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These coconut pineapple balls bring the sunshine no matter the time of year. Grab a couple of pantry staples and skip the oven, and you’ll be munching on them before your sweet tooth has time to nag you. That fresh pineapple and coconut together really scream vacation in each mouthful. Seriously easy for dessert after dinner and just as good packed for an afternoon snack. Both grownups and little ones go for these every time.
I made a batch the other day because I was feeling lazy, and everyone gobbled them up straight from the fridge. Now whenever friends drop over, it’s what they beg me to make. Even my niece who barely eats anything likes these.
Tasty Ingredients
- Pinch of salt: brightens everything up and cuts the sweet
- Almond flour or graham cracker crumbs: binds the bites together and adds a touch of nuts, go for superfine almond flour for best results
- Crushed pineapple: gives that tangy sweetness, make sure you squeeze all the extra juice out
- Shredded sweetened coconut: makes every bite chewy and super coconutty, fresher brands taste best
- Vanilla extract: adds a smooth background, use real vanilla if you can for best flavor
- Optional toppings: more shredded coconut or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for some crunch and color
- Maple syrup or honey: brings the sweetness, choose maple syrup if you want them totally vegan
Easy How-To
- Start Chilling:
- Once everything is rolled, pop them in the fridge covered for half an hour so they set up and get solid. You can enjoy them chilled or wait five minutes for a softer bite.
- Add Your Toppings:
- Take each round and roll in extra coconut or zigzag with melted chocolate if you want. Set the finished bites on your parchment-lined tray as you go.
- Shape Bites:
- Scoop out a tablespoon of mix and press it hard in your hands into a ball. If it falls apart, a tiny dash more syrup helps stick it together.
- Stir It Up:
- Dump your drained pineapple, shredded coconut, flour or crumbs, syrup, vanilla, and salt in a big bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to mash and mix until it’s evenly sticky.
- Get Set Up:
- Measure every ingredient out first. Grab a small plate or tray and cover it with parchment so the finished bites won’t stick.
- Drain Well:
- Take your pineapple and push it through a sieve or cheesecloth to get out as much juice as you can. Too much liquid makes crumbly balls.
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Really, fresh pineapple gives the brightest kick. My favorite time making these was with my nephews—each batch got a wild name and we laughed as their coconut-covered creations disappeared in no time.
Keeping Them Fresh
Stash these guys in a sealed container in your fridge and they’ll be soft and good for five days. If you freeze them, do one layer at first to keep from sticking. Let them warm up a little on the counter for about fifteen minutes and they’ll be perfect.
Swaps and Options
If you want a cookie-like base swap in graham crumbs for almond flour. Out of almond? Coconut flour soaks up more, so use less. If you want these fully vegan go with maple syrup. Only have plain coconut? Toss in a little extra sweetener to make up for it.
Served Up Right
After dinner or packed up for a picnic, these fit in everywhere. They’re awesome with fresh berries or mango on a platter. Dip half of each in dark chocolate for celebrations, or roll in crushed pistachios for fun color and crunch.
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Backstory
Pineapple and coconut come from tropical spots around the world and pop up in sweets everywhere. This bake-free treat makes me think of the speedy, fruity bites from Southeast Asia. Toss in a little cardamom or lime zest if you’re feeling like putting a twist from another culture on it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Sure thing! Just chop it up real fine and squeeze out as much juice as you can so the mixture doesn’t get soggy.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the dry ingredient?
Almond flour is perfect for keeping it gluten-free. Coconut flour could work too, but you’ll probably need to add more liquid since it soaks things up.
- → How should I store these bites?
Just pop them in a sealed container in the fridge and they'll be good for about five days. Wanna keep them longer? Stash them in the freezer and thaw when you need one.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Toss them on a dessert tray with a sprinkle of coconut, take them chilled for a snack on the go, or drizzle with a little chocolate for that wow factor. They'll taste great at room temp too!
- → Can I make these less sweet?
You bet! Cut down the honey or maple syrup, and go for no-sugar coconut. Give the mix a taste and tweak till it’s just right for you.
- → How can I add variety to the flavor?
Try mixing in nuts, a bit of lime zest, or switch up the toppings with cocoa powder or white chocolate drizzle for a fun twist.