Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

This whimsical dessert features crunchy clusters formed from melted chocolate, butter, mini marshmallows, and Coco Pops. The mixture is shaped into pinecone-like ovals, with sliced almonds pressed into the surface to mimic scales. After chilling to set, the pinecones are dusted with icing sugar for a snowy effect. Served atop fresh baby spinach or mint leaves, and optionally garnished with halved strawberries, it combines playful textures and flavors in a fun presentation perfect for kids and adults alike.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:04:00 GMT
A close-up of a delightful Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad, perfect for kids. Save
A close-up of a delightful Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad, perfect for kids. | butterhollow.com

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 at family gatherings where both children and adults enjoy the crunchy texture and sweet flavors combined in a delightful salad form.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (60 g) Coco Pops (cocoa rice cereal): Base ingredient providing crunch
  • 1 cup (100 g) mini marshmallows: Adds sweetness and helps bind ingredients
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter: Used to melt with chocolate
  • 100 g milk chocolate, chopped: Provides rich chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic flavor
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) icing sugar: For dusting the finished pinecones
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced almonds: Optional for pinecone scales texture
  • 2 cups (40 g) baby spinach or mint leaves: Salad bed garnish
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) fresh strawberries, halved: Optional garnish

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.
This festive Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad is arranged on a bed of fresh greens, ready to enjoy. Save
This festive Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad is arranged on a bed of fresh greens, ready to enjoy. | butterhollow.com

This recipe has brought many joyful family moments where kids loved helping shape the pinecones and everyone enjoyed the fun presentation 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

Image shows a finished, snowy dusting on the adorable Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad, a fun treat. Save
Image shows a finished, snowy dusting on the adorable Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone Dessert Salad, a fun treat. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy this fun dessert that combines crunchy texture and sweet chocolate in a unique salad form perfect for any occasion.

Coco Pop Chocolate Pinecone

Crunchy chocolate pinecone clusters with Coco Pops and marshmallows on a fresh leafy bed.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat duration
5 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American-inspired

Output 6 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Base

01 2 cups Coco Pops (cocoa rice cereal)
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter
04 3.5 oz milk chocolate, chopped
05 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating & Decoration

01 1/3 cup powdered sugar for dusting
02 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Salad Bed

01 2 cups baby spinach or mint leaves
02 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, halved (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Melt butter and chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate over simmering water or in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.

Phase 03

Combine marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows and stir until just melted and incorporated.

Phase 04

Add vanilla extract: Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.

Phase 05

Incorporate Coco Pops: Gently fold Coco Pops into the mixture until fully coated.

Phase 06

Shape pinecones: With lightly greased hands, form small oval clusters. Press sliced almonds onto the surface if using, to resemble pinecone scales.

Phase 07

Chill pinecones: Arrange pinecones on the tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm.

Phase 08

Dust with sugar: Lightly dust each pinecone with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Phase 09

Assemble salad bed: Arrange baby spinach or mint leaves on a serving plate, then place pinecones on top. Garnish with strawberries if desired and serve chilled.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan or microwave
  • Spatula
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, soy (in some chocolates), nuts (if almonds used), and gluten (if Coco Pops not gluten-free). Verify packaging for allergens.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 2 g