Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, who doesn’t crave a sweet, homemade treat that brings back fond memories and delights the taste buds? Enter the Pineapple Christmas Balls, a no-bake holiday gem that combines the refreshing tang of pineapple with smooth cream cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy coating of coconut and pecans. These cheerful bites are not only quick to whip up, requiring minimal effort and no baking, but they also evoke the warm spirit of festive gatherings. Picture them on your dessert table, inviting smiles and conversation as everyone takes a moment to savor the tropical goodness. Ready to bring a little cheer to your celebrations? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why Make Pineapple Christmas Balls? Unforgettable Taste: The vibrant combination of pineapple, cream cheese, and festive coatings creates a burst of flavor that’s uniquely delightful. No-Bake Convenience: These Pineapple Christmas Balls come together effortlessly, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Their cheerful appearance and tropical taste mean they’re sure to be a hit at any family gathering or cookie swap! Versatile Recipes: Feel free to mix up the nuts or even try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist, just like in my Mint Chocolate Balls. Sweet Memories: Each bite transports you to holiday celebrations past, evoking nostalgia and joy. These treats are a delicious way to “savor” the season! Pineapple Christmas Balls Ingredients • Get ready to create your sweet no-bake holiday delights! For the Mixture Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and richness; substitute with mascarpone for a lighter texture. Crushed Pineapple – Adds natural sweetness and fruity flavor; ensure it is well-drained to prevent excess moisture. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the mixture; adjust to taste; can reduce for a less sweet version. For the Coating Coconut Flakes – Offers a tropical texture and flavor; use unsweetened for a less sugary option. Chopped Pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness; substitute with walnuts or almonds for variation. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pineapple Christmas Balls Step 1: Prepare the Mixture In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of well-drained crushed pineapple, and 1 to 2 cups of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or fork to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully for your Pineapple Christmas Balls. Step 2: Shape the Balls Once your mixture is well-combined and creamy, take a tablespoon-sized portion and roll it into a small ball using your hands. Aim for a size similar to a golf ball to ensure each Pineapple Christmas Ball is just the right bite. Place the shaped balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper as you go, allowing them to be easily moved later for coating. Step 3: Prepare the Coating In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of coconut flakes and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir well to ensure they are evenly distributed. This will create a delightful coating that adds both crunch and flavor to your Pineapple Christmas Balls, enhancing their tropical essence. Step 4: Coat the Balls Take each ball from the cookie sheet and gently roll it in the coconut and pecan mixture until fully coated. Press lightly to help the coating adhere but be careful not to squish the balls. This step adds texture and an appealing finish, making your treats festive and irresistible. Step 5: Chill and Set Once all the balls are coated, transfer them back to the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up. This chilling step enhances the creamy texture of the Pineapple Christmas Balls, making them a refreshing treat to serve. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy After chilling, remove the Pineapple Christmas Balls from the fridge and present them chilled on a festive platter. These delightful bites are perfect as a sweet holiday dessert and are sure to bring smiles to gatherings. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Make Ahead Options These Pineapple Christmas Balls are ideal for making ahead, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and powdered sugar, then shape into balls, but hold off on coating them. Once shaped, refrigerate the balls in an airtight container for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to serve, roll the chilled balls in the coconut and pecan coating, allowing them to set in the fridge again for at least 30 minutes. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures they remain just as delicious and festive! What to Serve with Pineapple Christmas Balls? Imagine the joyful clatter of family and friends gathering around a cheerful buffet, indulging in sweet delights that evoke holiday spirit. Seasonal Fruit Platter: A vibrant mix of strawberries, kiwi, and grapes adds freshness and color, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the Pineapple Christmas Balls. Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices of gingerbread provide a delightful contrast, creating a nostalgic treat that pairs beautifully with tropical flavors. Spiced Eggnog: This festive drink, creamy with a hint of spice, complements the sweet, rich profile of the snacks, making for a cozy dessert experience. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream adds creaminess while countering the tropical sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a fun, crispy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the Pineapple Christmas Balls. Nutty Holiday Trail Mix: Dried fruits and nuts add crunch and heartiness, providing a satisfying texture that enhances your festive spread. Hot Cocoa: Rich and comforting, a steaming cup of hot cocoa can heighten the festive mood and enhance the creamy textures of the coconut and cream cheese. Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing, frozen treat that cleanses the palate while adding a fruity twist, making it an appealing contrast to the no-bake delights. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes provide a creamy, indulgent option that complements the flavors from the Pineapple Christmas Balls wonderfully. Pecan Pie Bites: These bite-sized versions of the classic dessert offer a nutty sweetness that ties beautifully with the pecans in your tropical treats. How to Store and Freeze Pineapple Christmas Balls Fridge: Store your Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. Freezer: You can freeze these treats! Roll the balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen Pineapple Christmas Balls, move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight before serving. This preserves their delightful texture and flavor. Reheating: There’s no need for reheating since these no-bake delights are best served chilled straight from the fridge! Expert Tips for Pineapple Christmas Balls • Drain Well: Ensure the crushed pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy texture in your Pineapple Christmas Balls. • Chill Time Matters: Allow the balls to chill for at least 1 hour; this helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to serve. • Customize Coatings: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or use a mix of colored coconut flakes for a festive look. • Make Ahead: For the best flavor, make these treats the day before your gathering; they taste even better after chilling overnight. • Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them fresh for 3-4 days! Pineapple Christmas Balls Variations Feel free to get creative and make these Pineapple Christmas Balls your own! Nut-Free: Substitute pecans and use crunchy sunflower seeds to make these treats safe for nut allergies without sacrificing crunch. Veggie Twist: For a plant-based version, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream, still providing that creamy goodness. Citrus Burst: Add a splash of fresh lime juice or zest into the mixture for an extra tang that complements the pineapple beautifully. Flavor Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese blend for a sweeter, aromatic profile, making every bite even more enchanting. Chocolate Coated: For chocolate lovers, dip the completed balls in melted dark chocolate instead of rolling in pecans. Let them cool on parchment to set. Tropical Addition: Incorporate a few finely chopped maraschino cherries into the mixture to add a colorful and sweet touch, enhancing the holiday spirit! Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the coconut coating for an unexpected flavor twist that excites the taste buds. It’s like a tropical vacation in every bite! These delightful tweaks can elevate your festive gatherings even further. And for more no-bake inspiration, check out my tempting Mint Chocolate Balls. Enjoy the holiday cheer! Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe crushed pineapple? When choosing crushed pineapple, go for a brand that lists “100% juice” with no added sugars or preservatives. If using fresh pineapple, select one that is fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness. For canned options, ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture in your Pineapple Christmas Balls. How should I store Pineapple Christmas Balls? Store your Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re stacking them, placing parchment paper between layers helps maintain their texture without sticking together. Can I freeze Pineapple Christmas Balls? Absolutely! To freeze, roll the balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To serve, simply move them to the fridge to thaw for a few hours or overnight. What if my mixture is too soft? If your mixture ends up too soft to shape, try chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to help firm it up. Alternatively, you can gradually add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached. Just remember, it’s all about achieving that perfect ball shape! Are Pineapple Christmas Balls safe for pets? While the ingredients in Pineapple Christmas Balls are generally safe for humans, they may not be suitable for pets. Always check with your veterinarian before sharing any homemade treats with your furry friends, especially due to the cream cheese and nuts which could cause digestive issues. Can I make these no-bake treats gluten-free? Yes! Pineapple Christmas Balls are naturally gluten-free as long as your nuts and coconut flakes do not contain gluten-containing additives. Check the labels to ensure all your ingredients meet gluten-free specifications for a safe treat! Pineapple Christmas Balls: Sweet No-Bake Holiday Delights No ratings yet Pineapple Christmas Balls are delightful no-bake treats combining tangy pineapple and creamy cheese, wrapped in coconut and pecans for a festive dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 ballsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Mixture8 ounces cream cheese softened1 cup crushed pineapple well-drained1 to 2 cups powdered sugar adjust to tasteFor the Coating1 cup coconut flakes unsweetened recommended1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts/almonds for variation Equipment Mixing BowlHand MixerCookie sheetShallow dish Method Preparation StepsIn a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, and powdered sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.In a shallow dish, mix coconut flakes and chopped pecans well.Roll each ball in the coconut and pecan mixture until fully coated.Refrigerate the coated balls for at least 1 hour to set.Serve chilled on a festive platter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure the crushed pineapple is drained well to avoid sogginess. Feel free to customize the nuts or use colored coconut flakes for a festive touch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
