Description
These Pineapple Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and pineapple-flavored gelatin, rolled in unsweetened coconut flakes. Perfect for a refreshing, tropical-inspired snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare and suits various dietary preferences when modified.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2¼ cups unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Drain pineapple: Use a fine mesh sieve to drain as much liquid as possible from the 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- Prepare cream cheese: Place the softened 8 ounce cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl.
- Beat cream cheese: Using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add gelatin: Sprinkle the 3 ounce pineapple flavored gelatin mix over the cream cheese and continue mixing on medium speed until just combined.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the ¾ cup of finely crushed graham crackers and the well-drained crushed pineapple until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- 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 coating: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the 2¼ cups of unsweetened coconut flakes into a shallow bowl.
- Form balls: Once chilled, scoop the mixture using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop and roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
- Coat balls: Roll each ball in the coconut flakes, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Store and serve: Keep the pineapple balls refrigerated until ready to serve for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or gallon-size ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers or in a gallon-size freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
- Alternative coating: Instead of rolling in coconut flakes, sprinkle the coconut flakes on top immediately after forming the balls.
- Vegan version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Smaller coconut flakes: Grind unsweetened coconut flakes in a food processor for a finer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
