Description
These Pineapple Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple, creamy smoothness of cream cheese, and a hint of pineapple-flavored gelatin. Rolled in unsweetened coconut flakes, they make a perfect party appetizer or dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Mixture
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 3 ounce package pineapple flavored gelatin mix (Jell-O brand recommended)
- ¾ cup finely crushed graham crackers
Coating
- 2¼ cups unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Drain Pineapple: Use a fine mesh sieve to drain as much liquid as possible from the canned crushed pineapple to prevent sogginess in the mixture.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl, making it easier to blend with other ingredients.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth and lump-free to ensure a creamy texture.
- Add Gelatin: Sprinkle the pineapple flavored gelatin mix over the cream cheese and continue mixing on medium speed just until combined to evenly distribute flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the crushed graham cracker crumbs and the well-drained pineapple until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the mixture to firm up, making it easier to scoop and roll.
- Prepare for Rolling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to place the finished pineapple balls on.
- Prepare Coconut Coating: Pour unsweetened coconut flakes into a shallow bowl for easy rolling of the pineapple balls.
- Form Balls: Remove mixture from the refrigerator, scoop out using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, and roll each scoop into a ball shape with your hands.
- Coat and Chill: Roll each ball in the coconut flakes to fully coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheet. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
- To freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers or a gallon-size freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Tips: Instead of rolling the balls in coconut, sprinkle coconut flakes on top after rolling.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- To get smaller coconut flakes, pulse them in a food processor before coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
