Ah, the sand roses… If you grew up in France, it’s impossible not to have bitten into these little chocolate crispy wonders. It’s the kind of dessert that takes you straight back to childhood, when you could eat a dozen without any guilt (and without gaining a gram, ah, the good old days!). But these treats are not just reserved for school memories: they are also perfect for impromptu snacks, birthday parties, or just when you have a sudden craving for chocolate. In short, it’s the quick and easy dessert that always makes a little impression.
In this article, we will see how to make perfect sand roses, as crispy as desired, with variants for every taste. You’ll see, it’s so simple that you’ll wonder why you don’t make them every week!
Necessary ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need in your cupboards. And the best part? You will only need 4 ingredients! Simple, quick, and effective.
- 200 g of dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, according to your preferences)
- 100 g of butter (for the melting and incomparable taste)
- 100 g of corn flakes (for the perfect crunch)
- 1 tablespoon of icing sugar (optional, for those who like a bit more sweetness)
Tip: If you want your sand roses to be even more indulgent, add a handful of crushed hazelnuts or caramel bits. It adds an irresistible little twist!
Preparation steps
Let’s get down to business. Put on your apron, and let’s get started on a quick and fuss-free preparation.
Melting the chocolate and butter
This is the most technical moment… or not! You have two options:
- Double boiler: Melt the dark chocolate with the butter in a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently to achieve a smooth mixture.
- Microwave: Quicker, but be careful not to burn the chocolate! Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time.
Advice: If you are using milk chocolate, reduce the icing sugar a little to avoid it being too sweet.
Mix with corn flakes
- Pour the corn flakes into a large bowl.
- Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture. Here, be gentle: the goal is to coat the cereals well without crushing them. Use a flexible spatula to mix them well.
Grandma’s little secret: If you want your sand roses to be even crunchier, use unsweetened corn flakes. It balances wonderfully with the chocolate.
Forming the sand roses
To give your sand roses a nice shape:
- Place small mounds of the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use two spoons to form small irregular mounds (that’s what gives them their authentic look).
Pro tip: If you want perfectly round shapes, use silicone molds or paper cups. Plus, it gives a chic pastry effect!
Resting time and storage
- Put your sand roses in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for them to harden well.
- For storage, place them in an airtight box. They will stay crunchy for up to 2 weeks… well, if you manage not to devour them all beforehand!
Advice: Don’t leave them at room temperature for too long, especially if it’s hot. The chocolate might melt and goodbye crunchiness!
Indulgent variants
Because we don’t all have the same tastes (and that’s a good thing), here are some ideas to customize your sand roses.
Sand roses with milk chocolate
For the more indulgent:
- Replace the dark chocolate with milk chocolate.
- Be careful, it’s sweeter, so adjust the icing sugar accordingly, or even omit it altogether.
Dairy-free version
Because there’s no reason to deprive yourself:
- Use vegan dark chocolate and plant-based butter (like margarine or coconut oil).
- The result is just as delicious, with a little exotic touch if you choose coconut oil!
Adding dried fruits or nuts
For a more sophisticated version:
- Add crushed hazelnuts, sliced almonds, or even raisins.
- The combination of the crunch of the corn flakes and the crunchiness of the nuts is just irresistible!
Tips and tricks
How to prevent sand roses from softening?
- Store them in an airtight box in the refrigerator, especially in hot weather.
- Avoid stacking them or place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer.
Customize the recipe to your taste
Because we all like to add our little touch:
- Use different cereals like Choco Pops for an even more chocolaty effect.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for an amazing sweet-salty contrast.
FAQ about sand roses
- Can we use other types of chocolate? Yes, white chocolate works too, but the result will be much sweeter.
- How long can we keep them? Up to 2 weeks in an airtight box, but let’s face it, they’re gone long before that!
- Can I freeze them? It’s better to avoid, as the corn flakes might soften after thawing.
Now it’s your turn!
There you go, you now know everything about sand roses, from classic versions to the most indulgent variants. So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and enjoy!
If you liked this recipe, feel free to share this article on your social networks or send it to your foodie friends. And if you want to discover more quick and easy desserts, take a look at our other recipes!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
