Pineapple Christmas Balls are festive, bite-sized treats that combine tropical sweetness with creamy indulgence. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, party snack, or a fun dessert, pineapple christmas balls deliver bright pineapple flavors wrapped in coconut for a snowball‑like appearance. These no‑bake confections capture hands-off simplicity and holiday cheer, making them an ideal addition to your dessert table. In just a few steps, you can transform pantry staples into crowd-pleasing morsels that look beautiful and taste incredible.
Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Christmas Balls
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Effortless & no‑bake: No oven needed — just mixing, chilling, and rolling.
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Festive presentation: Covered in white coconut, they resemble snowballs — perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Tropical twist: Pineapple and coconut evoke island vibes while still feeling seasonal.
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Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, texture, or flavors to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
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Make-ahead friendly: These can be prepared in advance and stored chilled until serving.
Ingredients
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398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
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8 ounces (≈ 225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, divided
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½ cup graham crumbs (graham cracker crumbs)
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3‑ounce packet pineapple Jell‑O (gelatin dessert powder)
Note: Ensure the pineapple is drained extremely well (use a fine strainer or cheesecloth) to avoid a runny mixture.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls
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Prep the cream cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it until smooth and fluffy. This smooths out any lumps and guarantees a creamy, uniform consistency. -
Combine the dry and wet ingredients
Add to the bowl:-
The well-drained crushed pineapple
-
1 cup of the desiccated coconut
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The graham crumbs
-
The pineapple Jell‑O powder (no need to dissolve—just sprinkle it in)
Use the mixer (low to medium speed) or a sturdy spatula to blend everything until evenly combined and smooth.
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Chill the mixture
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. -
Portion and roll into balls
Once chilled, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball. -
Coat with coconut
Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut until fully coated. The coconut gives them a snowy, festive look. -
Store chilled
Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls into a food-safe container or airtight box. Keep them refrigerated until serving. They’re best enjoyed cold.
Helpful Tips
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Drain pineapple thoroughly: After opening the can, pour the crushed pineapple into a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and press out as much juice as possible. Too much moisture can leave the mixture too loose to shape properly.
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Room temperature cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes if refrigerated—this makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth texture.
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Use fine desiccated coconut: The finer texture helps the coconut adhere better and gives a more elegant finish.
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Adjust consistency: If mixture feels too wet, add a bit more graham crumbs or a touch more coconut until it becomes easier to handle.
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Even balls: Use a small scoop or measuring spoon to portion evenly so all your balls are roughly the same size.
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Chill rolling hands: If your hands get warm, wash or chill them quickly to prevent balls from becoming sticky.
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Serve chilled straight from fridge: They’re best kept cold — the texture softens if left out too long.
Substitutions and Variations
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Different flavors: Substitute the pineapple Jell‑O with strawberry, orange, or lime for flavor variation.
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Gluten‑free option: Replace graham crumbs with gluten‑free graham crust crumbs or crushed gluten‑free cookies.
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Vegan twist: Use a vegan cream cheese and agar-based flavored gel (if available) or omit the gelatin and boost coconut for cohesion.
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Nut coating: Instead of coconut, roll balls in finely chopped toasted almonds or macadamias.
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Add-ins: Stir in small pieces of dried pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts, or shredded coconut flakes for texture.
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Mini size: Use teaspoons instead of tablespoons for bite-sized “snowball” bites — perfect for cocktail parties.
Storage Instructions
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Store Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 5–7 days.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the balls: arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
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If the coating loosens after thawing, gently press back into coconut to freshen the appearance.
Nutritional Information
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Calories: 110 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 9 g
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 8 g
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Saturated Fat: 6 g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
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Cholesterol: 10 mg
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Sodium: 61 mg
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Potassium: 75 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 7 g
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Vitamin A: 135 IU
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Vitamin C: 2 mg
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Calcium: 15 mg
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Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
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Present them cold alongside other treats on a festive dessert tray.
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Place them in mini paper cups or candy liners for an elegant presentation.
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Accompany with coffee, tea, or punch. Their tropical flavor balances warm beverages nicely.
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Serve alongside other holiday treats — cookies, brownies, peppermint bark — for variety.
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Use as edible decor: scatter them on platters or tiered trays — they double as decoration and dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Christmas Balls
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can prepare these Pineapple Christmas Balls a day or two in advance. Just keep them well sealed in the refrigerator so they don’t absorb odors or dry out. If you roll them early, re-coat with coconut right before serving for fresh appearance.
2. What if the mixture is too soft to roll?
That usually means there’s too much moisture. Drain your pineapple more thoroughly and chill the mixture longer. You can also add extra graham crumbs or coconut, a little at a time, until it firms up.
3. Can I omit the gelatin?
You could try, but the gelatin helps firm the mixture and gives structure. Without it, the balls may be softer and less stable. A vegan gelatin substitute or agar powder might help, or use a thicker coconut mixture.
4. How can I avoid sticking to my hands?
Keep your hands slightly cool and dry. Between batches you can rinse them with cold water and dry, or work on a chilled surface. Rolling quickly helps, too.
5. What size should I make the balls?
A tablespoon-sized ball is a good standard — bite to two-bite size. For small parties, you can make them with teaspoons. Just adjust the count and chilling time slightly.
6. Can I freeze these?
Yes — lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer container. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and gently re-roll in coconut if needed.
7. Can I substitute the graham crumbs?
Yes — use cookie crumbs (digestive biscuits, graham-style gluten-free cookies) that match your dietary needs or flavor preference. Just be mindful of sweetness and texture.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Pineapple Christmas Balls recipe! I hope you find them as delightful and stress-free to make as I do. They bring together creamy, tropical, and snowy elements in one fun bite — perfect for holiday gatherings or just a festive treat. Whether you make them ahead for parties or whip them up last minute, they’re sure to brighten your dessert spread. I truly believe simple, flavorful recipes like this bring joy and connection to our kitchens. Enjoy making (and eating!) these coconut‑covered pineapple snowballs, and here’s to many delicious, cheerful moments in your home. Warmest wishes and happy cooking!
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Print
Pineapple Christmas Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
Description
Pineapple Christmas Balls are festive no-bake treats made with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, coconut, and graham crumbs. Coated in fine desiccated coconut for a snowy look, these chilled bites are perfect for holiday dessert platters.
Ingredients
398 mL canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, divided
½ cup graham cracker crumbs
1 (3 oz) packet pineapple Jell-O powder
Instructions
-
Prep the cream cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it until smooth and fluffy. This smooths out any lumps and guarantees a creamy, uniform consistency. -
Combine the dry and wet ingredients
Add to the bowl:-
The well-drained crushed pineapple
-
1 cup of the desiccated coconut
-
The graham crumbs
-
The pineapple Jell‑O powder (no need to dissolve—just sprinkle it in)
Use the mixer (low to medium speed) or a sturdy spatula to blend everything until evenly combined and smooth.
-
-
Chill the mixture
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. -
Portion and roll into balls
Once chilled, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball. -
Coat with coconut
Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut until fully coated. The coconut gives them a snowy, festive look. -
Store chilled
Place the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls into a food-safe container or airtight box. Keep them refrigerated until serving. They’re best enjoyed cold.
Notes
Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid a runny mixture.
Add extra coconut or graham crumbs if mixture is too soft.
Use fine desiccated coconut for best texture and coating.
Freeze extras for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g