Save to Pinterest A whimsical, crunchy dessert featuring chocolate-coated nut clusters shaped like pinecones, perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant woodland treat.
This rustic dessert quickly became a favorite in my family because it combines rich chocolate with crunchy nuts in a unique shape.
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.
Save to Pinterest My family enjoys making these clusters together, especially shaping them into pinecones which makes it a fun holiday tradition.
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)
Nutritional Information
Calories 165 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 3 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest A delightful treat that combines simplicity and elegance bringing warmth to any gathering.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What nuts are used in these clusters?
Toasted almonds and pecan halves provide a rich, crunchy base, though walnuts or hazelnuts can be substituted for variety.
- → How is the pinecone shape achieved?
The clusters are shaped into ovals using spoons, then topped with additional nut halves arranged to mimic overlapping pinecone scales.
- → Can I make these clusters gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free cornflake cereal ensures the clusters remain suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- → What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth to prevent burning.
- → How should these clusters be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool place for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Can the crunch be enhanced?
Adding roasted pumpkin seeds can increase the crunch and add a subtle nutty flavor.