If you’re searching for a holiday treat that’s both refreshingly fruity and delightfully festive, you’re going to love Pineapple Christmas Balls. These no-bake bites are bursting with tropical flavor from juicy pineapple, a satisfying crunch from nuts, and rich sweetness from coconut. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing (or sneaking from the fridge late at night), and absolutely irresistible on a Christmas dessert platter. With each bite, you’re transported to a sweet holiday paradise!

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its short, fuss-free ingredient list. Each component adds a special touch: tropical tanginess, gentle crunch, a sprinkle of spice, or that snowy coconut finish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:

Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 ounces, drained): Offers a burst of juicy, tropical sweetness and makes the base incredibly moist.
Crushed graham crackers (2 cups): Adds just the right amount of crunch and helps bind everything together.
Shredded sweetened coconut (1½ cups, divided): Delivers that classic coconut flavor and creates a festive, snowy coating.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup): Provides a tasty crunch and nutty richness—choose your favorite or mix both!
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Infuses a touch of warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to heighten all the flavors and balance out the sweetness.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon, optional): For an extra hint of sweetness if you want to amp things up—totally up to your taste buds.

How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the drained crushed pineapple, crushed graham crackers, 1 cup of shredded coconut, chopped nuts, cinnamon, salt, and honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of extra sweetness. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until it all comes together into a sticky, well-blended dough. Every ingredient takes center stage here, so don’t rush—enjoy the aroma, especially that sweet pineapple mingling with warm cinnamon!

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Pop the bowl into your refrigerator and let the mixture chill for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is the secret to making the dough easier to roll—no sticky hands, no mess. While you’re waiting, it’s the perfect time to tidy up, sip some cocoa, and dream of how delicious the finished Pineapple Christmas Balls will taste.

Step 3: Roll the Dough into Balls

Once your mixture is nice and firm, take it out of the fridge. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough at a time and roll it between your palms to make 1-inch balls. The mixture should hold together perfectly, with bits of pineapple and crunchy nuts peeking out—each ball has its own personality!

Step 4: Coat with Coconut

Spread the remaining half cup of shredded coconut on a plate. Roll each ball in the coconut until it is coated on all sides. This not only adds to the flavor but also gives your Pineapple Christmas Balls a gorgeous, Christmassy snowball effect. It’s like rolling tiny snowballs, but tastier!

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the finished balls on a tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a final chill in the fridge for at least an hour—this lets all the flavors meld and the texture firm up. Waiting is tough, but so worth it for that first perfect bite.

How to Serve Pineapple Christmas Balls

Pineapple Christmas Balls Garnishes

For a festive finish, you can drizzle your Pineapple Christmas Balls with a little melted white chocolate or top them with sparkling decorative sprinkles. A few dried pineapple pieces atop each ball also look beautiful and hint at their tropical flavor inside. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra snowy and magical.

Side Dishes

Serve these Pineapple Christmas Balls alongside other holiday treats like chocolate bark, gingerbread cookies, or peppermint fudge for the ultimate dessert spread. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or spiced apple cider—perfect for cozy evenings around the Christmas tree!

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Pineapple Christmas Balls by piling them on a platter lined with fresh mint leaves or placing each in its own mini cupcake liner for easy serving. For gifting, layer them in a festive tin with parchment between each layer, or thread a few onto holiday skewers for a sweet, edible bouquet. However you present them, they’ll bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These treats are excellent for making ahead—just store your Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making your holiday prep so much easier. Be sure to separate layers with a bit of parchment to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Pineapple Christmas Balls! Simply arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.

Reheating

No reheating is required—these are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. If they’ve been frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. They’ll return to their perfectly chewy, flavorful selves with zero fuss, ready to brighten your dessert table at any moment.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely, just be sure to finely chop and drain it really well for the right texture. Fresh pineapple can be juicier, so you might need to add a little more graham cracker to soak up any extra moisture.

What other nuts can I use?

You can swap in almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts if you prefer. Each brings its own character to the Pineapple Christmas Balls, so try a mix if you’re feeling adventurous!

Are these Pineapple Christmas Balls gluten free?

As written, they contain regular graham crackers which have gluten. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or similar cookies—everything else is naturally gluten-free!

Can I make them sweeter or less sweet?

Definitely! Taste the mixture before rolling and add more or less honey (or maple syrup) to suit your preference. You could also use unsweetened coconut for a less-sweet flavor or add extra for even more sweetness.

How far ahead can I prepare Pineapple Christmas Balls?

You can make these up to five days in advance and keep them refrigerated. They’re actually even better after sitting for a day or two, as all the flavors blend together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a true holiday delight—super easy, wonderfully festive, and packed with flavor that makes everyone smile. Give them a try this season and watch your dessert table disappear one sweet, tropical bite at a time!

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat bursting with tropical flavors. Made with crushed pineapple, graham crackers, coconut, nuts, and warm spices, these sweet bites are perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pineapple Christmas Balls:

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (drained)
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut (divided)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix drained pineapple, graham crackers, 1 cup coconut, nuts, cinnamon, salt, and honey/maple syrup if using until a sticky dough forms.
Chill Mixture: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Shape Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls, coating each in the remaining coconut.
Refrigerate: Place on parchment-lined tray and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.