No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

If you’re looking for a quick, no-bake dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and peanut butter cravings, look no further! These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls combine the smooth, rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese into perfect bite-sized treats. Not only are they super easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile—ideal for snacking, party platters, or as a sweet gift for peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients:

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (for texture)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips (for coating, optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)

For Rolling/Coating:

• Extra graham cracker crumbs
• Crushed peanuts (for extra crunch)
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Crushed pretzels (for a salty-sweet contrast)

Preparation:

1: Cream the Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and well-blended. This will be the creamy base of your cheesecake balls.

2: Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt

• Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating the mixture until everything is combined and you have a smooth, creamy filling.

3: Incorporate Graham Cracker Crumbs

• Stir in 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs to give the mixture some texture and stability. This will also enhance the nutty, toasty flavor of the cheesecake balls.

4: Chill the Mixture

• Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the mixture chill for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll into balls.

5: Shape the Cheesecake Balls

• Once the mixture is chilled and firm, use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter, and place the balls on a lined baking sheet.

6: Optional – Coat in Chocolate

• If you’d like to coat the cheesecake balls in chocolate, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add the coconut oil to thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
• Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to roll them around until fully coated. Place the coated balls back on the lined baking sheet.

7: Roll in Toppings

• For extra flavor and texture, roll the cheesecake balls in your choice of extra graham cracker crumbs, crushed peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, or crushed pretzels while the chocolate coating is still wet.

8: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cheesecake balls for another 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!

Variations:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls: For a chocolatey twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture before rolling the balls. You can also dip them in dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Oreo Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls: Instead of using graham cracker crumbs, crush some Oreos and mix them into the peanut butter mixture for a cookies-and-cream twist on this dessert.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and a little extra crunch in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make these cheesecake balls gluten-free.

Cooking Notes:

• Chilling is key: Make sure to chill the mixture before rolling it into balls. This step ensures the balls hold their shape and are easier to work with.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Conversely, for a sweeter bite, add an extra 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
• Chocolate coating alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can skip the coating and roll the cheesecake balls in graham cracker crumbs, crushed nuts, or sprinkles instead.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect for parties: Serve these cheesecake balls as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and other bite-sized treats. They make a wonderful addition to holiday spreads or birthday parties.
• Gift them!: Pack the cheesecake balls in a decorative tin or box and give them as homemade gifts during the holidays or special occasions.
• Indulge with coffee: These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are perfect for an afternoon treat alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Tips:

• Use a cookie scoop: To get uniform-sized cheesecake balls, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough before rolling them into balls.
• Store them in the fridge: These no-bake treats are best kept refrigerated in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freeze for later: You can also freeze these cheesecake balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Prep Time:

20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Cooking Time:

0 minutes (no-bake)

Total Time:

1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (Per Cheesecake Ball):

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 95mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls?
A: Yes, you can freeze these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls for up to 2 months. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q: Do I have to coat them in chocolate?
A: Not at all! If you prefer, you can roll the balls in graham cracker crumbs, crushed nuts, or sprinkles instead of dipping them in chocolate.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan peanut butter, and a dairy-free chocolate coating to make these cheesecake balls vegan-friendly.

Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give these cheesecake balls extra texture and a bit more crunch.

Conclusion:

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are the perfect treat for any peanut butter lover! Easy to make, packed with creamy, nutty flavor, and completely customizable, these bite-sized delights are great for parties, holiday gifting, or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Whether you choose to coat them in chocolate, roll them in graham cracker crumbs, or add fun toppings like pretzels or sprinkles, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy the smooth, rich taste of peanut butter cheesecake in every bite!

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