Pin this A whimsical, colorful party platter featuring animal crackers, fresh fruit, and playful dips—perfect for delighting kids at any celebration.
This platter has become a favorite at every party I host, always bringing smiles to little faces.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 2 cups animal crackers (classic or frosted varieties)
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup green grapes, 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup strawberries, halved, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup apple slices (dip in lemon water to prevent browning), 1 cup blueberries
- Dips: 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella), 1/2 cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
- Treats & Garnishes: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup colorful candy-coated chocolates (optional), 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional grass effect), 1/2 cup pretzel sticks (for logs)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and prepare all fruit. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2:
- Arrange animal crackers in themed clusters across a large board or platter to mimic a safari landscape.
- Step 3:
- Create jungles and savannas using clusters of grapes, pineapple, strawberries, apple slices, and blueberries.
- Step 4:
- Place yogurt, chocolate spread, and peanut or sunflower butter in small serving bowls. Position these as watering holes around the board.
- Step 5:
- Scatter mini marshmallows and candy-coated chocolates as playful accents.
- Step 6:
- Use shredded coconut to mimic grass and pretzel sticks for logs or pathways.
- Step 7:
- Ensure all items are easily reachable by small hands. Serve immediately.
Pin this This platter always brings the family together, especially during celebrations for the kids.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife (for fruit), paper towels
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (animal crackers), milk (yogurt, chocolate spread), peanuts/tree nuts (peanut butter, chocolate spread), soy (chocolate spread, candy-coated chocolates). Use suitable substitutes for allergies and check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 4 g
Pin this This board is sure to be the star of any party with its playful presentation and delicious variety.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter for allergies?
Yes, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative and complements the other dips well.
- → How can I keep the apple slices from browning?
Dip the apple slices in lemon water to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent browning.
- → What fruits work best for seasonal variations?
Seasonal fruits like melon, kiwi, or oranges can be added for variety while keeping the colorful jungle theme.
- → How do I arrange the platter to mimic a safari theme?
Cluster animal crackers as animals, surround them with fruit 'jungles,' and place dips as watering holes to create a playful scene.
- → Are there suggestions for serving tools?
Use a large serving board with small bowls for dips, plus a sharp knife for fruit prep and paper towels for drying.
- → Can the platter be prepared in advance?
The board is best served fresh; however, fruit can be prepped and stored, with final assembly done shortly before serving.