If you are looking to brighten your dessert spread with something refreshingly tropical and irresistibly creamy, then this Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe is your next go-to treat. These little bites marry the tangy sweetness of crushed pineapple with smooth cream cheese and a hint of tropical coconut, all rolled into perfectly bite-sized morsels. The crunchy graham cracker crumbs add a subtle texture that balances the softness beautifully. Light, fruity, and delightfully sweet, this recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special snack that makes you feel like you’re on a sunny beach getaway even if you’re right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making these Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a special role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that fresh tropical vibe.
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (very well drained): The star fruit adding juicy sweetness and tropical flavor, draining well keeps your balls from getting watery.
- 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy, smooth base that binds everything together and adds richness.
- 3-ounce package pineapple flavored gelatin mix: Adds a subtle pineapple punch and helps the balls firm up nicely.
- ¾ cup finely crushed graham crackers: Offers a delicate crunch and a touch of buttery sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- 2¼ cups unsweetened coconut flakes: For that tropical finish, both visually and in flavor, these flakes coat the balls and provide a lovely texture contrast.
How to Make Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe
Step 1: Drain the Crushed Pineapple
Start by draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly using a fine mesh sieve. Removing as much liquid as possible ensures your fruit balls won’t get too soft and will hold their shape beautifully when rolled.
Step 2: Cream the Cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer, beat on medium speed until the cheese becomes smooth and free of lumps—this step is crucial for the creamy texture the recipe is known for.
Step 3: Add the Gelatin Mix
Sprinkle the pineapple-flavored gelatin over the cream cheese, then blend on medium speed just until combined. This helps infuse a subtle extra pineapple flavor and also aids in firming the mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Graham Crackers and Pineapple
Gently stir in the crushed graham cracker crumbs and the well-drained pineapple. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed so each ball has a uniform taste and texture.
Step 5: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in your refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step is essential as it gives the mixture time to firm up, making scooping and rolling easier and neater.
Step 6: Prepare for Rolling
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your fruit balls from sticking. Then, pour the coconut flakes into a shallow bowl, ready for rolling.
Step 7: Roll into Balls and Coat
Once chilled, scoop the mixture using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands to achieve a smooth round shape, then roll it in the unsweetened coconut flakes until fully coated. Place each finished ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Refrigerate Until Serving
Keep the fruit balls refrigerated until you’re ready to serve so they stay firm and fresh. They’re best enjoyed chilled for that cool, creamy burst of tropical goodness.
How to Serve Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe can be as simple as sprinkling a few toasted coconut flakes or even a tiny mint leaf on top of each ball. These touches add visual appeal and a complementary fresh note.
Side Dishes
These fruity balls pair wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments. Think alongside a platter of fresh tropical fruits like mango slices, kiwi, and berries, or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette for a balanced snack or dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these fruit balls on colorful cocktail picks in a decorative bowl, or arrange them neatly on a tiered tray for a party. You could even present them inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for an eye-catching tropical centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to 3 days, making them a perfect prepare-ahead treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze these fruit balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for about 1 to 2 hours.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Simply thaw frozen balls in the fridge and enjoy the cool, creamy texture that’s central to this Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely crush the fresh pineapple and drain it very well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the mixture too wet to form into balls properly.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan cream cheese or coconut cream, but be mindful the texture and flavor will shift slightly away from the classic version.
How long do these fruit balls last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe will keep wonderfully fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, their texture may start to change.
Can I make these fruit balls without the gelatin mix?
The gelatin helps the balls hold their shape, especially when chilled, but if you prefer to skip it, increase the amount of crushed graham crackers slightly and keep the mixture well chilled to compensate.
Are these suitable for kids’ parties?
Definitely! These fruit balls are a fun, bite-sized sweet treat that kids love, and they’re made with familiar and simple ingredients, so they’re a win for party snacks or lunchbox surprises.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say making this Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe is a delightful experience from start to finish. They’re refreshingly light, super easy to prepare, and bring a breeze of tropical joy to any occasion. So, why not treat yourself and your friends to these charming little bites? Once you try them, I’m sure they’ll become one of your favorite go-to fruity desserts too!
Print
Pineapple Coconut Fruit Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings
Description
These Pineapple Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining crushed pineapple, cream cheese, pineapple-flavored gelatin, and crunchy graham crackers, all coated with unsweetened coconut flakes. Perfect as a refreshing and sweet snack or dessert, these bite-sized balls are easy to prepare, chilled to perfection, and served cold for a tropical burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (very well drained)
- 8 ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 3 ounce package pineapple flavored gelatin mix (e.g., Jell-O brand)
- ¾ cup finely crushed graham crackers
- 2¼ cups unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Drain pineapple: Use a fine mesh sieve to drain as much liquid from the canned crushed pineapple as possible to prevent sogginess in the mixture.
- Prepare cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Beat cream cheese: Use a handheld mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add gelatin: Sprinkle the pineapple-flavored gelatin over the cream cheese and continue mixing on medium speed just until combined.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Stir in the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs and the well-drained crushed pineapple until the mixture is well incorporated.
- Chill mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the mixture to firm up for easy scooping and rolling.
- Prepare rolling station: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the unsweetened coconut flakes into a shallow bowl.
- Form balls: Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands.
- Coat in coconut: Roll each ball in the unsweetened coconut flakes, ensuring they’re fully coated, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until serving: Keep the pineapple balls refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain firmness and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is very well drained to keep the mixture firm and not watery.
- Softened cream cheese mixes more easily and results in a smoother texture.
- Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform-sized balls for even presentation.
- These pineapple balls are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a fun variation, try rolling the balls in chopped nuts instead of coconut flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
