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Island-Inspired Christmas Treats
One bite of these creamy pineapple coconut balls takes me straight to a tropical beach. The combination of sweet pineapple cream cheese and coconut creates the most delightful holiday treats. I love how they bring something unexpected to my Christmas cookie platters and they're so simple to make without any baking.
A Fresh Take on Holiday Sweets
My friends always ask about these unique little treats at holiday parties. The bright pineapple flavor wrapped in coconut offers such a refreshing change from heavy winter desserts. They vanish so quickly that I've learned to make double batches. The creamy centers and coconut coating make them absolutely irresistible.
What You'll Need
- Pineapple: Use canned pineapple, thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Coconut: Fine, unsweetened coconut works best for coating the balls.
- Graham Crumbs: Fresh crumbs provide the ideal texture for the filling.
- Pineapple Jello: Add the powder directly for a flavorful, binding touch.
Let's Make Them Together
- Mix Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, drained pineapple, graham crumbs, coconut, and pineapple jello powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Chill the Mixture
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Shape and Coat
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in fine, unsweetened coconut until fully coated.
- Store and Serve
- Place the balls on a tray or in a food-safe container and refrigerate until ready to serve. These treats taste even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
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Keeping Them Fresh
Since these treats contain cream cheese I always keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. Sometimes I'll make a big batch and pop some in the freezer they keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them slowly in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy them.
Share the Joy
Last Christmas I wrapped up little boxes of these pineapple balls for friends and family. They were such a hit that everyone begged for the recipe. The tropical flavors really stand out among traditional holiday cookies and candies. Now they've become part of my annual holiday gift-giving tradition.
Tips for Success
The secret to perfect pineapple balls is using room temperature cream cheese for that silky smooth texture. Make sure to drain that pineapple really well or your mixture will be too wet to shape. Just sprinkle in the jello powder as is no need to prepare it first. And don't skip the chilling step it makes rolling those balls so much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can make these balls up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- → Why do I need to drain the pineapple well?
- Well-drained pineapple is crucial for the right texture. Too much liquid will make the mixture too soft to form into balls and affect the final texture.
- → Can I freeze these treats?
- These balls freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, but note the coconut coating might not be as crisp.
- → What can I use instead of graham crumbs?
- Vanilla wafer crumbs or shortbread cookie crumbs work well as substitutes. They provide similar texture and sweetness to the mixture.
- → How long do they last in the fridge?
- These treats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture is best within the first 3 days.
Conclusion
These delightful no-bake treats combine the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with creamy cream cheese.Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick dessert, these balls offer a sweet and refreshing taste that's easy to prepare.