Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are one of my favorite no-bake holiday treats. They’re sweet, tangy, and rolled in coconut for that perfect snowy look. And the best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven.

I first made them with my grandma during the holidays, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. The crushed pineapple gives them a soft, juicy bite, and the creamy texture makes them feel extra special. They’re fun to make, and even more fun to eat.

Perfect for cookie trays, gift boxes, or just a cozy snack by the tree. I’ll walk you through how I make them step by step. They’re super easy—and they taste like Christmas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Festive: These no-bake treats come together quickly with just a few pantry staples and are ideal for making ahead of time.
• Creamy & Tropical: The combination of pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese creates a smooth, slightly tangy filling with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Perfect for Gifting: Roll them in coconut and serve in festive wrappers—great for cookie trays, potlucks, or edible gifts.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Chill Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields about 20–24 balls, depending on how big you roll them.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No oven, no stress. Just mix, chill, and roll.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for draining pineapple)
• Baking sheet or plate (for chilling)
• Parchment paper or wax paper

Ingredients for Pineapple Christmas Balls

These holiday truffles rely on just a handful of simple ingredients, but balance texture and flavor beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (398 mL) crushed pineapple, very well drained
• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
• 1 packet (3 oz) pineapple-flavored gelatin (jello)

How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain the Pineapple

Empty the crushed pineapple into a fine mesh strainer. Press gently with a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible. The pineapple should be moist but not wet—too much liquid will make the mixture hard to shape.

2. Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and drained pineapple until smooth. Add the pineapple gelatin powder and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the graham cracker crumbs and desiccated coconut. Stir well until the mixture is uniform and slightly thick. It should be sticky but firm enough to shape.

4. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and roll.

5. Shape the Balls

Scoop about a tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

6. Coat in Coconut

Roll each ball in extra desiccated coconut to coat. This step not only adds texture and flavor but gives them a snowy, festive look.

7. Chill Again (Optional)

Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 20–30 minutes to help them set completely before serving or packaging.

Variations for Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Add Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be mixed into the base for crunch.
• Use Toasted Coconut: Roll the balls in lightly toasted coconut flakes for a richer, nuttier coating.
• Try a Different Gelatin Flavor: Lemon or orange gelatin can be swapped for a citrusy twist.
• Add a Coating of Chocolate: Dip the finished balls in white chocolate for a sweeter finish.

Serving and Decoration

Pineapple Christmas Balls are best served chilled on a festive platter or in mini paper candy cups. You can also:

• Place them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting.
• Add crushed red and green sprinkles to the coconut for a more colorful look.
• Serve alongside other no-bake treats like chocolate truffles or rum balls on a holiday dessert board.

Storing Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Refrigerator: Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper if stacking.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze them for longer storage. Place in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Ball (1 of 24)
Calories	98
Total Fat	6.8g
Saturated Fat	5.6g
Cholesterol	10mg
Sodium	28mg
Total Carbohydrate	8.5g
Dietary Fiber	1.2g
Sugars	6.5g
Protein	1.2g
Vitamin C	1.4mg
Calcium	15mg
Iron	0.3mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands or ingredient substitutions.

Pineapple Christmas Balls FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple can be used, but it must be finely crushed and very well-drained to remove excess juice. Too much moisture will prevent the balls from setting properly.

Is there a substitute for pineapple gelatin?
If pineapple gelatin isn’t available, lemon or orange gelatin works well for a citrusy twist. Avoid plain gelatin, as it lacks flavor and sweetness.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and check that your gelatin is vegan-friendly if needed. The texture may vary slightly, but it still works.

Do I need to bake these?
Nope! These are completely no-bake. Just chill, roll, and enjoy.

How do I make them less sweet?
You can cut back slightly on the gelatin amount or mix in more graham crumbs to reduce overall sweetness.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Christmas Balls have been one of my go-to holiday treats for years. They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and always a hit at holiday parties. The creamy pineapple base and coconut finish create a tropical touch that’s perfect for balancing richer desserts on the holiday table. Whether you’re making them for a cookie tray or packing them as a gift, they’re guaranteed to bring joy with every bite.