Pin A whimsical, crunchy dessert featuring chocolate-coated nut clusters shaped like pinecones, perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant woodland treat.
A cozy dessert that brings festive charm and crunchy delight to any occasion.
Ingredients
- Chocolate: 200 g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) chopped, 50 g milk chocolate chopped
- Nuts & Seeds: 100 g whole almonds toasted, 75 g pecan halves toasted
- Crunch: 60 g cornflake cereal (gluten-free if needed)
- Decoration: 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Melt the dark and milk chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Add the toasted almonds, pecan halves, and cornflakes to the melted chocolate. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4:
- Using two spoons, scoop 12 portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping each into an oval or pinecone form.
- Step 5:
- Arrange extra nut halves on top to resemble overlapping pinecone scales, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 6:
- Refrigerate clusters for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
- Step 7:
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Pin These clusters quickly became a family favorite, perfect for sharing by the fireplace during the holidays.
Notes
Serve with a glass of tawny port or a cup of espresso for an elegant touch. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 1 week.
Required Tools
Heatproof bowl, Saucepan (if using double boiler), Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Spoons
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds pecans) milk (chocolate) and may contain traces of gluten (check cornflakes).
Pin A delightful treat that combines festive presentation with simple preparation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of chocolate is best for these clusters?
Using a mix of dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) and milk chocolate provides a balanced rich and creamy taste that coats the nuts and cornflakes well.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in this dish?
Yes, you can replace almonds and pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts depending on your preference or availability.
- → How do I maintain the pinecone shape while forming clusters?
Use two spoons to gently scoop and shape the mixture into oval or pinecone forms, then press extra nut halves on top to mimic scales.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this snack?
Ensure the cornflake cereal is gluten-free if needed to maintain a gluten-free treat suitable for sensitive diets.
- → What is the best way to store these clusters?
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- → Can additional crunch be added to the clusters?
Yes, adding roasted pumpkin seeds enhances the texture and adds a nutty flavor.