If you love peanut butter and cheesecake, then you are going to absolutely adore this No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe. These little bite-sized treasures combine creamy, dreamy cheesecake with rich peanut butter, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coat. The best part? You don’t need to turn on the oven to enjoy this luscious treat. Whether you want a quick dessert to whip up after dinner or a no-fuss party snack that dazzles, these cheesecake balls are guaranteed to become a favorite. They’re indulgent yet simple, perfect for sharing and easy to customize!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy freshness of cream cheese to the sweet crunch of graham cracker crumbs, making these cheesecake balls delightful in every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the smooth, rich base that makes these balls irresistibly creamy.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings that beloved nutty flavor and luscious texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture evenly without any graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Give a subtle crunch and classic cheesecake taste.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping): Creates a glossy, decadent chocolate shell.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for melting chocolate): Ensures smooth melting and shiny coating.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together in a large mixing bowl until silky smooth. This creates a creamy canvas for the rest of the ingredients to build upon. The texture should be perfectly smooth before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Mix in the Remaining Ingredients
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs directly into the bowl. Continue mixing until all the ingredients combine into a dough-like consistency that holds together well without being sticky. This mixture is the heart of your cheesecake balls, balancing sweetness and texture beautifully.
Step 3: Shape the Cheesecake Balls
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the peanut butter mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 4: Chill the Balls
Refrigerate your peanut butter cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms them up, making the upcoming dipping process much simpler and ensuring they hold their shape.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating
Combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. This creates a smooth, luscious shell to coat your cheesecake balls.
Step 6: Dip the Balls in Chocolate
Once chilled, use a fork or toothpick to dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, making sure each one is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before returning them to the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 7: Final Chill and Set
Place the chocolate-covered peanut butter cheesecake balls back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to let the chocolate set firmly. After this, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe is ready for the most delicious enjoyment!
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cheesecake balls, sprinkle them with crushed peanuts, a pinch of sea salt, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These little touches add visual appeal and complementary flavors that make each bite unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Serve these cheesecake balls alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream for a refreshing contrast. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk, making snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the balls on a decorative platter lined with cupcake liners, or stack them in a clear jar for a charming gift idea. You can also thread them onto skewers with fruit for a fun, interactive dessert presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
These peanut butter cheesecake balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats coated in chocolate, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if they’ve been frozen, simply allow them to thaw gradually in the refrigerator. Enjoy them chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to your cheesecake balls, making them even more interesting with little peanut pieces throughout.
Is it okay to substitute the graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, you can substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers. Just keep the quantities the same for the best texture and flavor balance.
Can I make the recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To go dairy-free, try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure to check the labels to keep everything plant-based.
How long does it take for the chocolate to harden?
Chilling the dipped balls for about 30 minutes in the fridge is usually enough for the chocolate to set completely and become firm to the touch.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Place them on a decorative tray with cupcake liners to keep them separated, and consider labeling flavors or garnishes if you customize them. They’re perfect as finger food for easy snacking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and utterly delicious, the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe is your go-to. It offers a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and chocolatey flavors that feel special yet require minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and see how fast they disappear!
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, all coated in rich melted chocolate. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bite-sized balls require no baking and come together quickly for a satisfying, indulgent delight that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and well combined. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs, and continue mixing until fully incorporated and a dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape the balls: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the balls: Once the cheesecake balls are chilled, dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick, ensuring they are fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set the coating: Return the chocolate-covered peanut butter cheesecake balls to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate is firm, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are ready to enjoy! These bite-sized treats make a perfect snack or dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers!
Notes
- For easier handling, you can chill the peanut butter mixture for 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To add extra texture, consider sprinkling crushed peanuts or sea salt over the chocolate coating before it sets.
- If you prefer, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing.
