Holiday Fruit Ball
Festive and colorful, these sweet fruit balls combine cream cheese, confectioners sugar, candied fruits, raisins, and nuts for a delightful holiday treat suitable for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the cream cheese and confectioners sugar.
- Add the candied pineapple, cherries, raisins, and chopped nuts to the mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the ball in chopped nuts to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. You can substitute the candied fruits with fresh fruits or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a healthier twist. If you're looking for a bit of tang, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Holiday Fruit Ball with a variety of crackers or sliced fruits for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Tanya'S Party Time Cheese Ball for a festive spread. Adding a side of toasted baguette slices can enhance the presentation. Consider serving it alongside a cheese platter for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Ball contains roughly 178 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 9g 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Holiday Fruit Ball a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, shape it into a ball, and then refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together better. Just remember to coat it in chopped nuts right before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of candied fruits?
If you prefer to avoid candied fruits, you can use dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Fresh fruits can also work, but they may require adjustments in sugar content. Just ensure any fresh fruits are chopped finely to blend well with the cream cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Holiday Fruit Ball is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. It’s a great option for holiday gatherings, ensuring that vegetarian guests have a delicious appetizer to enjoy. Just double-check the ingredients in your candied fruits to make sure they're vegetarian-friendly.
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).