Save to Pinterest 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 creating fun treats with my family every holiday season.
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 to Pinterest Sharing these pinecone desserts always brings smiles and joy to our family gatherings, making every bite special.
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 , Total Fat 8 g , Carbohydrates 32 g , Protein 2 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This dessert is a delightful mix of texture and sweetness perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you shape the pinecones?
After mixing coated cereal with chocolate and marshmallows, press small handfuls into oval clusters and gently press almond slices onto the surface to mimic pinecone scales.
- → Can I substitute the almonds?
Yes, sliced almonds can be replaced with sunflower seeds or omitted entirely for a nut-free option.
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolate and butter?
Melt chocolate and butter slowly over simmering water or use short microwave bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
- → How should the dessert be served?
Arrange the pinecone clusters chilled on a bed of baby spinach or mint leaves and optionally garnish with halved fresh strawberries for added freshness.
- → Is it okay to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, using dark chocolate adds richer flavor and can be a great alternative based on taste preference.