Pin It 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 recipe quickly became a hit at family gatherings, with kids loving the crunchy texture and adults appreciating the nostalgic flavors.
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.
Pin It This dessert always brings smiles as families gather to enjoy the playful shapes and fresh flavors together.
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
Per serving Calories: 210 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 2 g
Pin It A fun and easy dessert that adds a whimsical touch to any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients form the base of this dessert?
The base combines cocoa rice cereal, mini marshmallows, unsalted butter, chopped milk chocolate, and vanilla extract melted and mixed together.
- → How are the pinecone shapes created?
The mixture is shaped into small oval clusters with hands, and sliced almonds are pressed on to mimic pinecone scales before chilling.
- → Can I use alternatives to sliced almonds for texture?
Yes, sunflower seeds can replace almonds for a nut-free option while maintaining a crunchy texture.
- → What garnish complements the dish?
Fresh baby spinach or mint leaves are arranged as a bed, with optional halved strawberries adding a burst of freshness.
- → How long does preparation take?
The total time for melting, mixing, shaping, chilling, and garnishing is approximately 30 minutes.
- → Is this friendly for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used support a vegetarian diet, focusing on dairy, cereal, and fruit elements.