Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful and festive treat that combines creamy sweetness with tropical flavor. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing dessert on warm days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained and patted dry)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for coating)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain the canned pineapple chunks thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Step 4: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls.
- Step 5: Roll each ball in shredded coconut until fully covered.
- Step 6: Place your finished Pineapple Christmas Balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Step 7: Serve chilled, optionally drizzling with extra coconut or nuts before presenting.
Tips & Variations
- For added crunch and flavor, mix chopped nuts into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle on top before serving.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the powdered sugar slightly to taste.
- Use fresh pineapple finely chopped as a substitute for canned for a fresher taste.
- To make a nut-free version, omit nuts altogether and roll balls in extra shredded coconut.
Storage
Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve. They can be enjoyed cold or briefly brought to room temperature for a softer texture. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple finely chopped. Be sure to drain and pat it dry thoroughly to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
How long do these treats keep in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them within this time.
PrintPineapple Christmas Balls Recipe
Delightfully sweet and creamy Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive no-bake treat combining the tropical tang of pineapple with rich cream cheese and a snowy coconut coating. Perfect for holiday parties, these bite-sized balls are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 16 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained and patted dry)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for coating)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Drain Pineapple: Thoroughly drain canned pineapple chunks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture, which is crucial to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and beat or stir until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the pineapple.
- Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold the drained pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the pineapple.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls, maintaining a uniform size for even chilling and serving.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll each pineapple ball in shredded coconut until fully coated, providing a snowy, festive exterior and a delightful texture contrast.
- Chill: Place the coated Pineapple Christmas Balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and develop flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chilled balls as a sweet holiday appetizer or dessert, optionally drizzling with extra coconut or sprinkling chopped nuts before presenting.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple chunks are well-drained to avoid soggy balls.
- Softened cream cheese is easier to mix smoothly; leave it at room temperature before preparing.
- Chilling time can be extended up to several hours for firmer texture.
- For variation, nuts can be mixed into the coconut coating or sprinkled on top before serving.
- These treats are best stored refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.
Keywords: pineapple Christmas balls, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, cream cheese pineapple balls, festive treats, coconut-coated balls
