Holiday Fruit Balls
Festive and sweet, these fruit balls combine chewy marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and candied fruits for a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel onions and slice round.
- Sprinkle salt on each slice and place in containers in layers; cover with sweet milk.
- Let soak for 2 or 3 hours.
- Drain off milk; dip each slice in flour.
- Drop the floured slices into hot fat, ensuring the fat is deep enough to cover them.
- Fry until golden, handling carefully to prevent tearing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. You can substitute the candied fruits with dried fruits if you prefer a less sweet version. If you can't find miniature marshmallows, regular ones will work; just cut them into smaller pieces. To enhance the texture, try adding a mix of nuts like pecans or walnuts, similar to those found in Unbaked Graham Cracker Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Fruit Balls make a delightful addition to any festive spread. Serve them alongside a cheese platter or with your favorite holiday cookies, such as My Sister'S Chocolate Pie. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat after a holiday meal, paired wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Fruit Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To maintain their texture, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. If you need to reheat, let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Balls contains roughly 1539 calories, with 13g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 6g 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! Holiday Fruit Balls can be prepared a few days in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, and they will taste even better as the flavors meld. Be sure to keep them tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
What nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use a variety of nuts based on your preference. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well. If someone has nut allergies, you can omit them entirely or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
How can I make these fruit balls more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider rolling the fruit balls in colored sprinkles or finely chopped nuts before serving. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over them for an extra indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with any holiday dessert spread.
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).