Summer’s sweet embrace calls for a tropical pineapple coconut delights recipe that transports you straight to a sun-soaked beach.
Bursting with vibrant flavors, these delectable treats promise pure culinary bliss.
Ripe pineapple chunks mingle with shredded coconut, creating a symphony of tropical goodness.
Each bite delivers a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.
The combination of tangy and sweet notes dances on your palate with irresistible charm.
Effortless to make and impossible to resist, these delights will become your go-to summer sensation.
Get ready to savor a slice of paradise in every single mouthwatering bite.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time:
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 115 kcal
Servings: 13
Pineapple Coconuts Ingredient
For Base and Binding:
Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy foundation that holds ingredients together and creates smooth texture.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds delightful crunch and helps stabilize the mixture for easy shaping.
For Flavor and Moisture:
Crushed Pineapple: Introduces bright, tropical sweetness and juicy notes while requiring careful drainage.
Pineapple-Flavored Jello: Enhances fruit flavor, adds subtle sweetness, and helps set the mixture.
For Coating and Texture:
Desiccated Coconut: Delivers tropical crunch, beautiful exterior coating, and authentic island-inspired character with its delicate, dry texture.
Must-Have Tools for Pineapple Coconut Treats
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
Sieve or Colander: Perfect for draining crushed pineapple and removing excess moisture.
Paper Towels: Helpful for additional pineapple liquid absorption.
Tablespoon: Ideal for measuring and portioning mixture into uniform balls.
Plate: Used for rolling coconut coating and collecting finished treats.
Baking Tray or Platter: Needed for arranging and chilling the pineapple coconut delights.
Hands: Your best tool for rolling and shaping the mixture into smooth balls.
How to Make Tropical Pineapple Coconuts
Liquid Liberation Squeeze out every drop of moisture from the pineapple chunks. Press firmly in a strainer or blot with paper towels until nearly dry.
Creamy Fusion Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened cream cheese with the drained pineapple. Stir until smooth and consistent.
Flavor Explosion Sprinkle the zesty pineapple Jello powder into the creamy mixture. Fold in graham cracker crumbs until perfectly integrated.
Coconut Cascade Gently fold desiccated coconut into the mixture. The consistency should be firm enough to hold a shape when rolled.
Bite-Sized Magic Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll between palms, creating perfect round spheres. Work quickly to maintain the mixture's temperature.
Coconut Couture Spread additional coconut on a flat surface. Gently roll each tropical sphere, ensuring complete coverage with a snowy coconut layer.
Chill Zone Place the coated bites on a clean tray. Refrigerate for one hour until firm and ready to serve. These tropical treats are guaranteed to transport taste buds to a sunny paradise.
Flavor Additions That Elevate Your Coconut Treats
Explore creative twists and expert techniques to elevate this delightful dessert.
Replace pineapple Jello with tropical-inspired flavors like mango or passionfruit to create unique taste experiences that surprise your taste buds.
Mix in chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almonds for an extra crunch that adds delightful complexity to the smooth cream cheese base.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled coconut balls or dust with edible gold shimmer for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
Store these delightful treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance party preparation or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Ways to Serve Pineapples for Brunch or Tea
Serve Alongside Tropical Drinks: Pair these delightful pineapple coconut treats with chilled fruit punches or mai tais for a refreshing Hawaiian-inspired experience.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Top each pineapple coconut delight with a small slice of fresh pineapple or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to enhance visual appeal and add extra texture.
Create Dessert Platter: Arrange the pineapple coconut balls on a decorative platter with other bite-sized desserts like chocolate truffles or mini fruit tarts for an elegant party spread.
Perfect for Afternoon Tea: Serve these sweet treats during a relaxed afternoon tea gathering, complementing light sandwiches and scones with their tropical flavor profile.
Storage Tips for Pineapple Coconuts
Refrigerate Quickly: Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their perfect texture.
Layer with Care: Separate each layer of pineapple coconut balls with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful coconut coating.
Freeze for Later: Extend the enjoyment by freezing the balls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to lock in flavor and freshness.
Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to serve frozen treats, let them thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing them to soften gently and restore their creamy consistency.
2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, plus extra for rolling
½ cup graham cracker crumbs
398 mL (13.4 fl oz) can of crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
Instructions
Preparation: Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to remove excess moisture. Use paper towels to absorb remaining liquid, creating a dry fruit base.
Mixing Base: In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with drained pineapple until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency. Incorporate pineapple-flavored gelatin powder, stirring vigorously to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
Texture Development: Fold graham cracker crumbs and desiccated coconut into the pineapple cream cheese blend. Mix methodically to create a firm, cohesive texture suitable for shaping.
Forming Delights: With clean hands, portion the mixture and roll between palms to craft smooth, uniform spheres. Prepare a separate plate with additional desiccated coconut for coating, carefully rolling each ball to ensure complete exterior coverage.
Chilling and Serving: Arrange coconut-encrusted spheres on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 1 hour to solidify and enhance flavor profile. Transfer chilled pineapple coconut delights to a serving platter, ready to be enjoyed as a tropical-inspired treat.
Notes
Drain Thoroughly: Remove all excess liquid from pineapple to prevent soggy texture and ensure firm, well-structured treats.
Blend Smoothly: Cream cheese must be completely softened and mixed without lumps for a silky, consistent base that holds the ingredients together perfectly.
Coat Carefully: Roll balls gently in coconut, covering entire surface evenly to create a beautiful, professional-looking exterior with consistent texture.
Chill Completely: Refrigeration is crucial for setting the treats, allowing flavors to meld and creating a firm, slice-able consistency that enhances overall taste experience.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.