Save A whimsical, colorful party platter featuring animal crackers, fresh fruit, and playful dips—perfect for delighting kids at any celebration.
This platter always brings smiles to birthday parties and family gatherings. My kids enjoy helping me arrange the animals and fruit on the board.
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 board has become a favorite family activity, sparking creativity and laughter as everyone helps build their safari scenes.
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 such as nut-free butters and 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 this playful and healthy platter that brings fun and flavor to any occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep apple slices from browning?
Dip apple slices in lemon water to prevent discoloration and maintain freshness.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter for allergens?
Yes, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative to peanut butter with similar texture and flavor.
- → What fruits work best for this platter?
Fruits like grapes, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and apple slices provide vibrant color and complementary textures.
- → How can I create the safari landscape effect?
Arrange animal crackers in clusters and surround them with groups of fresh fruit and dips to mimic jungles and watering holes.
- → Are there suggestions for making this platter more festive?
Add animal-shaped fruit cutouts, themed picks, and colorful candy-coated chocolates for playful accents.
- → What tools are recommended for assembly?
Use a large serving board, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife for fruit preparation, and paper towels for drying.