Description
These Viral Pine Cone Brownies are a delightful and visually stunning twist on classic brownies. Using a gluten-free boxed brownie mix, they are shaped into pine cone-like forms and decorated with almond slices for a realistic pine cone texture. The brownies are then dipped in melted chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar for a frosted wintery effect. Perfect as a festive treat or a creative dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 gluten-free/grain-free boxed brownie mix (such as Simple Mills) and required ingredients per package instructions
Decoration
- 1 cup sliced almonds (can substitute with cereal flakes)
Chocolate Coating
- 9 oz chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Finishing
- Powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Follow the brownie mix package instructions carefully, making sure not to overbake so the brownies remain gooey in the center and easy to shape. Once baked, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes until slightly firm but still soft enough to mold.
- Shape Pine Cones: Take the warm, soft brownie mixture and form it into approximately 12 cone shapes, similar to cake pops. Handle gently to maintain their shape.
- Add Almond ‘Scales’: Carefully press sliced almonds or cereal flakes in and around the brownie cones to mimic the layered scales of a pine cone. Be cautious as the cones are fragile at this stage.
- Freeze: Arrange the decorated pine cones on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up for dipping.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler method.
- Coat Pine Cones: Remove the pine cones from the freezer and carefully dip or coat each cone with the melted chocolate, ensuring an even layer. Place them back on the parchment-lined sheet to set.
- Finishing Touch: Once the chocolate has set, lightly dust the pine cone brownies with powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit to create a frosted, wintry look. Serve and enjoy your creative dessert!
Notes
- Every brownie mix behaves differently; the one recommended works best for this recipe but results may vary with others.
- If the melted chocolate is too thick for coating, add more coconut oil to thin it out for easier dipping.
- If the brownie mixture is crumbly and hard to shape, incorporate some chocolate or cream cheese frosting to help bind it better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pine cone brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
