No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a ridiculously tasty yet super simple dessert, you’ve just found it. This No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe is an absolute game-changer—creamy, rich, and with just the right amount of peanut butter punch. I love whipping these up when I want something sweet but fuss-free, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for summer or quick treats without heating up your kitchen.
- Creamy & Crunchy Contrast: The smooth peanut butter cheesecake inside meets the crunchy graham cracker and nut coating.
- Easy To Customize: Add your own toppings or switch up the nut butter to suit your cravings.
- Made Ahead Friendly: These hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for parties or last-minute desserts.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe plays a key role to make these bites irresistible. From creamy cream cheese to the perfect chocolate coating, quality matters and knowing why helps you pick the best versions.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for the smoothest base without lumps. Full-fat works best for richness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Choose one that’s just peanut butter and salt, with no added sugar or oils for pure flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted to keep the filling silky and free of clumps.
- Vanilla extract: Pure extract gives a subtle depth, boosting the sweetness naturally.
- Graham crackers (crushed): Adds a gentle crunch and that classic peanut butter sandwich vibe inside and on top.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Ideal for coating – they melt smoothly and balance peanut butter’s saltiness.
- Coconut oil: Mixed with the chocolate to make the coating glossy and easier to dip those balls evenly.
- Chopped peanuts: For garnish, they pack in texture and give a delightful final crunch.
- Sea salt flakes: An optional sprinkle that brightens up the chocolate and peanut butter flavors perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love keeping this recipe flexible — it’s your kitchen after all! Whether you want to swap peanut butter for almond butter or go with different coatings, it’s easy and so much fun to make it personal. Feel free to experiment and make these cheesecake balls truly yours.
- Switch the nut butter: I once made them with cashew butter, and they were a hit at my kid’s party – super creamy with a mild flavor.
- Use dark or white chocolate: For a different twist, try dipping in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based chocolate chip brand – they still turn out delicious.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies inside the filling before chilling for extra texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Base Ingredients
Start by beating the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial because it gives your filling that light, creamy texture. Then, mix in the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is blended into a silky, even mixture—you want no lumps or streaks.
Step 2: Fold in Crushed Graham Crackers and Chill
Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers—they add just enough crunch inside to contrast with the creamy filling. Once combined, cover your bowl and refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling step is key for making sure the mixture firms up and holds its shape when you scoop it into balls.
Step 3: Scoop, Roll, and Freeze
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out even amounts of the filling and roll them between your hands into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes until they’re firm enough for dipping. This freezer step makes the dipping process so much easier and prevents the balls from crumbling or melting.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate and Coat
In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Let the chocolate cool until it’s just warm to the touch—that way, it’s still liquid but won’t melt your cheesecake balls on contact. Then, quickly dip each frozen ball into the chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, letting any excess drip off before placing them back on parchment paper.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Chill Again
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the tops with graham cracker crumbs, chopped peanuts, and a pinch of sea salt flakes if you like that little extra dimension of flavor. Finally, refrigerate them for 20 minutes so the chocolate coating firms up beautifully. And voila! You’ve got perfect, bite-sized no-bake peanut butter cheesecake balls.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese and peanut butter aren’t cold for a lump-free, smooth mixture.
- Don’t Skip the Freeze: Freezing the balls before dipping helps keep their shape and makes coating easier.
- Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes clean-up way easier after dipping.
- Work Quickly with Chocolate: Once melted, chocolate cools fast — dip all balls while it’s warm to avoid clumpy coats.
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple, sprinkling finely crushed graham crackers and chopped peanuts right after dipping to add texture and a little salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet coating. Sometimes I toss on a few sea salt flakes for a tiny salty pop, but you can go crazy with toasted coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, or even drizzle some caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
These little cheesecake balls work great alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a balanced treat. I also love pairing them with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte—makes for an ultra satisfying afternoon snack or party dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange these on a tiered dessert tray sprinkled with extra peanuts and graham cracker crumbs. Another fun idea is to offer different toppings in little bowls and let guests customize their own dipped balls—it’s interactive and so much fun! Wrapping a few in cellophane with ribbons also makes them great homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper so they don’t stick together. They’re actually even better after sitting overnight because the flavors meld together beautifully!
Freezing
If I have extra, I freeze them on the baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper layers. They freeze really well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. Just thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving, and they’re ready to party.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t really needed. But if your chocolate coating gets too firm, you can leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften them just a little. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the filling to melt unevenly.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a bit more texture inside your cheesecake balls, which some people love. Just keep in mind it might make the mixture a bit less smooth, so folding in crushed graham crackers gently will help balance the texture.
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Is it necessary to freeze the balls before dipping in chocolate?
Freezing the balls is highly recommended because it firms them up, making the dipping process easier and preventing the balls from breaking or melting. If you skip this step, your chocolate coat might slide off or your balls might lose their shape.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular graham crackers for a gluten-free version (there are many great options out there), and double-check your chocolate and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. The result is just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
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How long do these cheesecake balls keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these peanut butter cheesecake balls last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. They maintain their fresh, creamy texture and great flavor during this time.
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Can I use a different nut butter, like almond or cashew?
Definitely! I’ve tried almond and cashew butter in this recipe, and both deliver a lovely twist. Just make sure your nut butter is creamy and at room temperature for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe has found a permanent spot in my dessert rotation because it’s easy, quick, and just downright delicious every time I make it. I’m confident you’ll enjoy them as much as I do—they’re perfect for sharing but also dangerously good when you keep them all to yourself! Give this recipe a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite treats to whip up.
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate and topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts. These bite-sized treats are creamy, rich, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temperature
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure
- ½ cup graham crackers, finely crushed
Chocolate Coating & Toppings
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- pinch sea salt flakes, optional
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese: Beat softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add peanut butter and sugar: Add creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until completely combined and smooth.
- Fold in graham crackers: Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill mixture: Cover the filling mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm enough to handle.
- Form balls: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into uniform balls and roll them smooth with your hands.
- Freeze balls: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi sweet chocolate chips together with coconut oil in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
- Cool chocolate: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly until just warm to the touch for easy dipping.
- Dip balls in chocolate: Working quickly, dip each frozen cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess to drip off before placing back on clean parchment paper.
- Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle the coated balls with graham cracker crumbs, chopped peanuts, and a pinch of sea salt flakes if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Set coating: Refrigerate the dipped balls for 20 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely firm and set.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures the filling is silky.
- Freezing the balls before dipping helps the chocolate coat evenly without melting the filling.
- You can substitute semi sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate based on preference.
- Store the cheesecake balls covered in the refrigerator; consume within 5 days for best freshness.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform sized balls to ensure even coating and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg