Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful and festive treat that combines creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures in every bite. These no-bake sweets are perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time. Their tropical pineapple flavor and coconut coating make them truly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, meticulously drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 ounces pineapple-flavored gelatin powder (dry, not prepared)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the room temperature cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 2: Add the drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of desiccated coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and the dry pineapple-flavored gelatin powder to the cream cheese.
- Step 3: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about one hour to allow it to set and firm up.
- Step 5: Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Place the finished balls in a food-safe container and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lime zest to the mixture before chilling.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, sprinkle a little powdered sugar into the mixture or roll the balls in sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened.
- To make these festive, consider decorating the balls with a small piece of maraschino cherry or a mint leaf on top.
Storage
Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because they contain cream cheese and fruit, keeping them chilled is essential to maintain freshness and texture. When ready to serve, simply remove them from the fridge and let sit for a few minutes at room temperature for the best flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these Pineapple Christmas Balls ahead of time?
Yes, these treats are perfect for making ahead. Preparing them a day in advance allows them to set properly in the fridge, making shaping easier and intensifying the flavors.
What can I use if I don’t have pineapple-flavored gelatin powder?
If pineapple-flavored gelatin powder is unavailable, you can try using unflavored gelatin with a small amount of pineapple juice concentrate or extract for flavor. However, be careful with the liquid amounts to keep the mixture firm enough to shape.
PrintPineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat combining the creamy smoothness of cream cheese with the tropical zest of crushed pineapple and the sweet crunch of graham cracker crumbs. Rolled in desiccated coconut, these bite-sized balls are perfect for festive celebrations and simple to prepare, requiring just chilling time to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, meticulously drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, divided
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 ounces pineapple-flavored gelatin powder (dry, unprepared)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Preparation: Place the room temperature cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of desiccated coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and the dry pineapple-flavored gelatin powder to the cream cheese. Ensure the gelatin powder is added dry, without any preparation.
- Mixing: Thoroughly mix all ingredients until they form a uniform mixture, ensuring that all components are well incorporated.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour to set and firm up, allowing it to become moldable for shaping into balls.
- Shaping the Balls: After chilling, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and shape each into a ball. Roll each ball evenly in the remaining 1 cup of desiccated coconut to coat.
- Storage for Serving: Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container and keep refrigerated until ready to serve, maintaining their shape and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ease mixing and achieve a smooth texture.
- Do not prepare the gelatin powder with water; add it dry as it helps to set the mixture when chilled.
- For best results, thoroughly drain the canned pineapple to avoid excess moisture which can make the mixture too soft.
- These balls can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Consider serving chilled for a refreshing taste and firmer texture.
Keywords: pineapple Christmas balls, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, cream cheese dessert, coconut balls, festive snacks
