Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Pineapple Christmas Balls! They’re a delightful burst of tropical flavor that just screams holiday cheer. Imagine biting into a creamy, sweet treat that combines the freshness of pineapple with the richness of cream cheese and the crunch of coconut. The best part? They’re a no-bake dessert, which means you can whip them up in no time and still impress everyone at your holiday gatherings! I remember making these with my family every Christmas, and we’d always have a little competition to see who could roll the perfect ball. It was such a joyous mess, with coconut flying everywhere and laughter filling the kitchen. So trust me, these little bites of happiness will bring warmth and joy to your festive celebrations!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped – Use ripe pineapple for the sweetest flavor, making sure to remove the tough core.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to achieve a smooth texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely creamy consistency.
• 1 cup shredded coconut – Use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference for coconut flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans – Toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor, if you like.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – This enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aromatic note.

How to Prepare Pineapple Christmas Balls

Mixing the Base

First things first, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get that cream cheese and powdered sugar together! Make sure your cream cheese is softened—this is key for a smooth mixture. I usually beat them together with a hand mixer until it’s fluffy and creamy. You want it to be super smooth, with no lumps. This base is going to be the heart of your Pineapple Christmas Balls, so take your time with this step!

Incorporating Pineapple and Flavor

Once your base is looking good, it’s time to fold in that beautiful, finely chopped pineapple and the vanilla extract. Gently stir them in using a spatula or a wooden spoon. You want to maintain that lovely creamy texture we just created, so be careful not to overmix! The pineapple adds a sweet, tangy flavor that brightens everything up, and the vanilla is like the cherry on top. Yum!

Chilling the Mixture

Now, here comes the waiting game! Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into balls later. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s slightly stiff to the touch but still creamy. Trust me, the chill time is worth it!

Shaping and Coating the Balls

Once chilled, it’s time for the fun part—forming those delightful little balls! Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms until it’s about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing! After shaping, roll each ball in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Make sure they’re fully coated for that festive look and extra crunch. Place them on a serving platter and refrigerate again until you’re ready to serve. You’ll love how they look and taste!

Nutritional Information

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are not only delicious but also surprisingly light for a festive treat! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is one ball:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg

Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy these guilt-free bites during the holidays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—no baking required!
• Festive and colorful, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Every bite is a delightful mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures.
• Versatile—customize with different nuts or add maraschino cherries for a twist.
• Great for make-ahead treats; they only get better as they chill!
• Kid-friendly and sure to please guests of all ages.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Pineapple Christmas Balls turn out perfectly, start by choosing a ripe pineapple—look for one that’s fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. This will ensure maximum sweetness in your treats! Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for shaping the mixture and helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you want to mix things up, try adding chopped maraschino cherries for a fun pop of color and flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts for rolling, like almonds or walnuts, to create your own signature version. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your festive treat!

Variations

There are so many fun ways to mix up your Pineapple Christmas Balls! For a different texture, you can substitute the finely chopped pineapple with crushed pineapple—just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. If you want to get a little fancy, try rolling the balls in finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique crunch. You could even dip them in melted chocolate for a decadent twist! And don’t forget about adding festive sprinkles on top for a pop of color. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Pineapple Christmas Balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone well before then! If you’ve made them ahead of time, just pull them out about 15 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly, enhancing that creamy texture. No need to reheat—serve them chilled for the best experience. Enjoy the festive vibes!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Pineapple Christmas Balls at holiday gatherings, consider pairing them with a refreshing tropical fruit salad. The bright flavors of the salad complement the creamy sweetness of the balls beautifully. For drinks, a light, sparkling wine or a festive punch made with pineapple juice and ginger ale will enhance the tropical vibe. You could also serve them alongside a rich coffee or hot cocoa, making for a delightful contrast. These pairings will surely impress your guests!

For more delicious holiday recipes, check out Christmas dessert recipes or holiday appetizers!

Pineapple Christmas Balls: 5 Steps to Easy Holiday Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 balls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive treat featuring a blend of fresh pineapple, cream cheese, and coconut. These bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the finely chopped pineapple and vanilla extract, stirring until evenly incorporated.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Once chilled, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Roll each ball in shredded coconut and chopped pecans until fully covered.
6. Place the finished balls on a serving platter. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• For a tropical twist, consider adding chopped maraschino cherries.
• Use crushed pineapple for a smoother texture.
• Experiment with different nuts for rolling, such as almonds or walnuts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: pineapple christmas balls, holiday desserts, festive treats