Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls: A delightful, no-bake festive recipe combining thick cream, vibrant red Jello, and finely grated unsweetened desiccated coconut. Quick and easy, these treats bring a touch of homemade charm to your holiday celebrations!
Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls hold a special place in my heart. Every December, our kitchen would transform into a festive workshop, with Mom at the helm, expertly mixing and rolling these vibrant red treats. The aroma of coconut and the sight of those glistening red balls lined up on the counter signaled the beginning of the holiday season. These jello balls weren’t just a treat; they were a family tradition, a symbol of holiday joy and togetherness, made with love and a sprinkle of Mom’s magic.
Why You’ll Love Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls
- Simplicity and Speed: With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and no baking required, these jello balls are a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive Charm: The striking red color and the snow-like coconut coating make these treats a visually appealing addition to any Christmas spread.
- Nostalgic Flavors: The combination of creamy texture and the sweet tang of red jello offers a delightful taste that’s reminiscent of traditional holiday flavors.
- Customizable Fun: This recipe is easy to tweak, offering room for creativity in flavors and coatings – perfect for involving kids in holiday preparations.
Ingredients Notes
Crafting Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about choosing the right ones. Here’s what you need to know:
- High-Fat Cream: Fussell’s or Carnation brand is recommended for their richness and ability to hold the jello mixture together.
- Red Jello: The hero of the recipe, providing the signature festive color and flavor.
- Desiccated Coconut: Finely grated for a delicate texture. Avoid using shredded coconut, as it doesn’t blend as well with the mixture.
Recipe Breakdown
Let’s dive into making Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls, step by step:
- Mixing Cream and Jello: Start by blending the thick cream with red jello until perfectly uniform. This step ensures a smooth, flavorful base for your balls.
- Adding Coconut: Introduce the desiccated coconut to the mix, stirring until evenly distributed. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Forming Balls: Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls, making sure they’re compact and uniform. This ensures they set properly and look enticing.
- Coating and Setting: Coat each ball in coconut and refrigerate. This final step is key to achieving the perfect bite-sized festive treats.
Storage Options
Storing Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls is a breeze. Once set, they can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving for that perfect texture.
Variations and Substitutions
While Mom’s recipe is a classic, there’s always room for a twist:
- Flavor Variations: Swap the red jello for other flavors like green apple or orange for a colorful twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut cream and agar-agar powder instead of traditional cream and gelatin-based jello for a vegan-friendly version.
- Nutty Coating: Replace some or all of the coconut with finely chopped nuts for a different texture and taste.
Embracing these variations can add a personal touch to this timeless recipe, making your holiday treats uniquely yours!
Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls
Ingredients
- 170 mL approximately 3/4 cup of high-fat content cream (Fussell’s or Carnation brand recommended)
- One 3-ounce package of red Jello
- 2 cups of unsweetened desiccated coconut finely grated
Instructions
- Preparation of Cream and Jello Mixture: Begin by pouring the thick cream into a standard mixing bowl. Proceed to add the entire content of the red Jello package. Utilizing a spoon or an appropriate mixing utensil, stir the mixture vigorously to ensure that the Jello powder is fully dissolved in the cream. This is crucial for achieving a uniform consistency and color throughout the mixture.
- Incorporating Desiccated Coconut: Accurately measure out 1 1/2 cups of the finely grated desiccated coconut. Add this to the cream and Jello mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. It is imperative to ensure there are no dry pockets of coconut or areas that are unevenly mixed.
- Forming the Jello Balls: Using a tablespoon or a similar measuring utensil, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form spherical balls, approximately the size of a tablespoon. It is essential that these balls are compact and uniform in size to ensure consistent setting and presentation.
- Coating and Setting the Jello Balls: Spread the remaining half cup of desiccated coconut on a flat surface or a plate. Roll each ball in the coconut to achieve a complete and even coating on all sides. Subsequently, place the balls on 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.
