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 brings back fond memories of family gatherings where kids and adults alike enjoyed the playful presentation and sweet taste.
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 This recipe often sparks joy around the family table as everyone eagerly reaches for the pinecone desserts.
Notes
Mint leaves add freshness and contrast to the rich chocolate dessert.
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.
Save A delightful dessert that's both visually charming and deliciously satisfying to make and share.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you shape the pinecones?
Use lightly greased hands to form the mixture into small oval clusters. Press sliced almonds into the surface to resemble pinecone scales.
- → Can I substitute the cocoa rice cereal?
Yes, similar puffed cereals or rice crisps can be used, but they may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- → What chocolate is best for melting?
Milk chocolate melts smoothly and provides a creamy taste, but dark chocolate can be used for a richer flavor profile.
- → Is refrigeration necessary?
Refrigerating the shaped clusters for about 20 minutes helps them firm up and maintain their shape when served.
- → Are there nut-free variations?
Yes, omit sliced almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds to avoid nuts.
- → What is the purpose of the greens bed?
Baby spinach or mint leaves serve as a fresh, vibrant base enhancing presentation and adding a subtle flavor contrast.