Can I Make Christmas Pineapple Balls Without Baking?

Yes. Christmas Pineapple Balls are a completely no-bake dessert. Simply mix the ingredients, chill the filling, shape the balls, and coat them in coconut. No oven or stovetop is required.

Why Is My Pineapple Ball Mixture Too Soft?

The most common reason is excess moisture from the crushed pineapple. Drain the fruit thoroughly before mixing, then refrigerate the mixture for the recommended time. If it remains soft, chill it longer before attempting to roll the balls.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned Pineapple?

Fresh pineapple can be used if it is finely crushed and drained thoroughly. However, canned crushed pineapple is convenient and provides a consistent texture. Fresh pineapple may contain more fibrous pieces, which can affect the smoothness of the filling.

Easy Christmas Pineapple Balls: A Festive No-Bake Treat

Name: Christmas Pineapple Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, well drained; 2/3 cup Nilla wafer crumbs; 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut or unsweetened finely shredded coconut, divided; 1 (3-ounce) package pineapple Jell-O powder

Description

Christmas Pineapple Balls are easy no-bake holiday treats made with cream cheese, crushed pineapple, vanilla wafer crumbs, pineapple gelatin, and unsweetened coconut. These creamy, fruity dessert balls are simple to prepare, require just five ingredients, and are perfect for Christmas parties, dessert platters, and make-ahead holiday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup canned crushed pineapple, well drained
2/3 cup Nilla wafer crumbs
2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut or unsweetened finely shredded coconut, divided
1 (3-ounce) package pineapple Jell-O powder

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the drained crushed pineapple, vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 1/4 cups of the desiccated coconut, and pineapple Jell-O powder. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour, or until firm enough to shape.
Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form small balls.
Place the remaining 3/4 cup of coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the coconut until completely coated.
Arrange the Christmas Pineapple Balls in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 1 hour before mixing for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the mixture from becoming watery and difficult to shape.
Use fine, unsweetened desiccated coconut for the best texture and a balanced sweetness. Finely shredded unsweetened coconut can also be used.
Reserve 1 1/4 cups of coconut for the mixture and use the remaining 3/4 cup for coating the balls.
If the mixture is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for an additional 15–30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keep refrigerated because the recipe contains cream cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 100 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 69 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg