Description
These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are creamy, rich, and irresistibly delicious bite-sized desserts. Made with smooth peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and crushed graham crackers, they feature a soft cheesecake-inspired center coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate. Finished with crunchy graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts, these easy no-bake treats are perfect for parties, holidays, dessert platters, and make-ahead sweet snacks. No oven required!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes, optional
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers until evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into evenly sized pieces. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Arrange the cheesecake balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for approximately 30 minutes until firm.
- Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly while remaining fluid enough for dipping.
- Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, making sure it is completely coated.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing each coated ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, chopped peanuts, and optional sea salt flakes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is completely firm. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Choose creamy peanut butter for an easier-to-roll mixture and smoother cheesecake texture.
- Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps.
- Refrigerate the filling for at least 1 hour before shaping the balls.
- Freeze the shaped cheesecake balls for 30 minutes before dipping to help them maintain their shape.
- Melt the chocolate gradually in 30-second intervals to prevent overheating.
- Coconut oil helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating. Vegetable shortening can also be used.
- Add toppings immediately after dipping, before the chocolate sets.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Thaw frozen cheesecake balls in the refrigerator before serving.
- Natural peanut butter may produce a softer filling, so additional chilling may be necessary.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake ball
- Calories: 185