Save to Pinterest A whimsical, colorful party platter featuring animal crackers, fresh fruit, and playful dips—perfect for delighting kids at any celebration.
I first served this at my niece's birthday and watching the kids pick'n'choose their favorite treats was a pure joy.
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 This platter brings families together with smiles as kids enjoy their safari adventure.
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 to Pinterest This Animal Cracker Safari Board is quick to prepare and perfect for any celebration, ensuring smiles all around.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I prepare the fruit for the platter?
Wash all fruit thoroughly and pat dry. Halve strawberries and slice apples, dipping them in lemon water to prevent browning.
- → What alternatives exist for peanut butter?
Sunflower seed butter can be used as a nut-free substitute, offering similar creamy texture and flavor.
- → How can I create the safari theme with the platter items?
Arrange animal crackers in clusters to resemble landscapes, use fruit to mimic jungles and savannas, and place dips as watering holes. Shredded coconut and pretzel sticks add texture, simulating grass and logs.
- → Can this platter be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and nut-free spreads as needed, and check labels to avoid allergens.
- → What is the best way to serve this platter?
Use a large serving board or platter, arrange all elements accessibly for small hands, and serve immediately to maintain freshness.