Tropical Pineapple Delight Snowballs
Dive into the tropical flavors of summer with these delightful Pineapple Delight Snowballs! Adapted from the beloved 'Seasoned in Sewickley' cookbook first published in 1980, this chilled treat features layers of soft vanilla wafers filled with a luscious pineapple mixture and topped with a fluffy Cool Whip coating. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this quick and simple dessert not only looks stunning, but it also delivers a refreshing burst of flavor that is even better after a night in the refrigerator. Be sure to allow the vanilla wafers to soak in the juicy goodness of crushed pineapple for the best texture. A delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess, these snowballs are sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your summer celebrations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vanilla wafers
54 (18 crushed and 36 whole)
Crushed pineapple
1 can (8 ounces) (drained, but retain juice if needed for moisture)
Cool Whip
1 carton (8 ounces) (no preparation needed)
Shredded coconut
as needed (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by crushing 18 vanilla wafers using a rolling pin until you achieve a fine crumb consistency.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers with one can of crushed pineapple. Ensure the mixture is fairly wet; if needed, retain some pineapple juice to adjust moisture accordingly.
3
Next, prepare 36 vanilla wafers by stacking them into 12 groups of 3. Take a generous amount of the pineapple filling and spread it between each layer of wafers.
4
Once all stacks are assembled, cover the tops and sides of each stack generously with Cool Whip, creating a snowy appearance.
5
To finish, sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the Cool Whip to add a tropical flair.
6
Cover the assembled snowballs and refrigerate for several hours or, preferably, overnight to allow the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve chilled and enjoy your Tropical Pineapple Delight Snowballs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Pineapple Delight Snowballs?
They are a chilled dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers filled with a pineapple mixture and topped with a fluffy Cool Whip coating and shredded coconut.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from the 'Seasoned in Sewickley' cookbook, which was first published in 1980.
How many ingredients do I need?
You only need 4 ingredients: vanilla wafers, crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, and shredded coconut.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that is prepared by assembling layers and chilling them in the refrigerator.
How many vanilla wafers are required in total?
You will need a total of 54 vanilla wafers: 18 to be crushed for the filling and 36 to be used whole for stacking.
How do I prepare the pineapple filling?
Crush 18 vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and mix them with one 8-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple until the mixture is fairly wet.
What should I do if the pineapple mixture is too dry?
If the filling is too dry, you can add back some of the retained pineapple juice to adjust the moisture.
How are the snowballs assembled?
Stack 36 wafers into 12 groups of three, spreading the pineapple filling between each layer of wafers.
What creates the snowy appearance of the dessert?
The snowy appearance is created by covering the tops and sides of the wafer stacks generously with Cool Whip.
What topping is used for the tropical flair?
Shredded coconut is sprinkled evenly over the Cool Whip to provide a tropical finish.
How long should the snowballs be refrigerated?
They should be refrigerated for several hours or, ideally, overnight for the best results.
Why do the snowballs need to sit overnight?
Overnight refrigeration allows the vanilla wafers to soak up the pineapple juice, softening them to a cake-like texture and letting the flavors meld.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
By stacking 36 wafers into groups of three, the recipe makes 12 individual snowballs.
What is the best way to crush the vanilla wafers?
You can use a rolling pin to crush the wafers until they reach a fine crumb consistency.
What size can of pineapple is needed?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
What size carton of Cool Whip is required?
One 8-ounce carton of Cool Whip is used to coat the snowballs.
Should I drain the pineapple?
Yes, drain the pineapple but keep the juice on hand in case the filling needs extra moisture.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert is soft and creamy, with a luscious pineapple center and a fluffy exterior.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is a refreshing, chilled treat perfect for warm weather gatherings and summer celebrations.
Are these snowballs difficult to make?
No, this is a quick and simple recipe that delivers a stunning presentation with minimal effort.
Can I serve these immediately after assembly?
It is not recommended, as the wafers need time to soften in the refrigerator to achieve the desired texture.
Is the shredded coconut mandatory?
While it provides the tropical flair and 'snowball' look, it can be adjusted as needed.
How many wafers go into each individual snowball?
Each snowball is made by stacking three whole vanilla wafers with filling in between.
What should the consistency of the filling be?
The filling should be fairly wet so that the wafers can absorb the moisture and soften.
Do I need to add extra sugar?
No extra sugar is needed as the wafers, pineapple, and Cool Whip provide a perfect balance of sweetness.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
The recipe specifically calls for canned crushed pineapple, which provides the consistent juice and texture needed for the filling.
How should I store the snowballs?
They should be kept covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children usually enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors and the fun snowball shape.
What is the main flavor of this dessert?
The main flavors are vanilla, tropical pineapple, and sweet coconut.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, making it the night before is actually preferred for the best flavor and texture.