With the holiday season fast approaching, I always find myself reminiscing about the festive treats that have become a family tradition. One such cherished recipe is for Pineapple Christmas Balls. It’s a recipe I picked up during my early years of marriage. The moment we moved into our first home, I decided to create something that was both delicious and stress-free. And let’s be honest, don’t we all need a quick win during the bustling holiday season?
What makes this recipe a constant favorite isn’t just its delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures, but also how it brings back such fond memories. Picture this: It’s a cozy winter evening, laughter ringing through the house as our little ones, now not so little, roll these vibrant balls of pineapple goodness. It’s a simple joy, but isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
No special skills are required here – just a bit of mixing and rolling, which makes it perfect if you want to get the kids involved. Moreover, these treats are a perfect way to add a tropical twist to a wintry holiday spread. The first time I served them to our neighbors, they were gone before dinner was even on the table!
Interestingly, these Pineapple Christmas Balls are not only beloved for their taste but also for their simplicity. They’re a handy recipe to tuck away for those last-minute gatherings or for when you just don’t have the time to bake. Plus, since they’re made with ingredients that are often right there in the pantry, there’s no need for a special trip to the store.
So, if you’re looking to add a little sunshine to your holiday menu without breaking a sweat, give this recipe a try. It’s a comforting, no-fuss treat that’s sure to please every sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the details!
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls
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Ingredients
- 398 mL crushed pineapple from a can, thoroughly drained
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups fine unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 3-ounce package pineapple-flavored jello
Directions
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a mixer to whip it until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add the drained crushed pineapple, one cup of the desiccated coconut, the graham cracker crumbs, and the dry pineapple jello powder directly into the bowl. There’s no need to prepare the jello as it’s used in the dry form.
Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well combined into a homogenous mixture.
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial for the mixture to firm up for easy handling.
Once the mixture is adequately chilled, scoop out portions using a spoon. Each scoop should be about a tablespoon to form into balls.
Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut to give them a snowy, festive appearance.
Once coated, place the Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container and keep refrigerated until you are ready to delight your guests.
Storing Suggestion
These delicious treats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing in advance for holiday festivities.
Cooking Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, consider using flavored graham crackers, such as cinnamon. Also, to enhance the sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey into the mixture before chilling.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple Christmas Balls are delightful as they are, but you can serve them with a side of whipped cream or a bright fruit salad for added freshness. Pair with a hot cocoa or a festive punch to round out the experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cream cheese isn’t available, mascarpone cheese can be used for a richer taste. For the coconut allergy, try rolling the balls in finely chopped nuts or perhaps additional graham cracker crumbs.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, try adding a hint of lemon zest for a fresh, zesty kick. In the fall, a touch of cinnamon can provide that warm, cozy aroma reminiscent of pumpkin pie.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the cream cheese, which can be substituted with a lactose-free alternative or vegan cream cheese if necessary. Coconut is another potential allergen, which can be replaced with nuts or extra graham cracker crumbs.
FAQ
Can these be frozen for later?
Yes, Pineapple Christmas Balls can be frozen. Simply store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I make these without desiccated coconut?
Absolutely, although the coconut adds a unique texture, you can roll the balls in crushed nuts or additional graham cracker crumbs if coconut isn’t your favorite.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
To accommodate a gluten-free diet, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free cookie or cracker crumb alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
How can I make these fit a vegan diet?
To make this recipe vegan, use a dairy-free cream cheese and check that your jello mix is vegan-friendly. Substitute any gelatin-based jello with agar-agar and plant-based flavorings.
What if I don’t have pineapple-flavored jello?
If pineapple-flavored jello is unavailable, a lemon-flavored jello can be used as a substitute, which will lend a delightful citrus twist to the treats.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, the mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight. This makes it very convenient when planning for events, allowing you to simply roll and coat the balls on the day of serving.
Pineapple Christmas Balls
Ingredients
- 398 mL crushed pineapple from a can, thoroughly drained
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups fine unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 3 ounce package pineapple-flavored jello
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and mix until smooth, avoiding lumps.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, one cup of coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and dry pineapple jello powder to the bowl.
- Blend the mixture thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about one hour to let it firm up.
- Scoop out the mixture using a tablespoon, roll it into balls, and coat with the remaining coconut.
- Store the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls in a food-safe container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
