Pineapple Christmas Balls

Chill: Place the pineapple balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Decorate (Optional): Once chilled, you can decorate the balls with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving: Serve these pineapple Christmas balls chilled as a dessert or snack. They are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for family gatherings.
Storage: Store leftover pineapple balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the balls by placing them on a tray and freezing them individually before transferring them to a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
Variations:

Coconut-Free Version: For those who are not fond of coconut, you can substitute it with crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a savory-sweet twist.
Nut-Free: If you’re preparing this treat for guests with nut allergies, simply omit the nuts and roll the balls only in coconut or another coating of your choice.
Add a Zesty Twist: Enhance the flavor by adding a touch of orange zest or lemon zest to the mixture for a citrusy kick.
FAQs:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? While canned pineapple is typically used in this recipe for convenience, you can use fresh pineapple as long as you finely chop and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Can I make these pineapple balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pineapple balls a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Can I substitute the cream cheese? For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese substitute. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

How can I make these balls vegan? To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use maple syrup or a similar sweetener instead of powdered sugar.

How do I prevent the mixture from being too sticky? If the mixture feels too sticky, you can chill it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls. Additionally, you can lightly grease your hands or dust them with a bit of powdered sugar to handle the mixture more easily.

These Pineapple Christmas Balls will add a burst of tropical flavor and a festive touch to your holiday celebrations! Enjoy!