Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a refreshing and creamy treat perfect for holiday gatherings. These bite-sized delights combine sweet pineapple with cream cheese and coconut for a festive and easy-to-make dessert.

Ingredients

• 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup graham crumbs
• 3 ounce packet pineapple jello

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the softened cream cheese into a large bowl. Use a mixer to beat it until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Step 2: Add the drained crushed pineapple, one cup of the coconut, graham crumbs, and the entire packet of pineapple jello powder directly into the bowl.
3. Step 3: Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour to allow the mixture to firm up.
5. Step 5: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a ball.
6. Step 6: Roll each ball in the remaining coconut until coated.
7. Step 7: Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls into a food-safe container and keep refrigerated until serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the pineapple is very well drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and difficult to roll.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the mixture before chilling.
• Substitute graham crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if preferred.
• Roll the balls in chopped nuts instead of coconut for a different texture.

Storage

Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume chilled. If needed, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Pineapple Christmas Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. They hold their shape well and the flavors will meld together nicely.

Do I need to prepare the pineapple jello before adding it?

No, the pineapple jello powder is added directly to the mixture without any preparation. It helps to bind the ingredients and adds extra flavor.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.4 from 56 reviews

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful, no-bake dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, graham crumbs, and pineapple jello, these sweet and tangy treats are rolled in desiccated coconut for a festive look and added texture. They require minimal preparation and refrigeration, making them an easy and crowd-pleasing holiday snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 balls (based on 1 tablespoon per ball) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut (divided: 1 cup for mixing, 1 cup for rolling)
• 1/2 cup graham crumbs
• 3 ounce packet pineapple jello powder

Instructions

1. Prepare Cream Cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese to a large bowl. Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Combine Ingredients: To the beaten cream cheese, add the well-drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of desiccated coconut, graham crumbs, and the entire packet of pineapple jello powder. There is no need to dissolve the jello beforehand; sprinkle it directly into the bowl.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir or mix the ingredients well until they are completely combined into a homogeneous mixture.
4. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for one hour to firm up the mixture and enhance flavors.
5. Form Balls: After chilling, use a tablespoon to scoop portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
6. Coat Balls: Roll each formed ball in the remaining 1 cup of desiccated coconut, ensuring an even coating for texture and appearance.
7. Storage: Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the canned pineapple very well to prevent excess moisture which can make the mixture too soft.
• Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• The pineapple jello powder adds flavor and helps the balls set without needing to be cooked or baked.
• Keep the balls refrigerated until serving to maintain firmness.
• These treats can be made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld for even better taste.

Keywords: Pineapple Christmas Balls, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, pineapple jello dessert, coconut balls, cream cheese dessert