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 always brings a smile to family gatherings, blending fun shapes with sweet flavors everyone loves.
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 creates fun family moments especially during holidays when kids enjoy the playful shapes.
Notes
Mint leaves add freshness and contrast.
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 Enjoy this delightful dessert that balances whimsy and taste perfectly.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a richer and less sweet flavor without affecting the overall texture.
- → What alternatives are there for the sliced almonds?
Sliced almonds can be swapped with sunflower seeds or omitted entirely for a nut-free option while maintaining texture.
- → How should I store the pinecone clusters?
Keep them refrigerated until serving to ensure they stay firm and maintain their shape.
- → Can I prepare the chocolate pinecones ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- → What is the purpose of the baby spinach or mint leaves?
They form a fresh, green bed for serving, offering contrast in both flavor and presentation.