Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive, no-bake dessert that adds a tropical twist to your holiday table. These creamy and fruity treats combine the flavors of crushed pineapple, coconut, cream cheese, and graham crumbs, with a hint of pineapple jello mix for extra sweetness. Easy to make, they require just a few minutes of preparation and a short chilling time to firm up before being shaped into bite-sized balls. Each ball is then rolled in desiccated coconut, making them look like snowballs, perfect for Christmas gatherings. These treats are best served chilled, adding a refreshing touch to your holiday spread.
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delicious and festive no-bake treat that brings a tropical twist to your holiday dessert spread. These bite-sized desserts combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with the bright, fruity flavor of crushed pineapple. The addition of graham crumbs and pineapple jello mix adds texture and sweetness, while the desiccated coconut coating gives them a snowy appearance, perfect for Christmas. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for an easy-to-make dessert for your family, these Pineapple Christmas Balls are sure to impress.
INGREDIENTS
- Crushed pineapple: 398 mL, well-drained, for the fruity base of the dessert.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, adds creaminess and richness.
- Desiccated coconut: 2 cups, used in the mixture and as a coating for the balls.
- Graham crumbs: ½ cup, provides texture and flavor.
- Pineapple jello mix: 3 oz packet, enhances the pineapple flavor and adds sweetness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whip 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps.
- Step 2:
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup of desiccated coconut, ½ cup graham crumbs, and 3 oz pineapple jello mix to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Step 4:
- Once chilled, shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Step 5:
- Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut to coat evenly.
- Step 6:
- Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These treats are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a decorative touch, garnish with a small piece of pineapple or a sprig of mint before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the mixture, which could make the balls too soft.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Emma recommends adding a teaspoon of lime zest to the mixture for a zesty, citrusy kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
How to Make Perfect Pineapple Christmas Balls
To achieve the perfect texture for your Pineapple Christmas Balls, make sure the pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Chilling the mixture before shaping into balls is key to ensuring they hold their shape. Rolling the balls in desiccated coconut not only adds a delightful texture but also gives them a festive, snowy appearance, perfect for the holiday season.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
Do these need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Yes, it's best to store these no-bake treats in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
Summary
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a quick, no-bake treat perfect for adding a tropical twist to your holiday dessert table. Made with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, graham crumbs, and pineapple jello mix, these balls offer a sweet and fruity flavor. The mixture is chilled to firm up before being shaped into small balls and rolled in desiccated coconut. These easy-to-make treats resemble little snowballs and can be stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They’re a fun and festive addition to any Christmas party or holiday gathering, offering a refreshing and creamy contrast to more traditional desserts.