Description
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive, no-bake dessert made with cream cheese, pineapple, and coconut. A quick and easy tropical treat for the holidays!
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut, divided
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 (3-ounce) packet pineapple-flavored gelatin mix
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon. This helps ensure there are no lumps and gives a smooth, uniform base.
- Gently stir in the drained crushed pineapple, using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much juice as possible beforehand. Stir until pineapple is evenly distributed.
- Add 1 cup of the desiccated coconut and the graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle in the pineapple gelatin mix. Stir thoroughly but gently, until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about one hour, or until firm and chilled enough to handle without sticking excessively to your hands.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Form each into a small ball by gently rolling between your palms; work quickly but carefully so the mixture stays chilled and holds shape.
- Pour the remaining coconut onto a plate or shallow bowl, then roll each ball in the coconut until fully coated. This gives them a snowy, festive look and adds texture.
- Arrange the finished balls on a tray or plate. Return to refrigerator and chill until ready to serve. The balls will firm up further and hold shape nicely.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for best mixing.
Thoroughly drain pineapple to prevent excess moisture.
Chill mixture well before shaping to ensure easy handling.
Store in airtight container in fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90–95
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 2g