These Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive, refreshing, no-bake holiday treat that brings tropical sweetness to the Christmas dessert table. Made with crushed pineapple, soft cream cheese, coconut, and graham crumbs, these little bites offer a creamy texture with a bright pop of fruity flavor. They’re rolled into bite-size balls, coated in coconut or white chocolate, and chilled to perfection. Because they require no oven time and come together in minutes, they’re ideal for busy holiday schedules, last-minute dessert plates, and edible gift boxes.
Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Christmas Balls
You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple, refreshingly sweet, and beautifully festive. Each bite combines creamy pineapple filling with a soft candy-like texture that tastes like Christmas and summer blended together. Moreover, these no-bake treats keep well in the fridge, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining. They also look stunning on dessert platters and pair effortlessly with cookies, chocolates, and truffles.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas sweet that’s unique yet crowd-pleasing, these pineapple balls are the perfect choice. They require minimal ingredients, use basic pantry staples, and deliver a flavor profile that stands out among traditional holiday desserts. They’re also freezer-friendly, beginner-friendly, and highly customizable. Whether you coat them in coconut, dip them in white chocolate, or roll them in sprinkles, they add the perfect touch of festive charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
1 ½–2 cups powdered sugar
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Shredded coconut, finely chopped pecans, or white chocolate for coating
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1 – Prepare the Pineapple: Start by draining the crushed pineapple extremely well. Press out excess liquid using a fine strainer or paper towels. A dry mixture helps the balls hold their shape.
- Step 2 – Mix the Base: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the drained pineapple and vanilla, blending until fully incorporated.
- Step 3 – Add Sugar and Crumbs: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and graham crumbs. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes scoopable. If it feels too soft, add a bit more graham crumbs.
Step 4 – Chill the Mixture: Once everything is combined, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the mixture firm up properly and makes shaping much easier. - Step 5 – Roll Into Balls: After the mixture has firmed, scoop out small portions and gently roll each one into a 1-inch ball. Aim for even sizes so they chill and set uniformly
- Step 6 – Coat the Balls: Next, lift each ball and roll it in shredded coconut, crushed pecans, or festive sprinkles. For an extra-smooth finish, you can also dip them into melted white chocolate
- Step 7 – Chill and Serve: When all the balls are coated, place them on a parchment-lined tray and return them to the refrigerator. Let them chill for another 20–30 minutes, or until completely firm and ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per ball)
Calories: 125
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 15g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 1g
Tips for the Best Pineapple Christmas Balls
Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid a runny mixture.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
Chill the mixture before rolling for easier shaping.
Add extra graham crumbs if the dough is too soft.
Freeze balls briefly before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
Roll in finely shredded coconut for the prettiest finish.
Use gel coloring in white chocolate for festive colors.
Add chopped pecans for texture and warmth.
Mix in a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
Store chilled to maintain firmness and flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate-Dipped Pineapple Balls: Coat in melted white or dark chocolate.
Coconut Pineapple Snowballs: Roll entirely in coconut flakes.
Pina Colada Version: Add a splash of coconut extract.
Nutty Pineapple Balls: Use chopped pecans or walnuts as coating.
Sprinkle Balls: Roll in Christmas sprinkles for a kid-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookie crumbs.
Tropical Twist: Add a tablespoon of crushed freeze-dried mango.
Extra Creamy Version: Mix in a bit of Cool Whip for fluffier texture.
What to Serve With Pineapple Christmas Balls
Serve these festive bites alongside holiday cookies, fudge, truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, or Christmas bark. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint coffee, chai lattes, and winter punch. On dessert platters, they add a refreshing fruity contrast to richer treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip draining the pineapple; too much liquid ruins the texture.
Avoid over-mixing; the mixture can become too soft.
Don’t roll warm dough or the balls will lose shape.
Avoid storing at room temperature—cream cheese requires chilling.
Don’t overload with powdered sugar or the mixture may become gritty.
Storing Tips
Store the pineapple balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and dust with extra coconut if needed before serving.
Conclusion
Pineapple Christmas Balls are the perfect no-bake treat for anyone who wants a festive dessert that’s refreshing, unique, and effortless. Their bright flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation make them a standout addition to any holiday celebration. They’re easy to prepare, easy to customize, and absolutely irresistible.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use fresh pineapple? Only if crushed very finely and drained extremely well.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but full-fat holds shape better.
- Why is my mixture too soft? Add more graham crumbs or chill longer.
- Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze up to 2 months.
- Can I dip them in chocolate? Absolutely—white chocolate works beautifully.
- Can I make them ahead? Yes, prepare 1–2 days before serving.
- Do they need refrigeration? Yes, always keep them chilled.
- Can kids help make them? Definitely—rolling is fun and easy.
- Can I add coconut inside? Yes, mix in ¼ cup for extra texture.
- Why do my candy canes melt? Add candy cane only as topping, not mixed inside.