Christmas Fruit Ball
Festive and sweet, these cherry-flavored coconut and nut balls coated with strawberry gelatin make an attractive and delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sweetened condensed milk, chopped nuts, grated coconut, and the dry strawberry gelatin until well combined.
- Let the mixture stand overnight to firm up.
- Next day, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Pour the small box of dry strawberry gelatin into a plate.
- Roll each ball in the gelatin until coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. If you prefer, you can substitute chopped almonds or pecans for the chopped nuts. To make these gluten-free, just double-check that your gelatin is gluten-free, which is usually the case. You can also experiment with different flavored gelatins for variety.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Fruit Balls make for a delightful holiday treat and can be served as a festive snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa. For a special touch, arrange them on a platter alongside other holiday sweets like Cheese Hearts or Marigold Cake to create a charming dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy frozen fruit balls, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as they are best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruit Ball contains roughly 1046 calories, with 16g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these fruit balls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and roll the balls a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store them properly in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness and freshness.
What can I use instead of coconut?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with crushed graham crackers or oats for a different texture. This will change the flavor slightly but still provide a delicious result.
How can I make these more festive?
To make these fruit balls more festive, consider adding colored sugar or sprinkles when rolling them in the gelatin. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).