Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

Pineapple Christmas Balls are a delightful twist on classic holiday treats, bringing together the tropical tang of pineapple, the nutty goodness of pecans, the indulgent sweetness of coconut, and the wholesome crunch of graham crackers in every bite-sized treasure. These no-bake gems are as eye-catching on the dessert table as they are easy to make, making them a top pick for both busy bakers and festive gatherings. If you love effortless, crowd-pleasing desserts that deliver big on flavor and nostalgia, these Pineapple Christmas Balls are about to become your new holiday tradition.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pineapple Balls:
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl and toss in the well-drained crushed pineapple, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until what you have can only be described as sticky, pineapple-scented happiness. You know you’ve got it right when the mixture is cohesive enough to be scooped into balls.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Once combined, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This step is a little gift to your future self: as the ingredients chill, they firm up and become so much easier to roll into those perfect Pineapple Christmas Balls.

Step 3: Shape and Roll

Using a heaping tablespoon (or small cookie scoop if you have one), scoop chilled dough and roll it between your palms into a neat ball. For that signature festive finish, roll each ball in extra crushed graham crackers or coconut, pressing gently so the coating sticks nicely.

Step 4: Final Chill

Nestle the finished balls onto a parchment-lined tray, and return them to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This last chill locks in their shape, flavors, and texture—making every bite as satisfying as the last.

How to Serve Pineapple Christmas Balls

Garnishes

Dress up your Pineapple Christmas Balls with a final sprinkle of extra coconut, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of white chocolate. For ultimate holiday sparkle, try adding a few festive sprinkles on top right after coating!

Side Dishes

These sweet little treats are perfect on their own, but they also play nicely alongside a spread of other holiday classics: think crisp sugar cookies, peppermint bark, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. They’re especially beautiful perched on a platter with fresh berries or citrus slices to echo their fruity profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, pile your Pineapple Christmas Balls high on a tiered cake stand, nestle them into mini cupcake liners, or even skewer each with a decorative toothpick for mess-free party nibbling. If you’re gifting, tuck them into a pretty box lined with parchment and wrap with a ribbon for homemade hearts to melt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pineapple Christmas Balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep layers separated with sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful through every holiday gathering or snack attack.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Pineapple Christmas Balls! Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or tight-lidded container. They’ll be ready to enjoy for up to a month, and only need a few minutes at room temperature to thaw before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—these treats are meant to be enjoyed chilled! If you’ve frozen a batch, simply transfer a few to the refrigerator or let them sit out until they reach your preferred temperature. Don’t microwave, as this might cause them to lose their shape and texture.

FAQs

Can I make Pineapple Christmas Balls without nuts?

Absolutely! If you or your guests need a nut-free version, just leave out the pecans. The balls still come out perfectly flavorful and festive, with plenty of texture from the coconut and graham crackers.

What if my mixture is too wet to roll?

It’s all about that pineapple! If your mixture feels too sticky, just mix in a few more tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs until the dough firms up enough to hold its shape. Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to start.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You sure can, but be careful to finely chop and drain excess juice from fresh pineapple. Canned holds its moisture differently, so you may have to adjust the amount of graham crackers accordingly.

Are Pineapple Christmas Balls vegan?

The standard recipe contains dairy in the graham crackers and some commercial coconut, but you can easily adapt them: use vegan graham crackers and ensure your shredded coconut is pure. Swap out any non-vegan ingredients to keep everyone included!

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just mix in a very large bowl, and allow a little extra chill time so everything firms up properly. They’re a holiday hit, so more is always better!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a holiday treat that’s as joyful to make as it is to share, Pineapple Christmas Balls are the answer. With their tropical tang and old-fashioned charm, they’re sure to bring a little extra sparkle and sweetness to your celebrations. Gather your ingredients and give these no-bake delights a try—your friends and family will be reaching for seconds!