Best Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Best Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful, creamy treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With a blend of sweet pineapple, smooth cream cheese, and a coconut coating, they offer a refreshing twist on festive snacks.

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 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 nuts before presenting.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, roll the balls in chopped nuts along with the coconut.
• If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks, minced finely and well-drained, as a fresh alternative.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.

Storage

Store the Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge without reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and the texture to firm up.

What if I don’t have shredded coconut?

If shredded coconut is unavailable, you can roll the balls in finely crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for a different but delicious coating.

Best Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 80 reviews

These Best Pineapple Christmas Balls are an easy, no-bake holiday treat combining creamy sweetened cream cheese with juicy pineapple chunks, rolled in shredded coconut for a festive and delicious bite-sized dessert. Perfect for Christmas parties, these bite-sized pineapple balls are refreshing, creamy, and coated with coconut for extra texture and flavor.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 and dry pineapple: Thoroughly drain the canned pineapple chunks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the mixture is not too wet.
2. Mix cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat together until smooth, creamy, and fluffy, which forms the base of the mixture.
3. Fold in pineapple: Gently fold the drained pineapple chunks into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined, being careful not to crush the pineapple pieces.
4. Form balls: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls, shaping them carefully to avoid breaking.
5. Coat with coconut: Roll each ball thoroughly in shredded coconut until fully covered. This adds flavor and texture to the outside of each ball.
6. Chill: Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls on a serving platter and refrigerate them for at least one hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve chilled. Optionally, drizzle with extra shredded coconut or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added flavor and presentation before serving.

Notes

• Ensure pineapple chunks are well-drained and patted dry to avoid a soggy mixture.
• For added crunch and flavor, roll the balls in chopped nuts instead or in addition to coconut.
• These bites are best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until serving.
• Softened cream cheese is essential to achieve the smooth texture.
• Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

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