Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone

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 has been a hit every time I've made it for family gatherings, bringing smiles and a bit of nostalgia.

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

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

Check price on Amazon

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 a joyful family moment as kids love shaping the pinecones and everyone enjoys the sweet crunchy texture together.

Notes

Mint leaves add freshness and contrast to the rich chocolate 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.

Pin it

Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.

Check price on Amazon

This recipe is perfect for quick festive treats that impress with minimal effort.

Common Questions

→ How do I shape the clusters into pinecones?

After coating the Coco Pops with melted chocolate and marshmallows, form small oval clusters with your hands. Press sliced almonds onto the surface to mimic pinecone scales.

→ Can I substitute the almonds?

Yes, sliced almonds can be swapped for sunflower seeds or omitted entirely for a nut-free option.

→ What chocolate works best for this dish?

Milk chocolate provides a creamy sweetness, but dark chocolate can be used for a richer, more intense flavor.

→ How should this dish be served?

Arrange the pinecone clusters chilled on a bed of baby spinach or mint leaves and optionally garnish with halved fresh strawberries for a fresh contrast.

→ Is there a way to add freshness to this sweet dish?

Including fresh mint leaves or baby spinach as a serving bed adds a refreshing note and balances the sweetness.