Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

Looking to add a touch of the tropics to your holiday spread? Look no further than these delightful Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls. Bursting with the sunny flavors of juicy pineapple and creamy coconut, these no-bake treats are the perfect festive indulgence. A favorite at cookie exchanges and holiday parties, these little bites of paradise are sure to disappear from your dessert table in no time.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a baking mishap, and it has since become a beloved tradition in my household. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crumbs, and a hint of vanilla creates a soft and decadent treat that is as charming as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

With their vibrant appearance and tropical flair, these holiday balls are a nod to classic Southern sweets and vintage church cookbook favorites. Perfect for sharing and spreading joy, these treats are a must-have for any festive occasion. Whip up a batch, freeze some for later, and enjoy a taste of sunshine all winter long with these delightful Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls.

Quick Benefits

• Bursting with tropical flavor from juicy pineapple and creamy coconut
• Quick and easy no-bake treat perfect for holiday gatherings and edible gifts
• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for ultimate convenience
• Versatile recipe with options for customization using different ingredients and toppings

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites Recipe

• Bursting with tropical flavors – the combination of juicy pineapple and creamy coconut will transport you to a sunny beach, even in the middle of winter.
• Festive and visually appealing – perfect for holiday gatherings, these pineapple coconut balls look beautiful on a dessert platter and can be garnished with holiday-themed sprinkles.
• Easy no-bake treat – a quick and simple recipe that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for last-minute dessert needs or edible gift preparations.
• Sweet and soft texture – these holiday balls are soft, sweet, and delicious, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile and customizable – you can easily adapt the recipe by using different coatings, alternative biscuits, or adding seasonal ingredients like peppermint candies or fresh berries.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – perfect for planning ahead, these treats can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy them anytime.
• Nostalgic and comforting – reminiscent of vintage church cookbook traditions and classic Southern sweets, these pineapple coconut balls bring back happy memories and smiles wherever they go.
• Crowd-pleaser – a proven hit at parties, offices, and as thoughtful gifts, these bright bites are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home too.

Ingredients for Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Holiday-themed sprinkles for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, plus additional for coating

Pro Tips for Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

To ensure the Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls hold their shape, make sure to drain the crushed pineapple very well to remove excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the mixture stay firm for easy rolling.

For best results, refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours before shaping the balls. Chilling the mixture will help it firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into perfect little treats.

If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, these balls can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy freshly made treats with ease when it’s time to serve them.

How to Make Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Combine drained crushed pineapple, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until well mixed.

Step 2: Chill Mixture

Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the mixture is firm and workable.

Step 3: Shape Balls

Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture and shape it into a ball by rolling between your palms. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Step 4: Coat and Garnish

Roll each pineapple ball in shredded coconut in a shallow dish, pressing gently to coat. Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles on top for decoration.

Step 5: Final Chill

Place the formed balls on a tray and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow them to set before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to five days. If you want to store them longer, arrange the balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to two months. When serving from frozen, transfer them to the fridge for a few hours or let them sit on the counter for about twenty minutes to thaw.

For longer storage or for preparing ahead of time, freezing the Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls is a great option. By properly arranging and freezing them, you can enjoy these tropical treats whenever you need a quick sweet or festive bite during the holidays. Consider doubling the batch and freezing half so you always have a supply of these delightful no-bake confections on hand for instant cheer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can substitute it with a thick coconut cream mixed with a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar for sweetness. This alternative will still provide the creamy texture needed for the recipe. For the graham cracker crumbs, you can use digestive biscuits as a substitute to achieve a similar texture and flavor profile in the holiday balls. Additionally, if you prefer to skip the sprinkles, you can dust the balls with cocoa powder or chopped nuts for a different finishing touch.

To add a wintery touch to these tropical holiday balls, you can crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top for a festive finish. In the summer, you can incorporate fresh or frozen chopped berries into the mixture to add color and a seasonal twist. If you want to customize the coconut coating, you can tint it with food coloring to match the theme of any celebration. These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to different seasons and occasions, making the holiday balls versatile and suitable for various gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls, try skewering them on bamboo picks with a sprinkle of extra coconut on top for a fun and easy-to-eat party appetizer. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful and festive display that will impress your guests.

For a tropical twist, serve the Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls on a bed of toasted coconut flakes drizzled with a rum-infused caramel sauce. The combination of flavors will transport your taste buds to a sunny beach paradise, making these treats a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or special occasion.

FAQs for Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to drain any excess liquid very well to keep the mixture firm for easy rolling.

How long should I refrigerate the mixture before shaping the balls?

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

Can I make these holiday balls ahead of time?

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

Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs with vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits?

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

Conclusion

As you prepare to make these delightful Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls, remember that the joy of creating and sharing these sweet treats is as important as enjoying their delicious flavor. The festive touch of pineapple and coconut in every bite will surely bring smiles to those you share them with this holiday season. So, gather your ingredients, put on some cheerful music, and let the tropical goodness of these Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls brighten up your home.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, attending a cookie exchange, or looking for a quick treat to enjoy by the fireplace, these Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls are a must-have addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their tropical flair and easy no-bake preparation make them a winner for busy days or last-minute celebrations. Embrace the holiday spirit with these delightful Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls, and let the joy of the season shine through in every bite.

Delicious Pineapple Coconut Holiday Energy Bites

Tropical and festive Pineapple Coconut Holiday Balls are an irresistible no-bake treat, bursting with sunshine flavors perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time15 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 balls)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Holiday-themed sprinkles for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, plus additional for coating

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine drained crushed pineapple, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until well mixed.
2. Chill Mixture: Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the mixture is firm and workable.
3. Shape Balls: Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture and shape it into a ball by rolling between your palms. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
4. Coat and Garnish: Roll each pineapple ball in shredded coconut in a shallow dish, pressing gently to coat. Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles on top for decoration.
5. Final Chill: Place the formed balls on a tray and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow them to set before serving.