Save to Pinterest 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 our family gatherings because it brings joy and creativity to snack time.
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 to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around this board, making snack time a shared adventure full of smiles.
Notes
For extra fun, add animal-shaped fruit cutouts or themed food picks.
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.
Save to Pinterest This playful board is sure to be a hit at any party and brings a touch of adventure to snack time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What fruits work best for the safari board?
Grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple slices, and blueberries offer vibrant colors and varied textures that complement the animal crackers.
- → How can I make nut-free dips?
Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use dairy-free yogurts to accommodate nut allergies safely.
- → How to prevent apple slices from browning?
Dip apple slices in lemon water immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh appearance.
- → Can this platter be prepared in advance?
Fruits are best washed and cut shortly before serving to preserve freshness; dips and other elements can be prepped ahead.
- → What tools are needed to assemble the board?
A large serving board, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife for cutting fruit, and paper towels for drying are essential.
- → How to make the arrangement engaging for kids?
Arrange crackers and fruit in clusters to mimic a safari landscape, and include playful touches like marshmallows and candy-coated chocolates as accents.