Pin A whimsical, colorful party platter featuring animal crackers, fresh fruit, and playful dips—perfect for delighting kids at any celebration.
This platter has always been a hit at our family gatherings, sparking joy among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 2 cups animal crackers (classic or frosted varieties)
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup green grapes
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup red grapes
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup strawberries, halved
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup pineapple chunks
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup apple slices (dip in lemon water to prevent browning)
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup blueberries
- Dips: 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- Dips: 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
- Dips: 1/2 cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
- Treats & Garnishes: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- Treats & Garnishes: 1/2 cup colorful candy-coated chocolates (optional)
- Treats & Garnishes: 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional grass effect)
- Treats & Garnishes: 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 We love gathering around this board during celebrations and watching the kids explore the flavors and colors with excitement.
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). Substitute with nut-free butters and dairy-free yogurt as needed and check all labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 260, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 4 g
Pin This board is sure to become a staple at your next party, bringing both fun and healthy options to the table.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I keep the apple slices from browning?
Dipping apple slices in lemon water helps prevent browning by reducing oxidation and keeping them fresh-looking.
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter for allergies?
Yes, using sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative that maintains creamy texture and flavor.
- → What fruits work best for this safari board?
Grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple slices, and blueberries create a colorful, fresh assortment that blends well visually and taste-wise.
- → How do the dips enhance the board?
Vanilla yogurt, chocolate hazelnut spread, and nut or seed butters add creamy, sweet, and savory notes that complement the fruits and crackers.
- → What are some fun ways to decorate the board?
Using shredded coconut to mimic grass, pretzel sticks as logs, and candy-coated chocolates for playful accents adds texture and a safari-theme feel.