Sometimes you need a dessert that's so simple it feels like cheating, but tastes so amazing that everyone thinks you spent hours in the kitchen. These peanut butter cheesecake balls are exactly that kind of magic! Easy to make and dangerously delicious no-bake bites use cream cheese, peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate, and peanuts to create the most irresistible little treats that disappear faster than you can make them.
This 3 ingredient no-bake peanut butter cheesecake balls recipe has become our secret weapon for last-minute entertaining, holiday cookie trays, and those moments when we need something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven. The 3 ingredients are creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar - that's it for the base, though we love adding chocolate coating for extra indulgence!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- My Top Tips for This Recipe
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Variations on Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Equipment for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Olivia's Tip for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- FAQ about Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Incredible things happen when you combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter, and here's why these no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls have become our go-to treat:
- Ridiculously simple - These 3 ingredient peanut butter cheesecake balls require no baking, no special equipment, and come together in about 15 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for when you need impressive results with minimal effort, making them a true dessert facile.
- Make-ahead friendly - Roll them days ahead and store in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. These bite-sized treats are perfect for meal prep and always ready when you need them.
- Crowd-pleasing perfection - The combination of creamy peanut butter mixture rolled in chocolate chips and peanut butter chips creates a flavor that appeals to everyone from kids to adults.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Building these philadelphia peanut butter cheesecake balls starts with just three essential ingredients that transform into something absolutely magical. The cream cheese filling provides that tangy cheesecake flavor while the peanut butter adds richness and the powdered sugar binding holds everything together perfectly.
What You'll Need
Base (3 ingredients):
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup)
- Powdered sugar (2 cups)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Optional Coatings:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- Peanut butter chips (melted)
- Crushed honey roasted peanuts
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Cocoa powder
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Softened cream cheese is crucial - Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps, creating that signature cheesecake texture. Cold cream cheese will leave you with a chunky, unworkable mixture in these peanut butter cream cheese balls.
- Creamy peanut butter works best - Natural peanut butter can be too oily and separates easily. Regular creamy peanut butter has the perfect consistency and sweetness for these no bake cheesecake balls.
- Powdered sugar provides structure - Granulated sugar won't dissolve properly and leaves a grainy texture. Powdered sugar melts into the mixture while providing just enough structure to roll into balls.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Step-by-Step Directions
- Soften the cream cheese. Leave 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
- Mix the base. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add sweetener. Gradually mix in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Chill the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make rolling easier. This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Roll into balls. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate to firm. Chill the balls for at least 1 hour until firm enough to coat.
- Prepare coating. Melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Coat the balls. Using a fork, dip each ball into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Return to parchment paper.
- Add toppings. While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with crushed honey roasted peanuts for incredible crunch and flavor, or drizzle with melted peanut butter chips if desired.
- Set completely. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes until chocolate coating is firm.
Hint: Keep your hands slightly damp when rolling the balls to prevent sticking and get perfectly smooth surfaces every time!
My Top Tips for This Recipe
Mastering these no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls philadelphia style comes down to patience with the chilling process. Don't skip the refrigeration steps - they're what make these balls hold their shape perfectly and easy to coat.
Gold Tip: For the smoothest chocolate coating, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to your melted chocolate. This creates a thinner, glossier coating that sets beautifully and makes dipping so much easier, perfect for these peanut butter cake balls that look like they came from a fancy gateaux cake shop.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
Last weekend when I was making these old fashioned peanut butter cheesecake balls for a potluck, Olivia decided she wanted to help with the rolling process. "Mom, these are like edible play-dough!" she exclaimed, carefully shaping each ball between her palms. I showed her how to keep her hands slightly damp to prevent sticking, just like we do when making our tiramisu truffles to get that perfect smooth finish.
When it came time to dip them in chocolate, she got very serious about her technique. "I'm making them fancy," she announced, drizzling extra chocolate in zigzag patterns on top. Her official taste test verdict? "It's like a peanut butter cup had a baby with cheesecake!" Now she insists on making a batch every Sunday for her lunchbox treats, carefully packing them in a small container to share with friends who beg for the recipe.
Substitutions for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Almond Butter Version - Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious in these cheesecake peanut butter balls variations.
Sugar-Free Keto - Use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar. Perfect for peanut butter cheesecake fat balls keto adaptations that fit low-carb lifestyles while still delivering incredible flavor.
Dairy-Free - Use vegan cream cheese and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You'll still get that amazing creamy texture in these peanut butter balls.
Cool Whip Version - For an ultra-light texture, fold in ½ cup thawed Cool Whip to the base mixture. These no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls with cool whip are incredibly fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Variations on Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Chocolate Peanut Butter - Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder into the base mixture for no bake chocolate peanut butter cheesecake balls that are double chocolate heaven.
Protein-Packed - Add 2 scoops vanilla protein powder to create peanut butter cheesecake protein balls that work as post-workout fuel or healthy snacks.
Bar Form - Press the mixture into an 8x8 pan instead of rolling into balls for easy no bake peanut butter cheesecake bars. Cut into squares and drizzle with chocolate for a different presentation that's perfect for potlucks.
Honey Roasted Coating - Skip the chocolate and roll exclusively in crushed honey roasted peanuts for a sweet-salty exterior that provides incredible crunch. These topping variations let you customize for different preferences.
Oreo Addition - Fold in ½ cup crushed Oreos for cookies-and-cream peanut butter cheesecake balls that combine two favorite flavors.
White Chocolate - Coat in melted white chocolate and top with crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty combination that's absolutely addictive.
Coconut Coating - Skip the chocolate and roll in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist on these peanut butter cheese ball classics that look as beautiful as any baked dessert recipes presentation.
These versatile treats pair perfectly with other no-bake options and work wonderfully alongside our blueberry cheesecake protein bites when you want a variety of healthy sweet snacks!
Equipment for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Electric mixer or strong arm - Makes combining the cream cheese and peanut butter much easier. You can do it by hand, but a mixer creates a smoother texture for these 4 ingredient peanut butter cheesecake balls.
Small cookie scoop - Essential for uniform sizing that ensures even coating and professional appearance. A tablespoon-sized scoop is perfect for these ball dessert recipes.
Parchment paper - Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Line all your trays before you start rolling for the easiest process with these peanut butter cream cheese balls supplies.
Fork for dipping - A regular dinner fork works perfectly for dipping and allows excess chocolate to drip off easily when making these easy sweet appetizers.
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Refrigeration for firmness - Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking together.
Freeze for longer storage - These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags for easy grab-and-go treats.
Serving temperature - Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. Too cold and they're hard, room temp they're perfect.
Gift packaging - Place in mini cupcake liners and arrange in decorative tins for beautiful homemade gifts that everyone loves receiving.
These delightful no-bake treats work beautifully for parties and pair perfectly with other elegant desserts like our French salted butter cookies when you want both no-bake and baked options!
Olivia's Tip for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
"Put them in the freezer for 10 minutes before dipping in chocolate - it makes the chocolate harden super fast and they're easier to hold! And save a few without chocolate coating for people who don't like chocolate - my friend Emma always wants the plain ones!"
FAQ about Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
What kind of peanut butter is best for cheesecake?
Regular creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for these no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls recipes. Natural peanut butter can be too oily and separates easily, making the mixture harder to work with and less stable in these no back peanut butter cheesecake balls.
How to make cheese ball ingredients?
For basic peanut butter cream cheese balls supplies, you need softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, chill, roll into balls, and coat in your choice of chocolate or crushed honey roasted peanuts for incredible texture.
What are peanut butter balls made of?
Traditional peanut butter balls contain peanut butter, cream cheese or butter, powdered sugar, and are often coated in chocolate. Some versions add graham cracker crumbs or Rice Krispies for extra texture, creating various topping variations.
What equipment do I need to make cheesecake balls?
You need a mixing bowl, electric mixer (optional but helpful), small cookie scoop, parchment paper, and a fork for dipping. That's it! These are incredibly simple no back peanut butter cheesecake balls to make with minimal equipment.
Conclusion
It's amazing what you can create without ever turning on the oven! I hope this simple, no-bake recipe for peanut butter cheesecake balls brings a little bit of delicious magic to your kitchen. The way three simple ingredients transform into something this delicious and impressive never stops amazing me.
Amazing results happen when you embrace the simplicity of no-bake desserts and let quality ingredients do the work. These work perfectly for holiday cookie trays, casual entertaining, or whenever you want something that tastes indulgent but comes together effortlessly. They pair beautifully with other special treats like our peach cobbler pound cake when you want both no-bake and baked dessert options for entertaining. If you love easy no-bake treats, you might also enjoy these creative no-bake Baileys cheesecake balls that take the cheesecake ball concept in a fun, adult-friendly direction.
Jasmine & Olivia💛
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with peanut butter cheesecake balls:
📖 Recipe
Easy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- My little helper Olivia loves this step! In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to beat the [softened cream cheese] with the [creamy peanut butter] until the mixture is completely smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen
- Gradually add the [powdered sugar] and [vanilla extract] to the peanut butter mixture. The dough will become thick and a bit sticky, just like edible play-doh, as Olivia calls it! Keep mixing until everything is fully combined
- Cover the bowl and pop the mixture into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This is a very important step, it makes the dough much easier to handle and roll into perfect little balls
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the chilled mixture and, using a small [cookie scoop], portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a 1-inch ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. We always save a few plain ones for Olivia's friend, Emma
- Once all the balls are rolled, place the baking sheets in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or in the freezer for 30 minutes. The firmer they are, the easier they will be to coat in chocolate later
- When the balls are nearly chilled, place the [semi-sweet chocolate chips] in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. For the perfect glossy finish, you can stir in a little [coconut oil]
- This is the most fun part! One by one, use a [fork] to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with your favorite toppings like [crushed peanuts] or a drizzle of melted [peanut butter chips]
- Place the finished balls back in the fridge for about 30 minutes (or the freezer for 10 minutes) until the chocolate coating is completely firm. Once set, they are ready to be devoured
Nutrition
Notes
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These balls can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months!
- Substitutions: For a lighter texture, you can fold in a ½ cup of thawed Cool Whip to the base mixture. You can also substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or even a sugar-free alternative for a keto-friendly version.
- Storage: Always store the finished cheesecake balls in the fridge. They taste best when they're firm and chilled!
- A Fun Twist: Try rolling the balls in crushed Oreos or graham cracker crumbs before coating them in chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and texture!
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