Every year around the holidays, my kitchen turns into a whirlwind of festive chaos, and I love every second of it! I’m sure many of you can relate. It’s that time when family and friends gather, and the air fills with laughter, warmth, and, of course, delicious aromas. Amidst all the baking and cooking, there’s always a spot for something sweet and fun to brighten the table. That’s when I whip up my Pineapple Christmas Balls – an easy treat that’s sure to be a hit!
Now, don’t let the name fool you! They’re not just for Christmas. These delightful bites are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a cozy evening at home with loved ones. The best part is that they’re simple to make and require no baking, which means anyone can join in on the fun! I still remember the first time I made these with my kids. We had shredded coconut flying everywhere, but the joy and laughter made it so worth it.
You might be thinking, “These sound great, but I’m not a pro in the kitchen!” Trust me, you don’t have to be! Whipping up these Pineapple Christmas Balls is as easy as pie. All you need are a few simple ingredients and about an hour of your time. If you can mix and roll, you can make these delicious treats! Plus, the vibrant tropical flavor from the pineapple and the creamy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, if you’re looking for a sweet addition to your holiday spread or a fun treat to share with family and friends, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! I promise you’ll be the star of the kitchen with these Pineapple Christmas Balls. They’re not only pleasing to the eye but to the palate too. Let’s get to the recipe, shall we?
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 398 mL of crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups of fine desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1 packet (3 ounces) of pineapple-flavored gelatin
Directions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and place the softened cream cheese inside. If you’ve got a mixer, use it—it’ll help turn the cream cheese into a smooth mixture without any lumps!
- Next, add in the drained pineapple, one cup of the desiccated coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and the pineapple gelatin powder. No need to dissolve the gelatin in water; just toss it right in the bowl!
- Now, combine everything thoroughly until you have a perfectly smooth mixture. It’s important that it’s well mixed so every bite has that great flavor.
- Once you’re done mixing, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling time helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
- After chilling, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions, rolling them into small balls with your hands. Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut to give them that lovely, snowy look!
Finally, store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to share these tasty morsels with everyone.
Storing Suggestions
These Pineapple Christmas Balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Cooking Tips
For a bit of extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the mixture. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the finished balls for a sweet twist. Adjust the sweetness by using sweetened coconut if you desire a richer flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Pineapple Christmas Balls on a festive platter, and they’ll be the center of attention. Pair them with a tropical drink or a light, refreshing tea to complement the flavors. A sprinkle of extra desiccated coconut or a few pineapple slices can make for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still holds that creamy texture. You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or even crushed cookies for a different flavor profile!
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. You could also incorporate other seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries in the mix for delicious variations!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and coconut, which may pose allergies for some individuals. You can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives if needed. Be sure to avoid cross-contamination if serving those with nut allergies to ensure everyone’s safety!
FAQ:
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a delightful texture and flavor to the balls. Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before mixing it into the batter to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
How long do these Pineapple Christmas Balls last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these treats can last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for about three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the graham cracker crumbs. However, you can substitute those with gluten-free crushed cookies or oat flour to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can make these Pineapple Christmas Balls a day or two before your event. Just prepare and store them in the fridge, covered. This way, they’ll be ready to enjoy without any last-minute fuss!
What can I use instead of pineapple-flavored gelatin?
If you don’t have pineapple gelatin, consider using unflavored gelatin or a different flavored gelatin, like raspberry or strawberry, for a unique twist. Just keep in mind it’ll change the flavor slightly!
Can I incorporate other flavors into this recipe?
Definitely! You can add different flavored extracts, such as coconut, vanilla, or even a bit of rum extract, to enhance the flavor. Experimenting with these can create fun variations to the original recipe!
Pineapple Christmas Balls
Ingredients
- 398 mL crushed pineapple very well drained
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 packet pineapple-flavored gelatin 3-ounce
Instructions
- Start by putting the softened cream cheese into a big bowl. A mixer works great here; it’ll make the cream cheese nice and smooth without any lumps.
- Next, stir in the drained pineapple, one cup of the desiccated coconut, the graham cracker crumbs, and the pineapple gelatin powder. No need to mix the jello with water first—just toss it right in!
- Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined. You want a nice, smooth mixture.
- Pop the bowl in the fridge for about an hour to chill. This helps the mixture firm up a bit.
- Once it’s chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions and roll them into little balls. Then, roll each ball in the remaining coconut to give it that lovely finish!
- Place your delicious Pineapple Christmas Balls into a food-safe container and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
