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 smiles and joyful moments when shared at family gatherings.
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 dessert never fails to become a favorite at our family celebrations bringing joy and fun.
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 This Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad is both delightful and easy to prepare making it ideal for any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolate and butter?
Melt the butter and chocolate together gently over simmering water or use short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- → How can I shape the mixture into pinecones?
Use lightly greased hands to form oval clusters and press sliced almonds into the surface to mimic pinecone scales.
- → Can I substitute the sliced almonds?
Yes, sunflower seeds can be used as a nut-free alternative for added texture.
- → What leaves work best for the salad bed?
Baby spinach or fresh mint leaves are ideal for a fresh, vibrant bed that complements the pinecones.
- → How long should the pinecones chill before serving?
Refrigerate the pinecones for about 20 minutes to firm up before dusting with icing sugar and serving.
- → Can dark chocolate be used instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, using dark chocolate provides a richer flavor and works well with the other ingredients.