Jolly Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe: Holiday Magic Bites

Sweet treats can spark joy during holiday pineapple Christmas balls that bring festive cheer to any gathering.

These delightful confections blend tropical brightness with seasonal warmth.

Soft and crumbly, they melt in your mouth with remarkable smoothness.

Each bite carries the essence of celebration and comfort.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create magical moments around the table.

Crafted with love, these treats promise to become a cherished tradition that connects generations through shared sweetness.

Prepare to unwrap a delicious memory that sparkles brighter than tinsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 12

Pineapple Christmas Ball Ingredient Rundown

• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and moisture, choose well-drained canned pineapple for consistent texture and flavor.
• Melted Butter: Provides rich binding and depth, use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness and enhanced creamy consistency.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates sturdy structure and adds subtle honey-like undertones, crush freshly for maximum crispness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances pineapple's tanginess and adds delightful sweetness, select fine-grained sugar for smooth blending.

• Shredded Coconut: Delivers tropical crunch and festive appearance, choose unsweetened coconut for more authentic flavor and better coating coverage.

Tools That Shape These No-Bake Treats Easily

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth: Perfect for draining pineapple and removing excess liquid precisely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Shallow dish: Needed for coating balls with shredded coconut.
• Baking sheet: Helps arrange and chill the pineapple balls evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up simple.
• Spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

How to Make Pineapple Balls for the Holidays

• Drain Tropical Fruit

Squeeze out every drop of moisture from crushed pineapple using a cheesecloth or fine strainer to ensure a perfect texture.

• Create Delightful Mixture

Combine the drained pineapple with crunchy graham cracker bits, fluffy coconut shreds, sweet sugar, and melted butter in a big mixing bowl. Blend everything until it sticks together like a tasty treasure.

• Chill and Prep

Tuck the mixture into the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute cooldown. This helps the mix become firm and easy to shape.

• Craft Festive Treats

Roll the chilled mixture into adorable little spheres, each about the size of a ping-pong ball. Gently tumble each ball in a shower of coconut flakes for a snowy, festive look.

• Final Chill and Serve

Arrange the coconut-covered balls on a parchment-lined tray. Let them hang out in the fridge for an hour to set perfectly. When ready, transfer to a beautiful plate and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips That Bring Out Tropical Sweetness

• Use paper towels to press out extra liquid from crushed pineapple, ensuring a firmer texture and preventing soggy Christmas balls.
• Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains delicious tropical flavor.
• Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Roll finished balls in different coatings like crushed pecans, toasted coconut, or colored sprinkles for a fun holiday presentation that adds extra crunch and visual appeal.
• These pineapple balls can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making party planning and holiday prep super convenient.

Serve These Balls as Festive Finger Food

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these golden pineapple balls on a decorative white ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh mint for a stunning Christmas presentation.
• Coconut Snow Effect: Create a wintery landscape by dusting extra shredded coconut around the pineapple balls, resembling delicate snow patches on a holiday spread.
• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or a chilled glass of white wine to complement the tropical, sweet flavor profile of these delightful treats.
• Gifting Delight: Package these bite-sized treats in clear cellophane bags tied with festive red ribbons for a homemade edible gift that friends and family will adore.

How to Keep the Texture Light and Fresh

• Keep these delightful treats in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They'll maintain their delicious texture and flavor perfectly.
• Prepare the pineapple balls up to 3 days before your holiday gathering. This trick helps reduce last-minute kitchen stress and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Carefully stack the coconut-coated balls between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks, ready to thaw and serve whenever needed.
• Create these treats in advance and arrange them on a festive platter right before guests arrive. They'll look stunning and taste incredibly fresh, making your holiday spread look effortlessly elegant.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple isn’t recommended because it contains too much moisture. Canned crushed pineapple provides the right consistency and helps bind the ingredients together.

• How long can these pineapple Christmas balls stay fresh?

These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Always keep them chilled to maintain their texture and prevent spoiling.

• Are these suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These contain dairy (butter) and coconut, so they aren’t vegan or dairy-free. However, you can experiment with plant-based butter alternatives for a similar result.

• What type of graham crackers work best for this recipe?

Regular honey or plain graham crackers work perfectly. Just crush them finely using a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for even crumbs.

Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Brazilian pineapple Christmas balls blend tropical sweetness with festive cheer in these delightful no-bake treats. Holiday guests will savor these quick confections that showcase Brazil’s culinary charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 can (20 oz/567 g) crushed pineapple
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• Extra shredded sweetened coconut (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously strain crushed pineapple through a fine mesh strainer, removing excess moisture to ensure a compact texture for the Christmas balls.
2. Mixing: Combine drained pineapple with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl, thoroughly blending until the mixture achieves a consistent, moldable consistency.
3. Chilling: Refrigerate the prepared mixture for 30 minutes to firm up the ingredients, making them easier to shape into delicate spheres.
4. Forming: With chilled hands, craft uniform one-inch balls, carefully compressing the mixture to create smooth, compact orbs that hold their shape.
5. Coating: Gently roll each ball in additional shredded coconut, completely encasing the pineapple base with a delicate, festive exterior.
6. Setting: Arrange coconut-covered balls on a parchment-lined sheet, spacing them apart, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to solidify their structure.
7. Serving: Transfer the completed pineapple Christmas balls to an elegant platter, presenting a delightful holiday treat ready to impress guests with its tropical-inspired flavor and festive appearance.

Notes

Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy, wet texture and ensure the balls hold their shape perfectly.

Chill Before Shaping: Cold mixture makes rolling easier and helps balls maintain a compact, uniform structure without falling apart.

Handle with Cool Hands: Use slightly wet or chilled hands when forming balls to prevent mixture from sticking and create smoother, more consistent spheres.

Storage Matters: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate coconut coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 49 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg