If you’re looking for a delightfully sweet and creamy treat to bring some tropical cheer to your holiday table, this Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine bite-sized, luscious pineapple and cream cheese spheres coated in fluffy coconut that melt in your mouth with every bite. This recipe is not only festive and fun to make but also brings a perfect balance of tangy pineapple and smooth cream cheese, finished off with a little crunch and sweetness from graham crumbs and jello powder. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or simply want a charming snack to enjoy with friends, these Pineapple Christmas Balls will quickly become a cherished seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, each chosen for their distinct contribution to the tropical flavor, texture, and festive appearance of this dessert, make this recipe a breeze to prepare. The combination guarantees a luscious, creamy inside with a delightful, slightly crunchy exterior.
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained: Ensures your balls have a juicy tropical fruit base without becoming soggy.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut: Half for mixing in and half for coating, providing a snowy, festive look and extra chewiness.
- 1/2 cup graham crumbs: Introduces a subtle crunch and sweetness, enhancing the texture.
- 3 ounce packet pineapple jello: Brings an extra burst of pineapple flavor and helps firm up the mixture perfectly.
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese
Start by adding your softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it until it’s completely smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial because a silky cream cheese base creates the perfect creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Add Dry and Fruit Ingredients
Next, carefully add the very well-drained crushed pineapple, one cup of the desiccated coconut, the graham crumbs, and the entire packet of pineapple jello powder right into the bowl. No need to dissolve the jello beforehand — it will blend perfectly as you mix.
Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
Use your mixer or a sturdy spoon to fold all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is evenly combined to form a homogeneous mixture with vibrant pineapple flavor balanced by the creamy base.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it much easier to shape into those cute little balls.
Step 5: Form the Balls and Coat with Coconut
After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Then, generously roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut. This step not only enhances the festive look but adds an irresistible texture contrast with the soft inside.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Place your Pineapple Christmas Balls into a food-safe container and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to share this sweet holiday joy. Chilling tightens the flavors and keeps everything fresh.
How to Serve Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra desiccated coconut or even a few tiny edible gold stars on top to elevate the festive spirit. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely fresh contrast that brightens the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful pineapple balls with a creamy hot cocoa or a cup of spiced holiday tea to balance the tropical sweetness. They also make an excellent companion to a plate of holiday cookies or a fresh fruit platter for a stunning dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, place each Pineapple Christmas Ball in a mini cupcake liner or on a festive holiday platter lined with colorful tissue paper. You might even thread some on decorative skewers for an eye-catching edible garland at your party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their shape and freshness so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
Freezing
While these pineapple balls taste best fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
These Pineapple Christmas Balls are best served cold and do not require reheating. Allow frozen balls to thaw fully in the fridge to preserve their creamy, refreshing texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for the Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe?
Fresh pineapple can be used, but it’s essential to drain it very thoroughly to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Canned crushed pineapple is more consistent in moisture and texture for this recipe.
What can I substitute for the pineapple jello powder?
If you don’t have pineapple jello on hand, you can use unflavored gelatin with a little pineapple juice and sugar to mimic the flavor and setting effect, but the jello packet is the simplest choice.
Can these Pineapple Christmas Balls be made dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but be aware that the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Make sure your coconut is unsweetened and check if your jello powder is gelatin-free if avoiding animal products.
How long do Pineapple Christmas Balls last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these sweet treats will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them ideal for preparing just before your holiday gatherings.
Is it necessary to roll the balls in coconut?
Rolling the balls in coconut not only adds a beautiful snowy appearance but also gives a pleasing texture and helps prevent the balls from sticking together. It’s highly recommended for both presentation and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe is one of those nostalgic treats that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration. Its perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements makes it a true crowd-pleaser, and I encourage you to give it a try this season! Whether served as a festive snack or a charming dessert, these pineapple balls are sure to sweeten your holidays beautifully.
Print
Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy cream cheese, sweet pineapple, and tropical coconut, infused with pineapple jello for a festive flavor. These bite-sized balls are easy to make, perfect for holiday parties, and require chilling rather than cooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut (divided)
- 1/2 cup graham crumbs
- 3 ounce packet pineapple jello
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps to ensure a creamy texture in the final product.
- Add Dry and Fruit Ingredients: To the bowl, add the well-drained crushed pineapple, one cup of the desiccated coconut, the graham crumbs, and the pineapple jello powder directly from the packet—no need to prepare the jello beforehand.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine all ingredients well, mixing until fully incorporated into a homogeneous mixture.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for one hour to allow the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Form the Balls: After chilling, scoop the mixture by tablespoonfuls and roll each portion into balls using your hands.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut to coat the exterior evenly, providing texture and a festive look.
- Store and Serve: Place the finished pineapple balls in a food-safe container and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is very well drained to avoid excess moisture making the mixture too wet.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- The jello powder is added directly and not prepared to enhance flavor and firmness.
- Chilling is essential to firm the mixture for easy shaping.
- Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain shape and freshness.
