Sweet & Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet and tangy pineapple christmas balls dance with festive cheer in this delightful treat.

Tropical flavors merge perfectly with holiday traditions.

Soft, creamy textures melt in your mouth, creating instant joy.

Unexpected ingredients combine to surprise and delight even seasoned bakers.

Holiday gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and smiles.

Minimal effort produces maximum happiness with this simple yet impressive dessert.

Why Pineapple Christmas Balls Are A Sweet Holiday Treat

• Craft Festive Treats: Create delightful holiday nibbles that sparkle with tropical sweetness and look absolutely charming on any dessert table.
• Quick No-Bake Magic: Prepare these delicious Christmas balls without turning on the oven, making them perfect for busy holiday seasons when kitchen space is precious.
• Family Bonding Delight: Gather kids and adults together to roll these sticky, sweet balls, turning recipe preparation into a fun, interactive family activity with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combine beloved ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and cherries that appeal to multiple taste preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys these delectable holiday treats.

Ingredients For Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Crushed Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that provides moisture and flavor to the Christmas balls.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a smooth consistency.

• Chopped Pecans: Brings a rich, nutty crunch to the Christmas balls.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture.

• Maraschino Cherry: Provides a bright, festive color and a sweet finishing touch to each ball.

How To Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the tropical and crunchy ingredients. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then add the sweet and tangy pineapple pieces. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar for a delightful sweetness. Toss in the nutty pecans for a satisfying crunch. Finally, fold in the fluffy shredded coconut to create a rich, textured mixture. Stir everything until all ingredients are perfectly combined and create a cohesive blend.

Step 2: Form Delectable Spheres

Using your hands, gently roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Make sure each sphere is compact and holds together well. Place each created ball onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 3: Add a Festive Cherry Topper

Select vibrant maraschino cherries and carefully slice each one in half. Gently press a cherry half on top of each pineapple ball, creating a cheerful and colorful decoration that adds a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet with the decorated balls into the refrigerator. Allow them to rest and firm up for at least one hour. This chilling process helps the balls maintain their shape and enhances the melding of flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, remove the Pineapple Christmas Balls from the refrigerator. Arrange them on a festive platter and serve as a delightful holiday treat that combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors in every bite.

Helpful Tips For Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Drain pineapple completely to prevent soggy balls and ensure the perfect texture.
• Use fresh graham cracker crumbs for maximum crispness and flavor enhancement.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to bring out their rich, nutty profile and add depth.
• Store these festive treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.

Variation Ideas For Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Tropical Rum Balls: Add a splash of dark rum to the mixture for a festive, boozy kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Chocolate-Dipped Pineapple Balls: Coat the chilled balls in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Nutty Coconut Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted macadamia nuts and roll the balls in additional toasted coconut for added texture.
• Spiced Pineapple Treats: Mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give the balls a warm, holiday-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions For Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Elevate Sweet Flavor Harmony: Pair these tropical Christmas balls with a crisp, chilled moscato wine that complements their fruity sweetness and provides a light, bubbly contrast.
• Create Tropical Coffee Moment: Serve alongside a warm, spiced rum coffee that echoes the nutty pecan notes and brings out the rich, festive flavors of the dessert.
• Boost Dessert Experience: Match with a creamy vanilla bean gelato that softens the coconut's texture and provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the dense, chewy Christmas balls.
• Refresh Palate Pairing: Enjoy with a sparkling pineapple mocktail that intensifies the tropical fruit essence and adds a refreshing, zesty touch to the dessert.

Storage Advice For Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Store Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer separated by wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen balls from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their delicate shape.
• These treats are best enjoyed chilled directly from the refrigerator, maintaining their firm consistency and fresh taste.

FAQs About Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Are these Pineapple Christmas Balls gluten-free?

Not entirely. The graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies.

• Can I make these balls ahead of time?

Yes, these Christmas balls can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• What if I don't like pecans?

You can easily omit the pecans or replace them with another nut like almonds or walnuts. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special equipment is needed. You just need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and your hands to shape the balls. Simple kitchen tools work perfectly.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic emerges with Pineapple Christmas Balls, delightful no-bake treats combining tropical flavors and festive cheer. Guests will adore these bite-sized delicacies that bring Caribbean warmth to winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained

Sweeteners and Binders:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherries, drained and halved

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend crushed pineapple, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Use clean hands to carefully roll the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
3. Arrange the formed balls on a wax paper-covered baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
4. Delicately place a halved maraschino cherry atop each pineapple ball, gently pressing to secure.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the treats to set and firm up for 60-90 minutes.
6. Once chilled and slightly hardened, remove from refrigerator and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy texture and ensure the mixture holds its shape when forming balls.
• Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor profiles and added crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground oats.
• Keep chilled until serving to maintain firmness and enhance the refreshing taste of these festive treats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 151 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg