If you’re searching for an irresistibly festive treat to brighten up your dessert spread, let me introduce you to Pineapple Christmas Balls. Imagine sweet, sunny pineapple wrapped in coconut and vanilla, all studded with crunchy pecans and dressed in a snowy coconut coat. These no-bake beauties come together in minutes, require no oven, and taste like the holidays and a tropical vacation blissfully rolled into one. They’re a delightful bite-sized way to celebrate the season—or any time you’re craving a little extra cheer!

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Pineapple Christmas Balls is selected for flavor and texture, and together they create a delicious harmony that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Gather these simple items and get ready for a treat that’s as easy to make as it is addictive.

Crushed Pineapple (1 can, 20 oz, well-drained): This is the bright, juicy star of the show. Draining well is key for the right texture.
Crushed Vanilla Wafers (2 cups): These give our balls structure, a gentle vanilla flavor, and a little cookie crunch.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 cup, plus extra for rolling): Adds richness and classic Christmas-y coconut appeal, plus an irresistible snowy finish.
Finely Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Adds buttery crunch in every bite—chop them fine so they blend into the mixture.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): For a smooth sweetness that brings all the flavors together.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Just a splash makes the flavors shine and adds a lovely brightness to balance the sweetness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A touch amplifies all the delicious flavors.
Additional Shredded Coconut: For rolling the finished balls—this is what gives them that beautiful, snowy Christmas look.

How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple (take your time pressing out excess juice!), vanilla wafer crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of salt. Stir everything together until you’ve got a thick, sticky dough that looks like holiday magic in a bowl.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Pop the bowl into your refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step makes the mixture much easier to work with—trust me, you’ll thank yourself for this quick chill when it’s time to roll!

Step 3: Shape into Balls

Scoop out small, tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and use your hands to roll each into a smooth, bite-sized ball. If things get a bit sticky, lightly greasing your hands or using a melon baller really helps.

Step 4: Coconut Coating

Pour extra shredded coconut onto a plate and gently roll each ball to coat. As you do, the exterior transforms into that wintry, snowy look that makes Pineapple Christmas Balls so festive!

Step 5: Final Chill

Arrange the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This final chill firms them up beautifully and melds the flavors for the ultimate holiday bite.

How to Serve Pineapple Christmas Balls

Garnishes

A simple finish of extra shredded coconut always looks stunning, but for extra sparkle, try a dusting of edible glitter or holiday sprinkles. A few chopped pecans or even tiny pieces of candied pineapple can also jazz up your tray for a magical presentation.

Side Dishes

Pineapple Christmas Balls pair delightfully with other finger desserts like chocolate truffles, spiced gingerbread, or buttery shortbread. Set out a platter with seasonal fruit, nut clusters, or even a few wedges of sharp cheese for a sweet-salty contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the basic plate: arrange your Pineapple Christmas Balls in mini cupcake liners, pile them high on a tiered stand, or tuck them into a holiday tin for edible gifting. For parties, you could even skewer them with festive picks or nestle them among evergreen sprigs for an extra show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras in an airtight container in your refrigerator—try not to stack them too tightly, and separate layers with parchment paper to keep them looking perfect. They’ll happily keep for up to a week, which makes them brilliant for advance prep.

Freezing

Pineapple Christmas Balls freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe box, adding parchment paper between layers if needed. Pop them in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

No need to reheat these little treats—they’re best served cold or at room temperature. Just let refrigerated or frozen balls rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to get the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to chop it finely and drain it very thoroughly—fresh pineapple tends to be even juicier, which can affect the texture of your Pineapple Christmas Balls.

Are there nut-free substitutions for the pecans?

Yes! Swap in toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or simply leave out the nuts entirely. The balls will still hold together and taste delicious, just with a slightly different crunch.

Can I toast the coconut for rolling?

Yes, toasting the coconut adds a lovely toasted flavor and golden hue. Just spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, watching carefully until fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I make Pineapple Christmas Balls gluten-free?

You sure can! Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or gluten-free graham-style cookies in place of regular wafers, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.

How far ahead can I make them for holiday parties?

These are a party planner’s dream, as they keep perfectly up to a week in the fridge or a month in the freezer. I like to make them a day or two ahead for the best flavor meld and stress-free entertaining!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new holiday classic that brings a touch of tropical sunshine to every celebration, Pineapple Christmas Balls are exactly what you need. Sweet, simple, utterly festive, and incredibly delicious, they’re destined to become a favorite with family and friends. Give them a try—you’ll be the star of the dessert table!

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat, perfect for festive gatherings or as sweet gifts. Made with a mix of crushed pineapple, vanilla wafers, coconut, and pecans, these little bites are bursting with tropical flavor and a hint of crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pineapple Balls:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional shredded coconut for rolling

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together crushed pineapple, vanilla wafers, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Shape the Balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls using your hands.
Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat.
Refrigerate: Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.