Sweet Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance through my kitchen when I craft these delightful pineapple christmas balls.

Tropical flavors merge perfectly with festive cheer in this delectable treat.

Guests always marvel at the unexpected burst of fruity goodness.

Our family recipe carries whispers of Caribbean sunshine and winter celebrations.

Rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with crushed pineapple, creating irresistible bite-sized delights.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dessert a stress-free joy.

These little spheres of happiness promise to become your new seasonal favorite.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Everyone Wants to Try

• These no-bake treats require minimal cooking skills, making them ideal for beginners or busy home bakers who want delicious results without complex techniques.
• Prepare the mixture ahead of time, refrigerate, and have a ready-to-serve dessert that takes minimal last-minute effort, perfect for holiday entertaining or unexpected guests.
• Combining classic coconut and graham cracker flavors with sweet pineapple creates a unique dessert that delights both kids and adults, bringing a festive and tropical touch to traditional holiday treats.

Ingredients for Making Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Crushed Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that provides moisture and flavor to the recipe. Best when well-drained to prevent excess liquid.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and complementary flavor. Look for unsweetened or sweetened based on preference.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates structure and helps bind the mixture. Choose fine, even crumbs for smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps solidify the mixture. Regular white sugar works best.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps hold ingredients together. Use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.

• Additional Shredded Coconut: Creates a festive exterior and adds extra texture. Sprinkle generously for complete coverage of each ball.

Put Together Pineapple Christmas Balls with Ease

Step 1: Squeeze Out Pineapple Liquid

• Open the crushed pineapple can
• Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl
• Pour pineapple through the strainer
• Press and squeeze firmly to remove all excess moisture
• Discard the liquid completely

Step 2: Blend Tropical Ingredients

• Drained crushed pineapple
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Shredded coconut
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Mix all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl until a uniform dough emerges

Step 3: Chill Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap

Place inside refrigerator

Let the mixture rest and firm up for half an hour

Step 4: Create Festive Coconut Balls

Remove chilled mixture from refrigerator

Scoop small portions and roll into round shapes

Gently roll each ball in additional shredded coconut

Ensure complete coconut coverage

Step 5: Final Cooling

Arrange coconut-covered balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet

Return to refrigerator

Let balls set for one hour

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer chilled pineapple balls to a decorative serving platter

Invite friends and family to enjoy these tropical treats

Pineapple Christmas Balls Cooking Tips to Follow

• Drain Thoroughly: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess pineapple liquid completely, preventing a soggy texture in your Christmas balls.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier and help the balls maintain their shape.
• Uniform Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent-sized balls, ensuring even cooking and a professional look.
• Coconut Coating Trick: Roll the balls generously in shredded coconut while they're still slightly tacky for maximum coverage and a festive appearance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these treats up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for stress-free holiday entertaining.

Keep Pineapple Christmas Balls Fresh and Firm

• Store pineapple Christmas balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Carefully place balls in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen balls from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. Do not thaw at room temperature to maintain texture.
• These treats taste best when served cold, so keep them refrigerated until ready to enjoy. The coconut coating stays crisp and fresh when chilled.

Pair Pineapple Christmas Balls with These Picks

• Blend smooth white rum with coconut cream and a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical drink that complements the sweet, tropical notes of the Christmas balls.
• Serve alongside dark chocolate truffles to create a rich contrast between the light, fruity pineapple balls and the intense chocolate flavor.
• Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the pineapple balls to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint that highlights the coconut and pineapple textures.
• Brew a warm chai or spiced black tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to balance the sweetness and add depth to the dessert experience.

Fun Versions of Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use organic cane sugar to create a plant-based friendly version of the treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Tropical Fusion: Add small amounts of finely chopped macadamia nuts or dried mango pieces to enhance the tropical flavor profile and provide extra texture.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls bring holiday cheer with their delightful tropical twist. Sweet coconut and pineapple combine in a simple no-bake treat that will charm guests at any seasonal celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 oz/567 g) crushed pineapple
• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded sweetened coconut

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

Coating:

• Extra shredded sweetened coconut (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly strain the crushed pineapple using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, ensuring maximum liquid removal to prevent a watery consistency.
2. Combine the well-drained pineapple with graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl, blending until the ingredients create a uniform, cohesive mixture.
3. Refrigerate the prepared mixture for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to solidify and simplify the shaping process.
4. Using chilled hands, carefully form small, compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter from the consolidated mixture.
5. Gently roll each formed ball in additional shredded coconut, creating a delicate, textured exterior that completely envelops the pineapple base.
6. Arrange the coconut-coated spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
7. Place the prepared confections in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, enabling them to set and develop a firm, cohesive structure.
8. Once thoroughly chilled, transfer the pineapple Christmas balls to an elegant serving platter, presenting a festive and delectable treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Notes

• Drain pineapple completely using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to prevent excess moisture from making the mixture soggy and difficult to shape.
• Experiment with alternative coatings like crushed nuts, powdered sugar, or chocolate sprinkles for a unique twist on the classic coconut version.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing granulated sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more natural flavor profile.
• Store these no-bake treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg