Save A whimsical, crunchy dessert featuring chocolate, Coco Pops, and marshmallows, crafted into pinecone shapes and served as a playful salad for kids and adults alike.
This dessert has always been a hit at family gatherings, especially with the kids who love shaping the pinecones themselves.
Ingredients
- Base: 2 cups (60 g) Coco Pops (cocoa rice cereal), 1 cup (100 g) mini marshmallows, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, 100 g milk chocolate, chopped, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Coating & Decoration: 1/3 cup (50 g) icing sugar (for dusting), 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced almonds (optional, for added texture)
- Salad Bed: 2 cups (40 g) baby spinach or mint leaves (for garnish/serving bed), 1/2 cup (80 g) fresh strawberries, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together over a pan of simmering water or in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Add mini marshmallows and stir until just melted and combined.
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in Coco Pops until well coated.
- Step 6:
- With lightly greased hands, take small handfuls of the mixture and shape into oval, pinecone-like clusters. Press sliced almonds into the surface (if using) to mimic pinecone scales.
- Step 7:
- Place pinecones on the prepared tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
- Step 8:
- Dust each pinecone with icing sugar for a snowy effect.
- Step 9:
- Arrange baby spinach or mint leaves on a serving platter to form a salad bed. Place the chocolate pinecones on top. Garnish with strawberries if desired. Serve chilled.
Save Watching the kids enjoy shaping and eating these chocolaty pinecones has created some of my fondest family memories.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Saucepan or microwave, Spatula, Baking tray, Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, chocolate), soy (some chocolates), nuts (if using almonds), and gluten (if Coco Pops are not gluten-free). Check all labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 per serving, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 2 g
Save This delightful dessert adds a fun twist to any gathering with minimal prep and maximum enjoyment.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes the pinecones crunchy?
The crunch comes from the cocoa rice cereal combined with mini marshmallows, which bind the mixture while retaining texture.
- → Can I substitute the sliced almonds?
Yes, sunflower seeds or other nuts can be used for texture or omitted for a nut-free version.
- → How do I prevent the clusters from sticking to hands?
Lightly grease your hands with butter to shape the mixture into pinecone-like clusters easily without sticking.
- → What is the purpose of the icing sugar dusting?
The icing sugar adds a snowy visual effect and a touch of sweetness to the pinecone shapes.
- → How should the chocolate pinecones be served?
Arrange them chilled on a bed of baby spinach or mint leaves, with optional fresh strawberry halves for garnish.