These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. I mix smooth peanut butter with tangy cream cheese and a touch of sweetness, then roll them into bite-sized balls and coat them in melted chocolate or crushed nuts. They’re the perfect little indulgence when I want something sweet without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these cheesecake balls because they come together in minutes with simple ingredients and zero baking. The peanut butter and cream cheese combo gives them a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and I can coat or decorate them any way I like. They’re great for snacks, desserts, or even gifting during the holidays. Plus, they keep well in the fridge or freezer, so I always have a treat ready when I need one.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Peanut butter (creamy, not natural)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies (optional, for texture)
- Chocolate chips or melting chocolate (for coating)
- Crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or sea salt (optional toppings)
directions
- I start by beating the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- I add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fully combined and the mixture is thick enough to hold shape.
- If I want extra texture, I stir in some crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
- I chill the mixture in the fridge for about 20 minutes so it’s easier to handle.
- Once chilled, I scoop and roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- I melt the chocolate, then dip each ball to coat, or drizzle the chocolate over the top.
- I sprinkle with crushed nuts, sea salt, or sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- I refrigerate the tray until the chocolate sets, then store them in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 balls, depending on the size, and takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, including chilling and coating time. It’s a super fast dessert that looks like I spent way more time on it.
Variations
Sometimes I use almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. For a crunchier texture, I fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts. I’ve also rolled the balls in cocoa powder or finely shredded coconut instead of dipping them in chocolate. To make them more festive, I color the chocolate coating or decorate with themed sprinkles.
storage/reheating
I store the cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag—they keep for up to 2 months. I let them thaw in the fridge or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer bite.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
I don’t recommend it because it’s usually too oily and runny, which makes the mixture harder to work with. A regular creamy peanut butter gives the best texture.
Do I have to dip them in chocolate?
Not at all. I sometimes roll them in crushed nuts, graham crumbs, or just leave them plain—they’re delicious either way.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until needed.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be—just make sure to use gluten-free graham crackers or omit them entirely. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
I melt the chocolate slowly using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts and stir often. Adding a little coconut oil or butter helps make it smoother and easier to dip.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are one of my favorite quick treats to whip up when I want something rich and satisfying without turning on the oven. They’re creamy, chocolatey, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m making them for myself or sharing with friends, they always disappear fast.
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 balls
- Category: Dessert, Snack, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake / Hand-Rolled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are rich, creamy, and irresistibly easy to make. Blending smooth peanut butter with cream cheese and a touch of sweetness, these bite-sized treats are coated in chocolate or rolled in toppings like nuts or sprinkles. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick dessert fix—no oven required!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies (optional for texture)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, sea salt, sprinkles, shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until thick and well combined.
- Stir in crushed graham crackers or cookies if using.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm it up.
- Scoop and roll into bite-sized balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dip or drizzle each ball with melted chocolate and sprinkle with desired toppings.
- Chill until the chocolate sets, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- Avoid natural peanut butter—it’s too oily for this recipe.
- For variety, roll in cocoa powder, coconut, or chopped nuts instead of chocolate.
- To smooth out the chocolate, add 1 tsp coconut oil or butter when melting.
- Great for make-ahead: store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.