Save A whimsical, colorful party platter featuring animal crackers, fresh fruit, and playful dips—perfect for delighting kids at any celebration.
This party board brings back joyful memories of celebrations with my children where everyone enjoyed creating their own safari scenes and snacking happily.
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.
Save This platter was the centerpiece at many family celebrations, sparking creativity and laughter as kids made their own safari habitats.
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). For allergies, use suitable substitutes (e.g., nut-free butters, dairy-free yogurt) and check all labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy creating this delightful and healthy safari board that brings fun and flavor to any party.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make this platter nut-free?
Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and choose nut-free spreads to avoid allergens, ensuring it's safe for all guests.
- → What fruits work best for this board?
Use fresh, colorful fruits such as grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple slices, and blueberries for a vibrant and varied presentation.
- → How should I arrange the components for best effect?
Cluster animal crackers and fruits to create safari-like scenes with 'watering holes' of dips scattered throughout to invite dipping and exploration.
- → Can I prepare the platter in advance?
Prepare and wash fruits ahead, but assemble the board shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning, especially for apple slices.
- → What utensils or tools are recommended?
A large serving board, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife for cutting fruit, and paper towels for drying items are essential for easy setup.