this concept that’s perfect for winter celebrations!

Scaling for Small Gatherings or Large Feasts

• Small gatherings: Use a smaller board and fewer varieties of pies
• Large feasts: Set up multiple boards or a buffet-style dessert table
• Adjust the number of mini pies based on about 1/2 to 1 full per guest

Incorporating Family Favorite Treats

• Include a special family recipe pie or dessert
• Add nostalgic candies or cookies that bring back memories
• Create a ‘build-your-own’ sundae section with favorite toppings

The beauty of a dessert board is its flexibility. Feel free to mix and match ideas to create a spread that’s uniquely yours and perfectly suited to your celebration.

Common Questions and Tips

Planning ahead is key to a stress-free dessert board experience. With these tips, you can ensure your creation arrives looking and tasting its best, no matter where you’re headed.

Make-ahead Strategies

• Bake pies 1-2 days in advance and store properly
• Prepare dips and sauces the day before
• Cut fruits the morning of to maintain freshness
• Assemble the board a few hours before serving, keeping it refrigerated if needed

Storage and Food Safety

• Keep cream-based items chilled until serving
• Use proper food storage containers for leftovers
• Discard any perishables that have been at room temperature for over 2 hours
• Store different types of leftovers separately to maintain quality

Transporting the Board

• Assemble most of the board at your destination if possible
• Use a large, flat container with raised edges for transport
• Secure items with toothpicks or plastic wrap to prevent shifting
• Keep cold items in a separate cooler during transit
• Bring extra elements for touch-ups upon arrival

Shop For This Mini Pie Dessert Board:

Creating a Thanksgiving dessert charcuterie board featuring mini pies offers a delightful twist on traditional charcuterie board. It’s the perfect way to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth while adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving gathering. By mixing mini pies with a variety of treats, fruits, and fall-themed goodies, you’ll create a stunning centerpiece that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. Whether for a small gathering or a large feast, this customizable dessert option is sure to impress.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy your delicious creation!