The holiday season is all about indulgent treats and creating lasting memories in the kitchen. While traditional Christmas desserts like cookies, pies, and cakes always have their place, sometimes you need something a little different to brighten up the dessert table. Enter Pineapple Christmas Balls, a tropical twist on festive no-bake treats that are perfect for any holiday occasion.
With their sweet, tangy pineapple flavor, creamy texture, and delicate coating of coconut, these bite-sized delights are as delicious as they are beautiful. They’re incredibly easy to make and don’t require any baking, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your Christmas celebrations.
These Pineapple Christmas Balls are a hit for parties, gifting, or simply enjoying at home. The vibrant pineapple flavor adds a touch of sunshine to the colder months, while the snowy coconut coating keeps them firmly in the Christmas spirit.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Christmas Balls
1. No Baking Required
Skip the oven and save time—these treats come together with just a few simple steps.
2. Festive and Fun
The snowball-like appearance, thanks to the coconut coating, makes these a perfect holiday dessert.
3. Tropical Flavor
The combination of crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and pineapple-flavored gelatin creates a unique and refreshing treat that stands out from traditional holiday desserts.
4. Perfect for Gifting
Pack these in a decorative tin or gift box for a thoughtful, homemade present.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
These treats can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, freeing up your time for other holiday activities.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tropical no-bake delights:
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple (drained): The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and tangy flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Provides a creamy, smooth base.
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut: Adds texture and creates the snowy coating.
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs: Balances the sweetness with a hint of crunch.
- 3 ounces pineapple-flavored gelatin powder: Enhances the pineapple flavor and adds a subtle firmness to the mixture.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 24 balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Cream Cheese
- Place the cream cheese (at room temperature) in a large mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps. This step ensures a creamy texture in the final product.
2: Combine the Ingredients
- To the bowl of cream cheese, add the drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of desiccated coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and pineapple-flavored gelatin powder.
- Note: Use the gelatin powder in its dry form—do not prepare it with water.
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until you achieve a uniform mixture.
3: Chill the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Chilling is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
4: Shape the Balls
- Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture.
- Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball.
- Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
5: Store and Serve
- Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container.
- Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- These treats are best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Pineapple Christmas Balls are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange them with other festive treats like fudge, truffles, or cookies for a beautiful spread.
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in holiday-themed tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Party Treats: Serve them on a decorative platter at holiday parties or potlucks—they’re easy to grab and enjoy.
- Individual Portions: Place them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Christmas Balls
- Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess moisture can make the mixture too soft to roll, so press the crushed pineapple with a spoon or sieve to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Chill for the Right Time: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the mixture firm up and makes shaping much easier.
- Use Fine Coconut: Fine desiccated coconut works best for coating the balls evenly and creating a smooth appearance.
- Portion Evenly: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop for consistent-sized balls.
- Customize the Coating: Roll the balls in crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for a different texture.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate-Coconut Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolatey flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
- Festive Colors: Add a few drops of green or red food coloring to the coconut for a holiday-themed coating.
- Different Flavors: Substitute the pineapple gelatin with lime or orange gelatin for a tropical flavor twist.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigeration: Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These treats freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, but fresh pineapple should be finely chopped and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These treats are perfect for making in advance since they store well in the fridge.
Q: What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
A: You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive touch.
Q: How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
A: Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar or wear disposable gloves when rolling the balls.
Conclusion
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their tropical flavor, creamy texture, and festive appearance make them a standout treat that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these no-bake treats are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
So grab your ingredients, chill that mixture, and get rolling—these Pineapple Christmas Balls are ready to become your new holiday tradition. Enjoy, and happy holidays!
Print
Pineapple Christmas Balls – Easy No-Bake Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tangy pineapple, creamy cheese, and snowy coconut come together in these no-bake Pineapple Christmas Balls. A festive, easy-to-make holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 398 mL canned crushed pineapple (drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 oz pineapple-flavored gelatin powder
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in crushed pineapple, 1 cup of coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and dry gelatin powder.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour.
- Shape into balls and coat in the remaining coconut.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American