Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightfully sweet and creamy holiday treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Combining tangy pineapple with smooth cream cheese and a coconut coating, these bite-sized treats are perfect for festive gatherings or a simple dessert.

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

1. Step 1: Drain the canned pineapple chunks thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
4. Step 4: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls.
5. Step 5: Roll each ball in shredded coconut until fully covered.
6. Step 6: Place your finished Pineapple Christmas Balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour.
7. Step 7: Serve chilled, optionally drizzling with extra coconut or sprinkling nuts before presenting.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, roll the balls in chopped nuts instead of or in addition to shredded coconut.
• If you prefer a sweeter bite, increase the powdered sugar slightly to taste.
• Use fresh pineapple finely chopped if you prefer a fresher, juicier texture, but be sure to drain well.
• Make these in advance and keep refrigerated to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Storage

Store Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve. If needed, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer texture, but do not leave out too long to maintain freshness.

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, but be sure to drain and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These treats benefit from chilling at least an hour before serving and can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive and creamy no-bake treat combining juicy pineapple chunks, smooth cream cheese, and sweet powdered sugar, all rolled in a coating of shredded coconut. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday parties and easy to prepare ahead of time.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 20 Pineapple Christmas Balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. Drain Pineapple: Thoroughly drain the canned pineapple chunks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the mixture won’t be too wet.
2. Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and fluffy for a creamy base.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the dried pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed without breaking up the pineapple too much.
4. Form Balls: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll each into golf ball-sized spheres for perfect bite-sized treats.
5. Coat with Coconut: Roll each formed ball in shredded coconut until it is fully covered, adding extra texture and flavor.
6. Chill: Place the coated pineapple balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve chilled, optionally drizzling with extra shredded coconut or sprinkling chopped nuts on top for added crunch and presentation.

Notes

• Make sure to drain and dry the pineapple well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet or sticky.
• For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts completely or use seeds instead.
• These treats can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Try experimenting by adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance sweetness.
• Keep these refrigerated until serving as they can soften quickly at room temperature.

Keywords: pineapple balls, holiday treats, no bake dessert, Christmas recipes, cream cheese desserts, coconut coated treats