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 become a favorite at family gatherings because it brings out everyone's inner child with its crunchy texture and chocolatey taste.
Ingredients
- 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:
- 1/3 cup (50 g) icing sugar: for dusting
- 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced almonds: optional for added texture
- 2 cups (40 g) baby spinach or mint leaves: for garnish or serving bed
- 1/2 cup (80 g) fresh strawberries: halved and 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 is a hit in our family especially during holiday seasons when kids enjoy helping shape the pinecones.
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 Enjoy this playful, chocolaty treat that doubles as a delightful salad centerpiece for gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the pinecone clusters?
Use lightly greased hands to form oval clusters from the coated mixture, then press sliced almonds onto the surface to resemble pinecone scales.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for allergies?
Yes, you can replace sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them for a nut-free version. Check cocoa rice cereal for gluten content if needed.
- → What chocolate works best for melting?
Milk chocolate melts smoothly for this dessert, but dark chocolate can be used for a richer flavor profile.
- → How long should the clusters chill before serving?
Refrigerate the shaped clusters for about 20 minutes until firm to ensure they hold their pinecone shape.
- → What fresh greens can I use as a base?
Baby spinach or fresh mint leaves provide a fresh, leafy bed that complements the sweet clusters and adds visual appeal.