Opened warm foil parcel with toasted coconut cluster inside
Opened warm foil parcel with toasted coconut cluster inside
To serve, set the slow cooker on the potluck table with a small spoon or tongs beside it. Guests can lift out a warm foil parcel, pinch it open at the top, and either eat the toasted coconut cluster straight from the foil or tip it onto a small plate.
If you’d like, place a single toasted coconut flake on top of each closed parcel for a pretty hint of what’s inside without giving away the full secret.
Variations & Tips
For a nuttier version, swap the pecans for chopped almonds and add a tiny drop of almond extract to the coconut mixture before filling the foil squares. If you’re cooking for folks who can’t have nuts, simply leave them out and increase the coconut to 2 1/2 cups; the clusters will still toast beautifully and taste like a Mounds bar in foil.
Served coconut cluster tipped onto a small dessert plate
Served coconut cluster tipped onto a small dessert plate
You can also use dark chocolate chips for a less-sweet treat, or white chocolate chips for a sweeter, candy-shop feel (just watch closely, as white chocolate can scorch more easily). If you prefer a chewier texture, stir 2–3 tablespoons of mini marshmallows into the coconut mixture before scooping, and shorten the cook time slightly so they melt without disappearing.
For larger gatherings, the recipe doubles easily—just be sure your slow cooker can hold two generous layers of parcels, and rotate the top and bottom layers halfway through for even toasting. To dress them up for holidays, tuck a few colored sprinkles or a single dried cherry into each parcel before closing; when guests pinch them open, they’ll get a little pop of color along with the warm, toasty coconut.
