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Pineapple Balls

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Simple no-bake dessert balls combining cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and coconut. Perfect make-ahead holiday treat.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:36 GMT
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A close-up of a black and white dish filled with coconut-covered yellow sweet treats, with pieces of pineapple in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a black and white dish filled with coconut-covered yellow sweet treats, with pieces of pineapple in the background. | cookingwithcasey.com

I love bringing a taste of the tropics to my holiday treats with these Pineapple Balls. They're these delightful little snowball-sized bites that blend creamy tangy and sweet in the most perfect way. Every time I make them people ask for the recipe.

Why These Are Special

What makes these treats magic is how simple they are to make but how fancy they look. That combination of smooth cream cheese tangy pineapple and graham crumb crunch is absolutely irresistible. They've become my go-to for holiday gifting and parties.

What You'll Need

  • Crushed Pineapple: Give it a good drain we don't want any extra juice.
  • Cream Cheese: Let it soften makes mixing so much easier.
  • Pineapple Jello: Adds that extra tropical punch.
  • Graham Crackers: Crushed fine gives us perfect texture.
  • Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened makes our snowy coating.
A plate of coconut-covered, round desserts is displayed, with a blurred bowl of similar treats in the background and a pineapple partially visible. Pin it
A plate of coconut-covered, round desserts is displayed, with a blurred bowl of similar treats in the background and a pineapple partially visible. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Make These Together

Mix It Up
Beat that cream cheese till smooth mix in jello powder graham crumbs and our pineapple. Let it chill get nice and firm.
Shape and Roll
Scoop into little balls roll them in coconut until they're all snowy white.
Chill Time
Pop them in the fridge until party time they're best nice and cold.

Ready To Share

These little treats dress up so pretty in festive paper cups or arranged on your favorite holiday platter. They're perfect for everything from fancy parties to casual snacking.

Make Them Your Own

Need them gluten free? Switch to GF graham crackers. Going dairy free? Try vegan cream cheese works beautifully. Play with different jello flavors match them to your party colors.

A wooden platter holds eight yellow coconut-coated spherical treats on a sheet of parchment paper. Pin it
A wooden platter holds eight yellow coconut-coated spherical treats on a sheet of parchment paper. | cookingwithcasey.com

Keep Them Fresh

They'll stay perfect in the fridge for a week if they last that long. Want to make ahead? Freeze them up to a month just layer with wax paper keeps them from sticking.

Coconut Magic

Want that perfect snowy look? Pulse your coconut fine in the food processor. Like more texture? Leave those flakes bigger. It's all about what you love.

Share The Love

Package these up in pretty boxes they make the sweetest gifts. That tropical twist makes them stand out from typical holiday treats everyone remembers them.

Pure Joy

It's amazing how these simple ingredients come together into something so special. Quick easy and no baking needed perfect for busy holiday times still looks like you spent hours.

A close-up of coconut-covered yellow dessert balls arranged on a plate, with a blurred background of more dessert balls and a bowl of shredded coconut. Pin it
A close-up of coconut-covered yellow dessert balls arranged on a plate, with a blurred background of more dessert balls and a bowl of shredded coconut. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why drain pineapple well?
Extra moisture prevents balls from setting properly. Press through fine sieve to remove liquid.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Make up to 3 days ahead and store in fridge. Let sit briefly at room temperature before serving.
→ Why soften cream cheese?
Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps. Let soften 30 minutes before using.
→ Can I use fresh pineapple?
Canned works best as it's more consistent in moisture. Fresh may be too wet.
→ How long do these keep?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days. Do not freeze as texture changes.

Conclusion

Simple no-bake dessert featuring tropical flavors of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and coconut. An easy, make-ahead holiday treat that's perfect for entertaining.

Pineapple Balls

No-bake pineapple and cream cheese balls rolled in coconut. Easy holiday treat with tropical flavors.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 28 Servings (28 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 20 ounces crushed pineapple, well drained.
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
03 3 ounces pineapple flavored gelatin.
04 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs.
05 2 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut flakes.

Instructions

Step 01

Drain crushed pineapple very well through fine mesh sieve.

Step 02

Mix softened cream cheese until smooth with no lumps.

Step 03

Mix pineapple gelatin into cream cheese until combined.

Step 04

Roll mixture into 1 tablespoon balls.

Step 05

Roll balls in graham crumbs then coconut.

Step 06

Refrigerate 4 hours until firm.

Notes

  1. Drain pineapple thoroughly.
  2. Use room temperature cream cheese.
  3. Keep refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Fine mesh sieve.
  • Hand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 163
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 2 g