Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls

Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls are my go-to treat when I want something quick festive and bursting with tropical flavor. These little no-bake confections are soft sweet and reminiscent of sunshine even in the middle of winter thanks to juicy pineapple and creamy coconut. They look beautiful on a dessert platter and are perfect for making ahead or sharing as edible gifts.

I made these for a last-minute holiday cookie exchange when my oven broke and they completely disappeared from the table. Now they are a must-do every December in my house and I double the batch for parties.

Ingredients

• Crushed pineapple: look for the kind packed in juice not syrup drain as thoroughly as you can for best results
• Graham cracker crumbs: add a subtle crunch and soak up the pineapple juice whole graham crackers give the best crumbs if pulsed fresh
• Sweetened condensed milk: gives just the right sticky sweetness and binds it all together always use fresh not evaporated milk for best results
• Shredded coconut: creates that irresistible tropical chew unsweetened works if you prefer it less sweet but I like the classic sweet kind
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor with a warm note go for pure extract for the best taste
• Holiday-themed sprinkles (optional): but instantly festive go wild with the colors

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl combine the well-drained crushed pineapple graham cracker crumbs sweetened condensed milk shredded coconut and vanilla extract. Stir with a sturdy spoon until every scoop looks moist and even and check that no dry crumbs remain at the bottom. The mix will look thick and slightly sticky.

Chill the Mixture:

Cover your mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for one to two hours until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape without sticking all over your hands. You should be able to press a spoon into the mix and it holds its shape.

Form the Balls:

With clean hands scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball. If the mixture is too sticky roll your hands with a little extra coconut first. Repeat for the rest and set each ball aside on a parchment-lined tray.

Coat with Coconut and Sprinkles:

Pour extra shredded coconut into a shallow dish. Roll each ball to coat the outside well. For a cheerful holiday touch add a pinch of red and green sprinkles on top while the surface is still sticky so they adhere.

Chill Before Serving:

Once all the balls are coated arrange them in a single layer on your serving tray or a storage container. Chill for at least 30 minutes so they firm up even more and feel cool and creamy when served. The flavor is best when they are nicely chilled.

The pineapple is my favorite part because it makes these treats taste fresh and summery even in the cold months. My niece tried to steal one before they chilled fully and to this day she laughs about sneaking sticky hands in the kitchen before guests arrived.

Storage Tips

Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To store longer arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe box with parchment between layers and freeze for two months. To serve from frozen move to the fridge for a few hours or set on the counter for twenty minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

No sweetened condensed milk Try a thick coconut cream with a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar instead. You can use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers or skip the sprinkles and dust with cocoa or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Pile them up with other colorful no-bake desserts on a holiday platter. Try pressing them into mini cupcake wrappers for easy serving or place a toothpick in each for parties. Kids love dipping them in extra coconut or candy decorations.

Cultural and Historical Context

These balls echo vintage church cookbook traditions where no-bake pineapple and graham cracker bars were pantry staples across America. The coconut pineapple duo calls back to both tropical holiday bakes and classic Southern sweets served for Christmas and Easter.

Seasonal Adaptations

Crush peppermint candies for a wintery finish Fresh or frozen berries chopped in add color in summer Tint the coconut coating pink green or gold for any celebration

Success Stories

My friend brought these to her office holiday party where she claimed they were gone before lunch. A neighbor said she gifted a decorated tinful to new parents as their first baby arrived. These simple treats truly bring out smiles and happy memories wherever they go.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Double the batch on a baking day and freeze half. Whenever you need a quick sweet or festive bite during the holidays just pop a few out to thaw and dust with fresh coconut or extra sprinkles for instant cheer.

These bright bites are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home too. Enjoy them all winter long for a taste of tropical cheer.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to drain any excess liquid very well to keep the mixture firm for easy rolling.

→ How long should the mixture chill before forming balls?

Refrigerate the mixture for 1–2 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to shape and handle easily.

→ Are these treats suitable for making in advance?

Absolutely! They can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge to stay fresh and set properly.

→ Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits work well as alternatives for a similar texture.

→ How should I store leftover balls?

Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container; they'll stay fresh for up to one week.

→ Can I skip the holiday sprinkles?

Definitely. You can roll the balls in just coconut, or use other decorative toppings as you prefer.