Fruit Balls

Prep: 20 min

Sweet and tangy fruit balls made with vanilla wafers, orange juice, and jello, perfect for parties and enjoyed by all ages as a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box vanilla wafers, crumbled
  • 1 box powdered sugar
  • 1/2 (5 oz.) frozen undiluted orange juice
  • 1 stick melted oleo
  • 1 pkg. (any flavor) jello

Instructions

  1. Mix well all the ingredients except the jello.
  2. Empty the jello into a pan.
  3. Shape the mixture into balls and place them in the jello.
  4. Shake and coat the balls well with the jello.
  5. Serve as great party goodies.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. You can also experiment with different jello flavors to match your party theme or personal preference. For a fun twist, roll the balls in shredded coconut or crushed nuts after coating them in jello.

Serving Suggestions

These fruit balls make delightful party snacks and can be served on a platter with colorful toothpicks for easy serving. Pair them with a light dip like honey mustard or offer a refreshing drink such as Christmas Punch (Makes 8 To 10 Cups) to complement their sweetness. They also make excellent additions to dessert tables at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fruit balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their texture, avoid freezing them as the jello coating may become watery upon thawing. Simply serve chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fruit Balls contains roughly 189 calories, with 1g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

189 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 4% DV
Carbs 41.1g 15% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 33.6g 67% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 70.4mg 3% DV
Potassium 69.7mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4mcg
Vitamin C 8.5mg 9% DV
Calcium 11.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 fruit balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and shape the balls just before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. However, it's best to coat them with jello right before serving to keep the texture fresh and avoid sogginess.

What other jello flavors can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Any jello flavor will work, so you could try raspberry for a tart twist, lime for a zesty kick, or even strawberry for a classic taste. Mixing flavors can also create a fun visual effect.

Are these fruit balls suitable for vegan diets?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute oleo with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan-friendly jello alternative. You can find options that are gelatin-free, such as those made with agar-agar, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat!

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).

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