Chocolate Crackles

🧂 Ingredients

• 250g Copha (vegetable shortening, typically coconut oil based)(Copha is a solid coconut oil shortening that is key to the texture of these treats. Ensure it is fully melted.)
• 160g Rice Bubbles (puffed rice cereal)(Any brand of puffed rice cereal will work.)
• 125g Icing sugar (powdered sugar)(Sifted to avoid lumps.)
• 3 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder(Use good quality cocoa for best flavour. Sifted to avoid lumps.)
• 100g Desiccated coconut(Unsweetened desiccated coconut is recommended.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare your patty cases: Line a 24-cup muffin tin with paper or foil patty cases.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Melt the Copha: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the Copha. Stir occasionally until it is completely liquid and clear. Do not let it boil or overheat.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted icing sugar, sifted cocoa powder, desiccated coconut, and Rice Bubbles. Ensure they are well combined.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Combine wet and dry: Pour the melted Copha into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly with a large spoon or spatula until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. The mixture should look glossy and well-combined.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Portion the mixture: Working quickly before the mixture starts to set, spoon the chocolate mixture evenly into the prepared patty cases. Fill each case about two-thirds full.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Chill to set: Place the filled muffin tin in the refrigerator. Allow the Chocolate Crackles to set completely, which will take at least 1 hour. They should be firm to the touch.

   ⏱️ 1 hour
7. 7

   Serve: Once set, remove the Chocolate Crackles from the muffin tin. They are best served chilled.

   ⏱️ N/A

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Copha is essential for achieving the characteristic texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality of these treats.
• ✓Ensure your icing sugar and cocoa powder are sifted to prevent lumps in the final mixture.
• ✓Work relatively quickly when combining the melted Copha with the dry ingredients, as it will start to solidify as it cools.
• ✓These treats must be refrigerated to set properly and should be stored in the refrigerator.
• ✓A classic for school fetes and children's birthday parties, loved by generations.

🔄 Variations

• Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the melted Copha for extra flavour.
• Stir in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips with the dry ingredients.
• Decorate the tops with colourful sprinkles once spooned into the patty cases, before chilling.
• For a 'white chocolate' version, omit the cocoa powder and use melted white chocolate instead of Copha (adjusting quantities as needed and ensuring it's suitable for melting).

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving