If you’re craving a quick and indulgent dessert that requires no baking, No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are the perfect solution. These delicious little bites combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter and cream cheese with a hint of vanilla, all coated in a rich chocolate shell. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
- Mix the Peanut Butter Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Crumbs: Gradually add the graham cracker crumbs to the mixture, stirring until the crumbs are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 1-2 hours, or until they become firm and hold their shape.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in 30-second intervals. Stir the mixture after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Balls: Once the peanut butter balls are chilled, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set the Chocolate: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate coating is set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has set, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are ready to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Variations
- Coating Variations: Instead of using chocolate chips, you can dip the peanut butter balls in white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or candy pieces into the peanut butter filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free powdered sugar substitute and sugar-free chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for a low-sugar or diabetic-friendly treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: These treats don’t require reheating, as they are meant to be served cold or at room temperature.
10 FAQs
- Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but creamy peanut butter helps the balls hold their shape better. If you use chunky, you may find the texture a little different. - Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
While graham crackers are traditional, you can use crushed vanilla wafer cookies or digestive biscuits as a substitute. - Can I make these without cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds a cheesecake-like texture, but you can substitute it with more peanut butter or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. - Can I use almond butter or other nut butters?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter would work well as alternatives to peanut butter. - How can I make them sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup or add a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. - How long do I need to chill the balls?
Chill the peanut butter balls for 1-2 hours until they firm up and hold their shape before dipping them in chocolate. - Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. - Can I use different types of chocolate for dipping?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for dipping. - Can I make these without chocolate coating?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the chocolate coating, and just enjoy the peanut butter cheesecake balls as is. - Can I add flavoring to the filling?
Yes, you can add a splash of flavored extracts like almond or coconut to change the flavor of the peanut butter filling.
Conclusion
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines creamy, nutty flavors with a rich chocolate coating. These delightful little bites are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re preparing a sweet snack for a party or looking to treat yourself to something special. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Enjoy the deliciousness in every bite!