Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone (Printable)
Crunchy chocolate clusters with cocoa cereal shaped into pinecones over a fresh leafy base.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 cups Coco Pops (cocoa rice cereal, approx. 2 oz)
02 - 1 cup mini marshmallows (approx. 3.5 oz)
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
04 - 3.5 oz milk chocolate, chopped
05 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Coating & Decoration
06 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar, approx. 1.75 oz) for dusting
07 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds (approx. 1 oz), optional
→ Salad Bed
08 - 2 cups baby spinach or mint leaves (approx. 1.4 oz) for garnish
09 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, halved (approx. 3 oz), optional
# How-to Steps:
01 - Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Gently melt butter and chopped milk chocolate together over simmering water or in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
03 - Add mini marshmallows to the melted mixture and stir until just melted and fully combined.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
05 - Fold in Coco Pops gently until evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
06 - Using lightly greased hands, shape small handfuls of the mixture into oval pinecone-like clusters; press sliced almonds onto the surface if desired to replicate pinecone scales.
07 - Place shaped pinecones on the prepared tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
08 - Dust each pinecone with powdered sugar for a snow-like appearance.
09 - Arrange baby spinach or mint leaves on a serving platter, place the pinecones atop, and garnish with halved strawberries if using. Serve chilled.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It feels like a playful secret, turning simple Coco Pops and marshmallows into a magical pinecone treat.
- The contrast of textures and the fun presentation quickly made it a family favorite that everyone asks for again.
02 -
- The marshmallows must just melt and not burn; keep the heat low and stir gently to avoid grainy texture.
- Pressing the almonds delicately simulates pinecone scales and adds crunch, which really elevates the experience.
03 -
- Use a gentle folding technique when mixing in Coco Pops to retain maximum crunch.
- Chilling well before dusting with icing sugar ensures the sugar stays on top instead of melting in.