If you haven’t come across a butter board – you are missing out. These fun and delicious boards are all the rage and are a fun and different way to add a spread to your next charcuterie board. Instead of putting your dip into bowls on the board, why not spread it out and build your board from there. I’ve made a number of different spread or butter boards and I decided I wanted to try something a bit sweeter – like a chocolate butter board.
Now to be clear, the spread on this board isn’t ‘chocolate butter’ but rather a delicious chocolate ganache spread like a butter board. Below you can see exactly how to make this board as well as a few suggestions of additional ideas for your own chocolate butter board.
Contents
What is a Butter Board?
A butter board is a culinary trend that involves spreading softened, high-quality butter over a wooden board and topping it with an assortment of flavorful ingredients such as herbs, spices, edible flowers, honey, and flaky sea salt. It’s designed for communal dining, where guests use bread or crackers to scoop up the butter and its delicious accompaniments.
There are many different variations of a ‘butter board’ and you can make a spread board with any spread including cream cheese, hummus, and in this case – chocolate.
Ingredients for a Chocolate Butter Board
There are many variations to this chocolate butter board. If you are really short in time, you can simply use Nutella to spread on the board, but for this recipe we made a chocolate ganache. The first set of ingredients below are what we used, but you can find additional suggestions for other charcuterie boards below.
Chocolate Ganache
- Heavy Cream
- Chocolate Chips (you can also use a bar of chocolate)
Toppings
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Cookies (choose your favorite)
- Pretzels
- Apples
- Nuts (optional)
Other Ingredient Ideas for Your Chocolate Board
- Pineapple chunks
- Marshmallows
- Biscotti
- Rice Krispies treats
- Potato chips
- Dried fruit (like apricots or figs)
- Graham crackers
- Orange segments
- Cake pops or pieces of pound cake
- Salt
Assembling a Chocolate Butter Board
The first step in assembling your chocolate dessert board is to make the ganache. This ganache recipe has one slightly different step that I like to use to make the chocolate more spreadable. You will want to use cream and chocolate in a 1:1 ratio.
Heat half your cream until it just starts to simmer. Place your chocolate in a glass bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow this to sit for 2 minutes then stir together.
Whip the remaining cream until it form whip cream. Gentle stir this into the chocolate ganache.
Spread your chocolate on your board.
Place your other ingredients around the board or place them in small bowls. Optionally you can spread some nuts on top of the board for an added flavor and crunch.
Tips for Serving your Chocolate Board
- Use High-Quality Butter and Chocolate: Start with high-quality, unsalted butter and premium chocolate for the best flavor.
- Add Variety: Include a variety of toppings such as sea salt, crushed nuts, dried fruits, and edible flowers to enhance both the visual appeal and taste.
- Accompanying Items: Provide a selection of dippables like fresh fruits (strawberries, apple slices), pretzels, cookies, and breadsticks for a range of textures.
- Decorate Thoughtfully: Arrange the board aesthetically with a mix of colors and shapes, making it visually inviting.
- Portion Control: Pre-spread smaller dollops of butter across the board to make it easier for guests to scoop without making a mess.
- Serving Utensils: Offer small spoons or knives for spreading the chocolate butter on dippables, and tongs for picking up the items to dip.
- Keep It Cool: If you’re serving the board in a warm environment, keep it cool to prevent the butter and chocolate from melting too quickly.
Recipe for Chocolate Butter Board
Chocolate Butter Board
Equipment
- Small to Medium Charcuterie Board
- Glass Bowl
- Saucepan
- Mixer
- Spoon
Ingredients
Ganache
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips you can also use a bar of chocolate
Toppings
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Cookies choose your favorite
- Pretzels
- Apples
- Nuts optional
Instructions
- The first step in assembling your chocolate dessert board is to make the ganache. This ganache recipe has one slightly different step that I like to use to make the chocolate more spreadable. You will want to use cream and chocolate in a 1:1 ratio.
- Heat half your cream until it just starts to simmer. Place your chocolate in a glass bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow this to sit for 2 minutes then stir together.
- Whip the remaining cream until it form whip cream. Gentle stir this into the chocolate ganache.
- Spread your chocolate on your board.
- Place your other ingredients around the board or place them in small bowls. Optionally you can spread some nuts on top of the board for an added flavor and crunch.
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