Save A whimsical, crunchy dessert featuring chocolate-coated nut clusters shaped like pinecones, perfect for holiday gatherings or as an elegant woodland treat.
Perfect for holiday parties I love making these as a unique dessert that surprises guests with its texture and look
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 My family always looks forward to these treats during the holidays especially my kids who enjoy helping with the shaping process
Notes
Substitute walnuts or hazelnuts for the almonds and pecans if preferred. For extra crunch add 2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds. 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). Always verify ingredient labels for gluten and nut contamination if serving to those with allergies.
Save These pinecone chocolate nut clusters make an impressive dessert that combines taste and visual appeal beautifully
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I achieve the pinecone shape with the nut clusters?
After mixing the chocolate and nuts, spoon the mixture onto parchment paper in oval shapes. Press extra nut halves on top to resemble overlapping pinecone scales before chilling.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for almonds and pecans?
Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile or texture.
- → Is it necessary to use both dark and milk chocolate?
Combining dark and milk chocolate provides a balanced sweetness and depth of flavor, but you may use either type alone based on preference.
- → How long should I chill the clusters before serving?
Refrigerate the clusters for 20 to 30 minutes until they firm up and hold their shape.
- → Are these clusters gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornflake cereal and verify other ingredient labels to avoid gluten contamination.
- → What is the best way to store these clusters?
Keep them in an airtight container at a cool room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.