How to Make a Hanukkah Candy Board

Admittedly, the focus is typically on fried foods throughout the Hanukkah season — think jelly doughnuts, latkes and the like. But that doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up with a candy board, too. This blue-and-white platter pays homage to Hanukkah's classic colors while offering a sugary spin on tradition. It’s a simple, no-bake dessert option that’s easy for anyone to assemble (get an assist from the kiddos!) and pretty enough to entice both grown-ups and kids alike.

Select a Board

Picking out just the right surface is actually the most important step in this process. You’ll want to make sure that the one you choose is flat and sturdy, with no curved edges — i.e., no dinner plates. That smooth, level surface will make it easy to arrange your candies.

Choose a Color Scheme

For our board, we went with silver and blue because we thought that combination was a nice, slightly different change from the usual golds and blues we see during Hanukkah. But truthfully, anything goes; there are no rules here. Want to have a pink Hanukkah? Go for it!

Choose Candies

This is the fun part. Now that you’ve dreamt up a color scheme for your board, it’s time to think about which candies will fit the bill. Before you start splurging on sweets, poke around your pantry. Are there any leftovers from this year’s Halloween stash that might come in handy? Do some detective work to make sure nothing you already own goes to waste. Now, it’s time to get creative in the candy aisle. Odds are, you’ll be able to find color-sorted candies at your local candy store, but if not, you can also order them online. Search for blue, silver or gold versions of your favorites. You’ll be happily surprised by how much is out there. Pro Tip: Since blue candies may be hard to find at this time of year, plan ahead for next year and purchase pastel springtime candies to freeze until wintertime.

Arrange Candy

Here’s what you’ve been waiting for: the arranging process. It’s really a matter of trial and error. Get creative, let your imagination run wild and “paint” on the canvas of your board. If something doesn’t seem to look right to you, remove it and try something else in its place. The beauty of a board like this is that it’s simple to rearrange. To add height variance and visual interest, try placing some of the candies in mini bowls.

Finish and Serve

Fill in any gaps, holes or blank spaces on your board with metallic dreidels, mini disco balls and other silver and blue trinkets. The idea here is a plentiful look without having to buy tons of candy. Now your scrumptious candy board is complete. Snap a few photos, graze with family and friends, or simply use the board as a centerpiece for your Hanukkah feast. Note: If small kids will be part of your gathering, skip mixing edible and non-edible items.