Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are creamy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious like mini bites of peanut butter cheesecake bliss! With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, they come together quickly and chill into the perfect poppable treat. Ideal for holidays, parties, dessert platters, or anytime you need something irresistibly easy and indulgent.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar (optional but recommended for sweetness & firmness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Melted chocolate or chocolate chips, for dipping or drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the Base:
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Add the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture thickens into a soft, cookie-dough-like consistency.
3. Chill:
   Refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes to firm it up. This makes rolling the balls much easier.
4. Form Balls:
   Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms to form smooth, even balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Optional: Add Chocolate:
   Dip the balls into melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top for a decadent finishing touch. Chill again until the chocolate fully sets.
6. Serve or Store:
   Keep the cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for long-term storage.

Variations

• Crunchy Peanut Butter Version:
  Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture and delightful little nutty bites throughout each ball.
• Oreo Peanut Butter Balls:
  Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos for a richer, cookie-and-cream twist.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls:
  Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture and dip in chocolate for a double chocolate treat.
• Protein Boosted:
  Replace half of the powdered sugar with ¼ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a more nutritious snack-style version.
• Nut-Free Option:
  Substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a delicious allergy-friendly alternative.

Cooking Notes

• If your mixture feels too soft to roll, simply chill longer or add a bit more crushed graham crackers to firm it up.
• Use high-quality chocolate for dipping the flavor really shines in these simple treats.
• A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized balls, making them look polished and professional.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve them chilled on dessert trays, arranged with truffles, fudge, or no-bake bites.
• Roll the balls in crushed nuts, cocoa powder, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for a decorative finish without melting chocolate.
• Package them in small boxes or candy wrappers for holiday gifts, party favors, or bake-sale goodies.

Tips

• Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing cold cream cheese will create lumps.
• Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key to getting perfectly shaped balls that hold together.
• Freeze briefly after dipping in chocolate to keep the coating shiny and smooth.
• Use parchment paper so the balls don’t stick and are easy to remove once chilled.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: ~30–40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Ball approx. 1 tablespoon size)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 80mg

(Exact values vary depending on chocolate and sugar used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! They store well in both the fridge and freezer, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
2. My mixture is too soft what do I do?
   Chill it longer or add more crushed graham crackers, 1 tablespoon at a time, until firm.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   You can, but it may make the mixture softer. Add extra graham crackers if needed for structure.
4. How do I keep the chocolate from cracking?
   Let the dipped balls rest at room temperature for a few minutes before chilling so the temperature change isn’t too abrupt.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are the kind of treat you’ll want to keep stocked in your fridge at all times creamy, sweet, and ready for any craving or celebration. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a delightful no-bake dessert everyone will reach for again and again. Enjoy every rich, chocolatey, peanut-buttery bite!

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