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 was a hit at our family gatherings with kids excited to eat their salad in a new fun way
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 brings back fun family memories especially when kids help 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 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 2 g per serving
Save A fun and easy dessert that delights all ages and makes entertaining stress-free.
Common Questions
- → What gives the pinecones their shape?
The mixture of melted butter, chocolate, marshmallows, and Coco Pops is molded by hand into pinecone-like clusters, using sliced almonds pressed on for added texture.
- → Can the almonds be substituted?
Yes, sliced almonds can be swapped for sunflower seeds or omitted entirely for a nut-free option while still maintaining the pinecone texture.
- → How is the chocolate mixture melted?
Butter and chocolate are gently melted together over simmering water or in short microwave bursts, ensuring a smooth blend before adding marshmallows.
- → What greens are used beneath the clusters?
Baby spinach or fresh mint leaves create a fresh, vibrant bed for serving, adding a subtle contrast and enhancing presentation.
- → Can dark chocolate be used instead?
Absolutely, dark chocolate can be used for a richer, more intense flavor profile in the clusters.
- → How long should the pinecones chill?
Refrigerate the shaped clusters for about 20 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.