A festive, no-bake recipe featuring thick cream, red Jello, and desiccated coconut. Ideal for quick holiday treats!
Ah, Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls – the recipe that tastes of childhood Christmases and laughs around the kitchen table. I remember the first time Mom whipped these up; I was amazed by their simplicity and how the kitchen filled with joy and the scent of sweet coconut. Each year, as the holiday tunes play in the background, I recreate these little balls of happiness, thinking of Mom and our cherished holiday traditions. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a vessel of memories, laughter, and the warmth of family love wrapped in coconut flakes.
Why You’ll Love Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls
- Effortless & Quick: Perfect for busy holiday schedules, this recipe requires no baking or complex steps.
- Versatile Jello Flavors: Tailor these treats to your taste or theme by choosing different Jello flavors and colors.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: A great way to get kids involved in holiday preparations, with simple mixing and rolling steps.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only three ingredients needed, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible.
- Festive & Colorful: The vibrant colors make these balls a visually appealing addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients Notes For Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls
- Thick Cream: Fussell’s or Carnation brand works best for a rich, creamy texture.
- Red Jello: The heart of the recipe, bringing both flavor and festive color. You can experiment with different Jello flavors for variety.
- Desiccated Coconut: Ensure it’s unsweetened and very finely grated for the perfect coating. This gives the balls their signature texture and a delightful tropical twist!
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Recipe Steps
- Mixing Cream & Jello: Combine the thick cream and Jello powder in a bowl. It’s crucial to mix thoroughly until the Jello is completely dissolved, ensuring flavor in every bite.
- Incorporating Coconut: Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of desiccated coconut. This step gives the balls their structure and a hint of coconut flavor.
- Forming Balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls. This size is ideal for bite-sized treats and ensures even setting.
- Coating & Setting: Roll the balls in the remaining coconut for a snowy appearance. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set, which helps them hold their shape.
Storage Options
Store these Jello balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. When serving from the freezer, let them thaw for a few minutes for the perfect texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Jello Flavors: Experiment with various Jello flavors and colors for a festive platter.
- Coconut Alternatives: Try crushed nuts or sprinkles for a different texture and taste.
- Dairy-Free Cream: Use a plant-based thick cream for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Add a little powdered sugar to the cream for extra sweetness if desired.
Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls
Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls: A festive, no-bake recipe featuring thick cream, red Jello, and desiccated coconut. Ideal for quick holiday treats!
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Servings: 18 Balls
Ingredients
- 170 mL approximately 3/4 cup of high-fat content cream, specifically Fussell’s or Carnation brand recommended
- One 3-ounce package of red Jello
- 2 cups of unsweetened desiccated coconut finely grated to a small consistency (Note: Shredded coconut is not suitable for this recipe)
Instructions
- Preparation of Cream and Jello Mixture: Begin by placing the thick cream into a standard mixing bowl. Add the entire content of the red Jello package. Using a spoon or a suitable mixing tool, stir the contents vigorously until the Jello powder is completely dissolved in the cream, ensuring uniform consistency and color throughout the mixture.
- Incorporating Desiccated Coconut: Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the finely grated desiccated coconut and introduce it to the cream and Jello mixture. Stir the ingredients together until the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, ensuring there are no dry pockets of coconut or unevenly mixed areas.
- Forming the Jello Balls: Using a tablespoon or a similar measuring tool, scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between the palms of your hands to form spherical balls, each roughly the size of a tablespoon. It is essential that the balls are compact and uniform in size for consistent setting and presentation.
- Coating and Setting the Jello Balls: Pour the remaining half cup of desiccated coconut onto a flat surface or a plate. Roll each of the formed balls in the coconut, ensuring a complete and even coating on all sides. Once coated, place the balls onto a baking sheet or a similar flat tray. Refrigerate the tray of Jello balls for a minimum of 2 hours to allow them to set firmly and acquire the desired texture.
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