If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both delicious and ridiculously easy to whip up, look no further than these no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls! I remember the first time I made these little bites of heaven for a last-minute gathering with friends. I was scrambling to find something sweet, and let me tell you, they were an instant hit! The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth cream cheese, all rolled up into bite-sized balls, is just heavenly. Plus, there’s no oven involved, so it’s perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for dipping)
How to Prepare No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Alright, let’s dive into making these delightful no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls! They’re super straightforward to prepare, and honestly, you’ll be snacking on these in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a treat that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Mix Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese
First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the peanut butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to be well-blended, with no lumps in sight. The creaminess of the peanut butter paired with the softness of the cream cheese creates such a delightful texture—just wait until you taste it!
Step 2: Incorporate Sugar and Vanilla
Next up, it’s time to sweeten things up! Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. You should see that beautiful, velvety consistency returning. Don’t rush this part; you want every bit of that sweetness to blend in perfectly!
Step 3: Add Crushed Graham Crackers
Now, let’s bring in the graham crackers! Stir in the crushed graham crackers until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will give your cheesecake balls a lovely crunch and that signature flavor. Make sure you’re mixing gently but thoroughly so every bite is packed with that delicious graham goodness!
Step 4: Form the Balls
Time to get your hands a little messy! Take small portions of the mixture—about 1 inch in diameter—and roll them into balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniformity, but you can absolutely do it by hand. Just remember, the neater the balls, the nicer they’ll look when you serve them!
Step 5: Chill the Balls
Once you’ve shaped all your balls, it’s time to chill! Place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial; chilling helps them firm up so they hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate. Plus, it makes them even more refreshing!
Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
Finally, let’s finish these off with a chocolatey coat! Melt your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until it’s smooth and glossy. Then, take each chilled ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a sheet of parchment paper to set. Wow, are you going to love the combination of peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate!
Tips for Success
To make sure your no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature—this helps it blend smoothly with the peanut butter. If you want a little crunch, feel free to swap in crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. For the chocolate coating, you can have fun with variations! Try using white chocolate or even a drizzle of caramel for a twist. And don’t forget to keep your workspace clean; a little mess is fine, but it makes rolling the balls easier if everything’s tidy. Trust me, these little adjustments can elevate your dessert game!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into these delicious no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls, I want to give you a heads-up about the nutritional info! Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general guide. Each peanut butter cheesecake ball typically contains:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Enjoy these little treats in moderation, and feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delightful no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls, you’ll want to keep them fresh! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need for reheating since they’re best served chilled. Just grab one (or two, I won’t judge!) straight from the fridge, and let the creamy peanut butter and chocolate goodness melt in your mouth. They make for a perfect snack or dessert anytime, so feel free to indulge! Enjoy your treats!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter will work just fine, but keep in mind it may be a bit more oily. Just stir it well before measuring to ensure a smooth mix!
How should I store the no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls?
Store these delicious treats in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper if you stack them!
Can I substitute the chocolate for something else?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can dip them in white chocolate or even roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun twist. The options are endless!
How do I serve these cheesecake balls?
These no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack! You can serve them on a platter, drizzled with chocolate sauce, or even alongside fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.
Can I freeze these cheesecake balls?
Yes, you can! Just place them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. Perfect for when those sweet cravings hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- No baking required, making it a perfect summer treat.
- Rich and creamy flavor from the peanut butter and cream cheese.
- Perfectly portable for parties, picnics, or snacking at home.
- Customizable with different chocolate coatings or add-ins.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with adults, too!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls to Satisfy Cravings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious no bake dessert made with peanut butter and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Stir in crushed graham crackers until combined.
- Roll mixture into small balls.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and dip each ball in chocolate.
- Place on parchment paper to set.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Substitute chocolate with white chocolate if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls