Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls: The Ultimate Festive Treat Recipe
Introduction to Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls
Are you looking for a delightful and festive treat to bring to your holiday gatherings? Look no further than these Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls! With their tropical flavors and sweet, creamy texture, these little bites of joy are sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, they capture the essence of the holiday spirit while being incredibly easy to make.
A Personal Story Behind My Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls Journey
Every holiday season, my family has a tradition of making special treats to share with friends and neighbors. One year, I stumbled upon this recipe for Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls, and it quickly became a favorite! The combination of cream cheese, pineapple, and coconut brings back memories of sunny days and warm beaches, no matter the weather outside. Now, I make these every year, and they always bring joy and smiles to everyone who tries them.
What Makes This Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the delightful flavor combination. The use of crushed pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness, while the cream cheese provides a smooth and rich base. The unsweetened desiccated coconut gives these balls a lovely texture and a hint of tropical flair. Plus, they require no baking, making them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules!
The Full Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (398 mL) crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup graham crumbs
- 1 packet (3 ounces) pineapple jello
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using a mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. This will create a creamy base for your mixture.
- Add the Pineapple: Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, one cup of coconut, graham crumbs, and the pineapple jello powder into the bowl. No need to prepare the jello beforehand; it will mix in beautifully.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Make sure there are no dry patches of graham crumbs or coconut. This step ensures every bite is delicious!
- Chill the Mixture: Place the bowl in the fridge for one hour to chill and set. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
- Form the Balls: After chilling, scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniformity.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll each ball in the remaining coconut to coat them evenly. This gives a beautiful finish and enhances the coconut flavor.
- Store Properly: Store the finished Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls in a food-safe container in the refrigerator. They can be made ahead of time and will keep well!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls
These Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls are perfect for serving at any holiday gathering, but they can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack any time of the year! For a fun twist, try rolling the balls in chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for added texture and flavor. You could also consider dipping them in white chocolate for a decadent treat. Serve them on a festive platter, and watch as they disappear!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These holiday balls can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a food-safe container in the refrigerator. They should last for about a week.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While canned pineapple works best for this recipe due to its moisture content, you can use fresh pineapple if you ensure it is finely chopped and well-drained.
Is there an alternative to coconut for those with allergies?
You can roll the balls in crushed graham crackers or even cocoa powder if you want to avoid coconut.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: 120
Servings: 12
Enjoy these delightful Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls as a festive treat or a sweet snack any time of the year!
Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 1 cup graham crumbs
- 1 packet pineapple jello
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using a mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the drained pineapple, one cup of coconut, graham crumbs, and the pineapple jello powder into the bowl. No need to prepare the jello beforehand.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Place the bowl in the fridge for one hour to chill and set.
- After chilling, scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the remaining coconut to coat them evenly.
- Store the finished Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls in a food-safe container in the refrigerator.