Sweet Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat

Sweet treats become magical when classic pineapple Christmas balls combine tropical flavor with festive cheer.

Delicate ingredients dance together in a simple yet delightful confection.

Memories of holiday gatherings spark joy with each bite-sized delight.

Tropical notes weave through traditional seasonal recipes, creating something wonderfully unexpected.

Coconut and pineapple merge in a delectable combination that surprises and satisfies.

Small hands can help roll these delightful spheres, making baking a shared celebration.

You’ll love how quickly these morsels come together, promising smiles around the table.

Dive into this recipe and let deliciousness unfold.

FAQs

• Are Pineapple Christmas Balls difficult to make?

No, they’re super easy! With just a few simple steps of mixing, chilling, and rolling, anyone can prepare these delightful treats in under an hour.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed canned pineapple?

It’s best to use canned crushed pineapple because it’s already drained and provides the right moisture level for the recipe. Fresh pineapple might make the mixture too wet.

• How long can Pineapple Christmas Balls stay fresh?

These festive treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days in a sealed container, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Standout Qualities

• Whip Up Festive Treats: Create delightful holiday snacks that bring joy to your Christmas gathering with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend ingredients in one bowl, chill, and roll into adorable bite-sized balls without complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Dessert: Engage kids in the fun rolling process and enjoy a sweet treat that pleases all ages with its tropical pineapple and coconut flavors.
• No-Bake Holiday Delight: Skip the oven and make these refreshing no-bake dessert balls that are perfect for busy holiday seasons and last-minute entertaining.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Ingredient List

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy dairy product that provides a rich and tangy foundation for the Christmas balls.
• Crushed Pineapple: A sweet and juicy fruit that adds moisture and tropical flavor to the mixture.
• Pineapple Jello Mix: A gelatin-based powder that enhances the pineapple flavor and helps bind the ingredients.

• Coconut, Graham Crumbs: These ingredients work together to create a delightful crumbly texture and add a sweet, nutty flavor to the Christmas balls.

• Food-Safe Container: A clean container that keeps the pineapple Christmas balls fresh and protected in the refrigerator.

Steps for Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese

Beat the cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until it becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Use an electric mixer to ensure a light and fluffy texture that will blend perfectly with other ingredients.

Step 2: Blend Tropical Ingredients

• Drained crushed pineapple
• Shredded coconut
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Pineapple gelatin powder

Combine all these ingredients with the whipped cream cheese, stirring until every component is evenly distributed and creates a harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it rest for approximately 60 minutes.

This cooling period helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle when shaping.

Step 4: Form Festive Treats

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture.

Roll each portion between your palms to create perfectly round balls.

The cold mixture will help maintain the shape and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Create Coconut Coating

Roll each ball in the remaining shredded coconut, ensuring a complete and even coverage.

The coconut adds a delightful tropical crunch and beautiful appearance.

Step 6: Preserve and Serve

Transfer the completed pineapple balls to a sealed container.

Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve these delectable holiday treats.

They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Balls

• Squeeze out excess moisture from crushed pineapple using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy balls and ensure a firm texture.
• Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour, or even overnight, to help the balls hold their shape and make rolling easier.
• Keep a small bowl of cold water nearby to dampen your hands while shaping the balls, preventing the mixture from sticking to your palms.
• These festive treats can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday entertaining.
• Swap graham crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pineapple Ball Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham crumbs with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Tropical Flavor Boost: Swap pineapple jello with mango or passion fruit jello for an exotic taste profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free jello mix and low-fat cream cheese to reduce overall sugar and calorie content.
• Vegan Christmas Balls: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream, use vegan graham crackers, and replace jello with agar-agar powder for a plant-based version.

Serving Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange pineapple Christmas balls on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
• Tropical Serving Style: Pair these sweet treats with coconut rum cocktails or chilled white wine for an elegant tropical-inspired dessert experience.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside light shortbread cookies and herbal tea for a delightful mid-afternoon snack that feels both refreshing and indulgent.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package these coconut-coated balls in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons as charming homemade holiday gifts for friends and family.

Pineapple Ball Storage Solutions

• Keep Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape.
• Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months, ensuring they remain fresh and prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen Pineapple Christmas Balls from freezer to refrigerator 4-6 hours before serving, allowing them to defrost slowly and maintain their original texture.
• Let chilled or thawed balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their creamy texture and release full flavor profile.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with Pineapple Christmas Balls, a delightful festive treat blending tropical flavors and classic dessert charm. Guests will savor these bite-sized delicacies that bring warmth and cheer to seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup graham crumbs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Fruit and Flavor Components:

• 398 milliliters (13.4 fluid ounces) canned crushed pineapple, well drained
• 3 ounces (85 grams) pineapple jello mix

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, vigorously whip the cream cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate drained crushed pineapple, coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and pineapple jello powder into the cream cheese base.
3. Blend ingredients meticulously, ensuring comprehensive integration of all components.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for approximately 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
5. Using a tablespoon, extract portions of the chilled mixture and gently form into compact, uniform spheres.
6. Roll each formed ball generously in the remaining coconut, creating a delicate, textured exterior.
7. Transfer the completed pineapple spheres into a sealed, food-safe container and maintain refrigeration until serving time.

Notes

• Drain pineapple completely to prevent soggy texture and ensure proper ball formation.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier blending of ingredients.
• Toast coconut briefly for enhanced nutty flavor and added crunch when coating the balls.
• Make these treats gluten-free by substituting graham crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg