What’s in Pineapple Christmas Balls?
Pineapple Christmas Balls bring a delightful, tropical flair to your holiday celebrations. These little bites of joy combine the sweet flavors of crushed pineapple, coconut, graham crackers, and vanilla, resulting in a treat that’s both chewy and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these festive treats are perfect for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (about 14 oz) of Crushed Pineapple: Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- 2 cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Provides a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness. Opt for organic if desired.
- 1 ½ cups Crushed Graham Crackers: These add a crunchy base and help bind the mixture together.
- 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla enhances the flavor and brings warmth to the treats.
- 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): For an extra crunch and nutty flavor. If there are allergies, feel free to skip.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances out the sweetness and ties the flavors together.
- Extra Shredded Coconut (for rolling): For a festive snowy finish.
Is Pineapple Christmas Balls Good for You?
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a fun indulgence during the holiday season, offering a few healthy ingredients too! The crushed pineapple is full of vitamin C, which is great for supporting your immune system during the colder months. Shredded coconut provides healthy fats and fiber, making these bites a little more nourishing. If you add nuts, they bring heart-healthy fats and protein, giving you a boost in nutrition.
Although these treats contain sugar and carbs, they can still fit into a festive holiday diet when enjoyed in moderation. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without completely overindulging!
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, chopped nuts (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes sticky enough to mold.
- Shape the Balls: Take small portions of the mixture (about one inch in diameter) and roll them into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make it easier to shape.
- Coat in Coconut: Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to give them that snowy, festive look.
- Chill: Arrange the finished balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve: Once chilled, transfer the Pineapple Christmas Balls to a beautiful serving platter and enjoy!
Festive Serving Suggestions
These Pineapple Christmas Balls are perfect for making ahead of time, as they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For an extra touch of decadence, dip the balls in white chocolate before rolling them in coconut for a luxurious twist. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to a friend, or savoring them at home, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a fun, tropical treat with all the flavors of the season! I can’t wait to hear how you make them your own. Enjoy and happy holidays!
