Pineapple Christmas Balls

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and festive charm. The sweet and slightly tangy pineapple, creamy texture from the cream cheese, and the delicate crunch of coconut make these no-bake treats a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. The vibrant flavors and easy preparation make these balls a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Not only are these Pineapple Christmas Balls simple to make, but they also offer a taste of the tropics with every bite. These little treats are perfect for bringing a warm and sunny vibe to your holiday celebrations, reminding you that sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with a mixer until smooth to avoid any lumps.
2. Add the very well-drained pineapple, 1 cup of coconut, graham crumbs, and the dry pineapple jello powder to the bowl with the cream cheese.
3. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
4. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for one hour to firm up the mixture.
5. Once the mixture has chilled, portion out tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls.
6. Roll each ball in the remaining coconut to coat.
7. Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container and store them in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chilling Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 24 balls

Origin & Tradition

Pineapple Christmas Balls are rooted in Canadian, particularly Newfoundland, holiday traditions. They bring a taste of tropical sunshine to the cold winters typical of the region, making them a unique and unexpected treat during Christmas celebrations. The use of crushed pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese reflects a blend of influences, incorporating both the tropical and sweet flavors that have become popular over time.

In Newfoundland, this treat often appears alongside other traditional holiday confections like Jello balls and coconut-covered marshmallow treats. No-bake recipes like this one became popular because they were easy to prepare in large batches, making them perfect for holiday sharing or gifting.

Making Tips & Tricks

1. Draining the Pineapple: The key to this recipe’s success is to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple. Excess moisture can prevent the mixture from setting properly, making it difficult to roll into balls. Use a fine mesh strainer and press down on the pineapple with a spatula to remove as much juice as possible.
2. Choosing the Right Coconut: This recipe calls for unsweetened desiccated coconut. Using sweetened coconut could result in overly sugary treats, especially when combined with the pineapple jello powder. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can use a medium shred instead of fine, but be mindful that it might make the rolling process a bit messier.
3. Brick Cream Cheese is Best: For best results, always use brick-style cream cheese rather than whipped or spreadable varieties that come in a tub. Brick cream cheese provides the necessary firmness and texture for the mixture to hold together well.
4. Rolling & Shaping: After refrigerating the mixture, if you find it too sticky to roll, lightly wet your hands with water before shaping the balls. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and help form smooth, evenly sized balls.
5. Refrigerate Before Serving: It’s important to let the Pineapple Christmas Balls sit in the fridge for at least an hour after rolling, as this helps them set up nicely and develop a firmer texture. They taste best when chilled, but they can be brought to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring out their flavors.

Why Pineapple Christmas Balls Are Unique

These no-bake Pineapple Christmas Balls are a refreshing departure from traditional rich, heavy Christmas treats like fruitcake or gingerbread. The tropical flavor and light texture make them a welcome contrast, offering a bright and zesty sweetness that complements the warmth of coconut and tanginess of cream cheese. They provide a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and surprising, especially if you’re used to more classic holiday confections.

Ideal for Holiday Parties and Potlucks

Pineapple Christmas Balls are easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or holiday cookie exchanges. Since they’re no-bake, you can prepare them quickly without needing to heat up your kitchen. This makes them especially handy during the busy holiday season when oven space is at a premium. They are also a good option for kids to help make, as the process involves simple mixing and rolling.

Creating the Perfect Texture

The mixture of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and graham crumbs creates a texture that is soft yet firm enough to hold its shape. The coconut coating adds a slight chew and a delicate crunch, making each bite texturally interesting. To enhance this experience, consider toasting some of the coconut for a nutty flavor and more pronounced crunch. Simply spread some of the coconut on a baking sheet and toast it in a low oven until lightly golden. Mix this with the un-toasted coconut to add depth to the coating.

The Role of Pineapple Jello Powder

The pineapple jello powder plays a dual role in this recipe: flavoring and binding. The powder not only enhances the pineapple flavor but also helps to firm up the mixture when it chills. This is a key step because it makes the rolling process easier and ensures the balls maintain their shape when handled. If you don’t have pineapple jello powder, you can substitute with another fruit-flavored gelatin powder that pairs well with coconut, but pineapple is recommended for the authentic taste.

Adapting to Dietary Preferences

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are quite versatile. You can easily make them vegan or dairy-free by substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free or plant-based alternative. There are plenty of non-dairy cream cheese options available that maintain the smooth texture and slight tang needed for this recipe. If you’re catering to gluten-free friends and family, you can use gluten-free graham crumbs or even almond meal as a replacement to ensure everyone can enjoy them.

Balancing Sweetness

While these balls are naturally sweet from the pineapple and coconut, it’s crucial to use unsweetened coconut to avoid an overpowering sugary flavor. The natural sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the cream cheese’s creaminess, provides a nice balance. If you find that the mixture is too sweet for your liking, you can add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to cut through the sweetness and add a bit of zing.

Customization & Variations

• Flavor Variations: While pineapple is the star flavor, you can experiment by using different jello powder flavors like lime, strawberry, or orange to add a unique twist.
• Texture & Coatings: If you want to add a bit of crunch, try mixing in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even almonds. You can also roll the finished balls in a variety of coatings, such as chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, or colorful holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
• Decorative Additions: For a holiday-themed touch, you can place a small piece of candied cherry or a decorative sprinkle on top of each ball before they set. This makes them look extra festive and special when arranged on a serving platter.

Storage & Gifting

• Storing the Balls: Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Perfect for Gifting: These treats are great for holiday gift-giving! Pack them in a decorative tin, a small box, or in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. If frozen beforehand, they make a thoughtful treat that can be enjoyed later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Pineapple Christmas Balls alongside other holiday treats such as fudge, truffles, or cookies. They add a pop of tropical flavor to any dessert spread and pair wonderfully with hot drinks like tea, coffee, or cocoa. These are also perfect as a bite-sized dessert after a savory meal or as part of a festive dessert charcuterie board with fruit, nuts, and other sweets.