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No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you want a dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t have you turning on the oven in the middle of summer. That’s exactly why I adore this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe — it’s creamy, dreamy, and ridiculously easy. Just a handful of ingredients, a bit of chilling time, and you have these bite-sized treasures that are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • No-bake Ease: No oven means less heat and hassle, making these perfect for quick afternoons or last-minute guests.
  • Perfect Peanut Butter Balance: The creamy peanut butter and cream cheese blend creates the ideal sweet and rich filling.
  • Textural Delight: Graham crackers inside and as a topping add subtle crunch that rounds out the creaminess beautifully.
  • Smooth Chocolate Coating: The coconut oil mixed into the chocolate gives you a perfectly glossy, smooth finish every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe plays a key role in flavor or texture, and knowing why helps make the process more intuitive – and the results tastier. Here’s the scoop on why these staples come together so well.

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls, easy no bake desserts, no bake dessert recipes, peanut butter cheesecake bites, quick summer desserts - Flat lay of a block of soft cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small mound of creamy peanut butter with a glossy texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with sifted powdered sugar, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing finely crushed graham crackers, a small white bowl with semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl with gleaming coconut oil, a small white bowl of additional graham cracker crumbs, a small white bowl of chopped peanuts, and a tiny pile of irregular sea salt flakes, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Cream Cheese: Provides that classic cheesecake tang and creamy texture, always best softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds richness and that unmistakable peanut butter flavor—you can’t skip this!
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens without any grittiness, and sifted to avoid lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon boosts all the flavors and gives depth.
  • Graham Crackers: Crushed into the filling and used as a topping, they add a crispy texture and slight sweetness.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For coating, they bring the perfect bittersweet balance to the sweet peanut butter filling.
  • Coconut Oil: Mixed into melted chocolate to give it a silky, shiny finish and helps it harden perfectly.
  • Chopped Peanuts: Optional garnish that adds extra crunch and a lovely nutty contrast.
  • Sea Salt Flakes: Just a pinch can elevate flavors and balance the sweetness, but totally optional.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want them a little sweeter, add some chocolate chips inside, or skip the nuts due to allergies, this recipe invites customization.

  • Variation: I often add mini chocolate chips straight into the filling for an extra surprise crunch. My family loves this twist!
  • Allergy-Friendly: If peanuts aren’t your thing, try swapping peanut butter with almond butter for a different, but equally delicious, flavor.
  • Coating Alternatives: Instead of chocolate, rolling them in crushed pretzels or sprinkles can be a fun change, especially for kids.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the powdered sugar to taste if you prefer less or more sweetness; I usually start with the recipe amount and tweak from there next time.

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 until it’s smooth and fluffy—this usually takes me 2 to 3 minutes with my electric mixer. This step ensures your balls won’t have lumps and will be silky. Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix here; you want it smooth but not overly liquid.

Step 2: Fold in the Crunch

Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers using a spatula. This adds a wonderful texture and slight sweetness. Make sure to spread them evenly throughout the mixture. Then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour so it firms up—this is key to getting nice, smooth balls that hold their shape.

Step 3: Scoop, Roll, and Freeze

Using a small cookie scoop really helps to get evenly sized balls—I find it makes dipping easier and results in neat portions. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball between your palms, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze these for about 30 minutes until firm but still easy to work with.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate and Coat

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until silky smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly—it should be warm to the touch but not hot—so it coats evenly without melting the peanut butter balls. Working quickly, dip each frozen ball into the chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, letting excess drip off, then place back onto clean parchment.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Immediately after dipping, sprinkle the balls with graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts for that extra crunch and attractive finish. You can also add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top for an unexpected burst of flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly. Finally, refrigerate for about 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens, then enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly: I learned the hard way—cold cream cheese makes a lumpy mess. Leave it out for 30+ minutes.
  • Freeze Before Dipping: This step is a game changer! Dipping straight from the fridge results in a meltdown.
  • Use Coconut Oil: It gives the chocolate a glossy shine and helps it set faster and smoother.
  • Don’t Skip Sifting Sugar: Powdered sugar clumps ruin the texture, so sift before mixing for silky smooth filling.

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe

No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I love finishing these with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a light dusting of extra graham cracker crumbs. Sometimes I toss a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a little flavor contrast—it’s subtle but so worth it! If you want to get creative, try drizzling a bit of white chocolate over for a professional look.

Side Dishes

These cheesecake balls are perfect on their own, but if you’re serving a dessert spread, they pair wonderfully with fresh berries or simple whipped cream. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I usually arrange these on a platter lined with parchment paper and scatter chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips around them. I’ve also served them in mini cupcake liners for a polished bite-sized treat. For holidays, swapping graham cracker crumbs with crushed peppermint candies offers a seasonally festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the fridge, layered with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, which rarely happens because they get devoured quickly!

Freezing

Freezing these is a great way to have a ready-to-go dessert. After freezing the balls on a baking sheet, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain that perfect texture.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t really necessary. But if the chocolate gets too firm after refrigeration, just let the balls sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes before you bite in, so the filling softens slightly.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free chocolate alternative along with your favorite dairy-free peanut butter. Coconut oil is naturally vegan, so it works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to check that your powdered sugar is also vegan.

  2. How long does it take to make these cheesecake balls?

    Active prep time is about 15-20 minutes, but you’ll want to factor in chilling and freezing times—roughly 1 hour total before dipping and final chilling. It’s great for prepping ahead of time!

  3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

    You can, but the filling might be a bit chunkier and less smooth. I prefer creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but if you love that extra crunch, go for it!

  4. How do I prevent the chocolate coating from melting the peanut butter filling?

    Make sure your balls are fully frozen before dipping, and let the melted chocolate cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot. This helps the chocolate set quickly without melting the balls inside.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe has become my go-to for when I want something sweet but fast, especially when friends pop in unexpectedly. They’re deliciously creamy, easy to make, and just the right size for sharing. I promise, once you give them a try, you’ll wonder why you ever made peanut butter desserts any other way. So grab your mixing bowl, get comfy, and enjoy making these little bites of happiness!

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No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious no-bake peanut butter cheesecake balls featuring a creamy filling of peanut butter and cream cheese coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate, topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts. Perfect for a quick and indulgent dessert or snack.


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 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts
  • pinch sea salt flakes, optional


Instructions

  1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add Peanut Butter and Sweeteners: Add the creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until completely combined and smooth.
  3. Fold in Graham Crackers: Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers evenly into the mixture to maintain the texture.
  4. Chill Mixture: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up so it is easier to handle when shaping.
  5. Form Balls: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the filling into uniform balls and roll them smooth with your hands.
  6. Freeze Balls: Place the balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes until they are firm.
  7. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly until warm to touch.
  8. Dip Balls in Chocolate: Working quickly, use a fork or dipping tool to dip each frozen cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing on clean parchment paper.
  9. Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle each coated ball with graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts. Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt flakes for extra flavor.
  10. Set Coating: Refrigerate the dipped balls for 20 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely firm and set.

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps in the filling, ensuring a smooth texture.
  • If you don’t have graham crackers, substitute with digestive biscuits or similar cracker crumbs.
  • The coconut oil in the chocolate coating helps achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
  • Work quickly when dipping balls in chocolate to prevent melting or losing shape.
  • Refrigerate or freeze balls before dipping to make handling easier and coating more effective.
  • Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 80 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

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