Heavenly Homemade Pineapple Balls Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Sweet, tropical breezes dance through this irresistible pineapple balls recipe that promises a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Tropical desserts often capture the essence of pure joy and relaxation.

These delectable treats merge the tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple with rich, comforting textures that melt in your mouth.

No ordinary snack could compare to the delightful combination of tropical fruits and creamy ingredients in this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these pineapple balls will transport you to a beachside paradise with just one taste.

The recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tropical zest that makes them ideal for summer gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Dive into this delightful culinary adventure and let your taste buds embark on a tropical escape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 137 kcal

Servings: 22

What to Add in Pineapple Balls

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, luxurious texture and helps ingredients bind smoothly.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds delightful crunch and helps structure the ball's consistency.

• Crushed Pineapple: Delivers vibrant tropical sweetness and natural moisture.
• Pineapple Jello Powder: Intensifies fruity flavor and helps bind ingredients together.

• Shredded Coconut: Creates delectable tropical coating with delightful tropical crunch and visual appeal.

Tools for Shaping Pineapple Balls

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese to a creamy, lump-free consistency.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately portioning coconut and other ingredients.
• Tablespoon: Helps create uniform-sized balls for consistent treats.
• Food-Safe Container: Ideal for storing finished Pineapple Balls in the refrigerator.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Useful for final mixing and scraping bowl sides.

Pineapple Ball Prep Instructions

Tropical Pineapple Delights

• Creamy Base Preparation

Grab your mixer and transform room temperature cream cheese into a silky smooth canvas, eliminating any stubborn lumps.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss in the vibrant crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, crumbly graham crackers, and zesty pineapple jello powder, blending everything into a tropical symphony.

• Chilling Interlude

Nestle the mixture in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and transform into a firm, delectable treat.

• Bite-Sized Magic

Scoop out small portions and roll them into perfect little orbs of tropical happiness.

• Coconut Embrace

Lovingly coat each ball in a fluffy layer of coconut, creating a crisp, inviting exterior that hints at the deliciousness within.

• Tropical Storage

Tuck these sweet morsels into a container and let them chill in the refrigerator, ready to transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.

Flavoring Pineapple Balls Differently

• Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour to help the balls hold their shape and intensify the pineapple and coconut flavors.
• Experiment with different coatings like crushed nuts, toasted coconut, or even melted white chocolate for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Prepare the Pineapple Balls in advance and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for a convenient make-ahead dessert.
• Swap the pineapple jello for sugar-free version or reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness. Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetening.
• Vary the size of the balls from bite-sized treats to larger dessert portions. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to create uniform shapes for consistent results.

How to Present Pineapple Balls

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange these pineapple balls beautifully on a wooden serving board with fresh mint leaves and small tropical flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
• Dessert Companion: Pair these sweet coconut bites with chilled tropical drinks like piña coladas or passion fruit smoothies to enhance the island-inspired flavor profile.
• Gifting Delight: Package these treats in small clear gift boxes with ribbon ties, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a homemade edible present for friends and family.
• Afternoon Tea Accent: Serve these pineapple balls alongside light tea sandwiches and scones for an elegant midday snack that adds a surprising tropical touch to traditional tea time.

Keeping Pineapple Balls Tasty

• Chilling and Storing Tactics
• Fridge Life Span: Keep these delightful pineapple balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days, maintaining their fresh tropical flavor and creamy texture.
• Cold Zone Strategy: Always store these treats in the refrigerator to prevent cream cheese from spoiling and maintain their delicate coconut coating's crisp texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pineapple balls up to 3 days before your event, giving the flavors time to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Tropical Pineapple Balls

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy pineapple balls showcase Brazilian culinary heritage with sweet, tangy flavors. Delicate pastry envelops caramelized fruit, inviting you to savor this tropical delicacy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
• 398 ml (13.4 fl oz) canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 (3 oz) packet pineapple jello

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl using an electric mixer until achieving a luxuriously smooth, lump-free consistency.
2. Mixture Fusion: Combine drained pineapple chunks, graham cracker crumbs, first portion of coconut, and pineapple gelatin powder into the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until ingredients meld into a uniform texture with consistent coloration.
3. Chilling Preparation: Refrigerate the blended mixture for approximately one hour, allowing it to firm up and become more manageable for shaping.
4. Forming Spheres: Extract the chilled mixture and craft uniform spherical shapes by scooping with a tablespoon and gently rolling between palms to create smooth, round pineapple balls.
5. Coconut Coating: Roll each created sphere in the remaining coconut, ensuring complete and elegant coverage that adheres perfectly to the exterior.
6. Storage and Serving: Transfer the coconut-encrusted pineapple balls into a sealed refrigerated container. Keep chilled until serving time, presenting these tropical-inspired delicacies as a refreshing and delightful treat.

Notes

• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent soggy texture and ensure proper ball formation.
• Chill Before Shaping: Refrigerate mixture for exactly 1 hour to firm up consistency, making rolling easier and preventing sticky hands.
• Use Cold Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened but still cool for optimal texture and smooth blending without separation.
• Gentle Rolling Technique: Roll balls with light, consistent pressure to create uniform size and prevent dense, compact spheres.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 137
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 21 mg