Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls

Teresa Ambra

Christmas Cookie Extravaganza – 2021

Gluten Free Living – 2021

Fruitcake Balls are awesome. Truly. These lovely cookies are made on the stove top and include pecans, coconut, fruitcake mix and Rice Krispies. They’re really delightful to eat and fairly simple to make. I’ve modeled them after my Coconut Date Balls and everyone has always loved those–even those who don’t eat dates!

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I get that a lot of people have had bad experiences with fruitcake when they were children. My neighbor tells me of how she was forced to eat it as a kid and won’t touch it these days. I’m not a big fruitcake lover myself. But the fruitcake mix is another story. I made three desserts this holiday season with fruitcake mix and everyone of them turned out spectacularly. No kidding.

Paradise Fruit Company sent me a box of all kinds of assorted candied fruits to use in recipes. I’ve been having a hay day enjoying creating new recipes for all that candied fruit. I ended up baking 14 different desserts using their fruit and I’m about half way through blogging about all those goodies. Fruitcake Balls are one of the ways I used their “Extra Fancy Fruitcake Mix.”

As I stated earlier, I LOVED how these little cookie balls turned out. They’re crunchy and utterly irresistible–especially if you enjoy candied cherries and pineapple, or candied fruit peels like lemon or orange peel. Truly, these treats are perfect for even the most elegant holiday party or gala. Try them and you’ll see what I mean.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls are awesome.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

These cookies are perfect for holiday baking.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls are festive, beautiful, elegant and delicious!

Here’s what I did.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

I used these ingredients.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over low heat.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Add sugar, fruitcake mix and beaten egg.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Stir to combine and bring mixture to a slow boil. Press down fruitcake mix with a potato masher while cooking.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

This was the fruit cake mix I used.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBallsFruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

After mixture boils and softens (about 10 minutes) turn off heat. Add vanilla.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Add Rice Krispies and pecans. Check your Rice Krispies, avoid those with gluten or malt flavoring if you want to keep the recipe gluten free.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Stir ingredients well to combine. Allow mixture to cool somewhat so you can handle it with your hands.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Roll mixture into golf-ball sized balls, then roll balls in coconut and place on waxed-paper lined cookie sheets. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls are gluten free if you use a Rice Krispies cereal that doesn’t have barley malt flavoring.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

This delectable dessert is light and crunchy in texture.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls are marvelous treats for Christmas Cookie Exchanges and holiday or office parties.

Here’s the recipe.

FRUITCAKE BALLS

(My own concoction)

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls

Teresa Ambra
Fruitcake Balls are outstanding. These delicious cookies are made on the stove top and are made with fruitcake mix, pecans, Rice Krispies and coconut. They're festive, elegant, beautiful and delicious enough to serve for any holiday party or gala. These irresistible cookies will change your mind about eating fruitcake! They're delightfully light and crunchy and sure to put a smile on your face. Gluten Free.
3 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 126 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • waxed paper
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 potato masher

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Paradise Extra Fancy fruitcake mix
  • 1 cup pecans chopped (measure after chopping)
  • 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups rice krispies
  • 1 cup coconut or as needed

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in skillet, add eggs, granulated sugar and fruitcake mix.
  • Cook over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly mash fruitcake pieces while cooking.
  • Turn off heat.
  • Add pecans, vanilla and Rice Krispies.
  • While warm, roll and shape in small balls.
  • Roll in coconut.
  • Place on waxed paper.
  • Keep hands moist while rolling.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe is gluten free if you use gluten free Rice Krispies. But these are very hard to locate since most brands use malt or barley malt flavoring.
 
NOTE: It is helpful to keep the coconut dry while rolling the date balls into them. If you drip too much water from your hands into the coconut it will no longer adhere to the cookie mixture.
 
NOTE: You need to cook this mixture over low heat or the eggs will scramble!
 
Fruitcake Mix provided courtesy of Paradise Fruit Company.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, coconut, cookie, dessert, pecans, pineapple
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

These festive cookies are elegant enough to serve at any holiday party or gala.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

If you enjoy fruitcake, you’ll love these Fruitcake Balls. Even people who despise fruitcake enjoy these delicious treats.

Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Come on! Have just one more. 🙂

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Fruitcake Cookies

Fruitcake Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Coconut Date Balls

Coconut Date Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Fruitcake Upside Down Cake

Fruitcake Upside Down Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this moist & delicious #cake is nothing like traditional #Fruitcake. This #UpsideDownCake is moist, drool-worthy & full of flavor. It will wow your #holiday company & friends. Beautiful, elegant & festive enough for any holiday party or gala. #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #FruitcakeUpsideDownCake #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany
Fruitcake Balls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these lovely #cookies include #fruitcake mix, #pecans #RiceKrispies & #coconut. They're fantastic for #holiday #baking, #tailgating parties & a #ChristmasCookieExchange. This is a mouthwatering & irresistible #GlutenFree #dessert #ChristmasDessert #HolidayDessert #FruitcakeDessert #ParadiseCandiedFruit #ParadiseFruitCompany #FruitcakeBalls

Fruitcake Balls

Teresa Ambra
Fruitcake Balls are outstanding. These delicious cookies are made on the stove top and are made with fruitcake mix, pecans, Rice Krispies and coconut. They’re festive, elegant, beautiful and delicious enough to serve for any holiday party or gala. These irresistible cookies will change your mind about eating fruitcake! They’re delightfully light and crunchy and sure to put a smile on your face. Gluten Free.
3 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 126 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • waxed paper
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 potato masher

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Paradise Extra Fancy fruitcake mix
  • 1 cup pecans chopped (measure after chopping)
  • 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups rice krispies
  • 1 cup coconut or as needed

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in skillet, add eggs, granulated sugar and fruitcake mix.
  • Cook over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly mash fruitcake pieces while cooking.
  • Turn off heat.
  • Add pecans, vanilla and Rice Krispies.
  • While warm, roll and shape in small balls.
  • Roll in coconut.
  • Place on waxed paper.
  • Keep hands moist while rolling.

Notes

NOTE: This recipe is gluten free if you use gluten free Rice Krispies. But these are very hard to locate since most brands use malt or barley malt flavoring.
 
NOTE: It is helpful to keep the coconut dry while rolling the date balls into them. If you drip too much water from your hands into the coconut it will no longer adhere to the cookie mixture.
 
NOTE: You need to cook this mixture over low heat or the eggs will scramble!
 
Fruitcake Mix provided courtesy of Paradise Fruit Company.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cherries, cherry dessert, coconut, cookie, dessert, pecans, pineapple
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

4 Comments

  • Anonymous

    December 21, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    1 star
    The cookie mixture doe not stay together. Something with the ingredients

    1. Teresa Ambra

      December 22, 2023 at 2:21 pm

      You need to follow my instructions precisely in this recipe. It will stay together but it’s easier to put it together with moist hands.

  • mapquest driving directions

    March 16, 2022 at 3:49 am

    Perfect, looking at it makes me hungry. I will definitely make this dish according to the recipe you shared, thank you.

    1. Teresa

      March 17, 2022 at 3:05 am

      It’s great!

3 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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