No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
If you’ve been craving something irresistibly creamy and delightfully nutty without turning on the oven, you’re in for a treat. This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe is exactly what you need — easy to make, seriously delicious, and perfect for satisfying those peanut butter and cheesecake cravings in bite-sized form. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for parties, quick desserts, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Oven Needed: You skip the heat, making it perfect for warm days or quick prep.
- Creamy & Nutty Harmony: The peanut butter blends beautifully with smooth cream cheese for a luscious filling.
- Crunch & Coating: Graham crackers add a subtle crunch inside and a lovely texture outside when sprinkled.
- Simple Yet Stunning: Easy to make but impressive enough for guests or just indulging solo.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that come together like magic — creamy, crunchy, smooth, and sweet all at once. I always recommend using room temperature cream cheese and peanut butter to get the smoothest mix possible.
- Cream cheese: Provides that silky, tangy base that makes the cheesecake texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and that beloved nutty flavor that works perfectly with the cream cheese.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any graininess — don’t skip sifting it!
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch boosts all the flavors and rounds out the richness.
- Graham crackers: Finely crushed to add a little texture and balance the creaminess.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts smoothly to form a decadent coating.
- Coconut oil: Helps the chocolate coating stay glossy and gives it the perfect melt and snap.
- Chopped peanuts: For garnish — adds crunch and intensifies the peanut butter vibe.
- Sea salt flakes (optional): A sprinkle on top sharpens the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love playing around with this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe. It’s so flexible! Whether you like it a little sweeter, more chocolatey, or even a bit salty, these cheesecake balls adapt really well.
- Chocolate variety: Once I swapped semi-sweet for dark chocolate and it gave a wonderfully intense bite that balanced the sweet filling.
- Nut substitutions: Sometimes I swap the chopped peanuts with toasted almonds or even crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Flavored peanut butter: Using honey roasted peanut butter added a subtle extra layer of sweetness that I absolutely loved.
- Dietary tweaks: You can try natural or powdered peanut butter if you want to reduce oil content, just expect slightly different texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Until Fluffy
Start by beating the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s super smooth and creamy—no lumps! Using room temperature cream cheese really makes this step easy, plus it creates the best texture for your cheesecake balls. Patience here pays off to avoid grainy mixtures later on.
Step 2: Mix in Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar & Vanilla
Add the creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix everything on low to medium speed just until combined. Over-mixing can make it oily or too soft, so keep an eye on the texture — you want it uniform but not runny.
Step 3: Fold in Crushed Graham Crackers
Gently fold in the finely crushed graham crackers with a spatula. This adds a subtle crunch and helps the mixture hold its shape once chilled. Make sure they’re crushed to a fine texture so the balls stay smooth and easy to roll.
Step 4: Chill Mixture for an Hour
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step stiffens the mixture so when you scoop and roll, it holds together beautifully without sticking to your hands or crumbling.
Step 5: Scoop, Roll & Freeze
Using a small cookie scoop, portion the chilled mixture into uniform balls and roll them smooth between your palms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze for about 30 minutes. Freezing firms them up perfectly for dipping in chocolate without losing their shape.
Step 6: Melt Chocolate and Coconut Oil
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly to just warm — too hot and it might melt your cheesecake balls or make the coating runny.
Step 7: Dip, Garnish & Chill
Using a fork or dipping tool, quickly dip each chilled ball into the chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on clean parchment, and immediately sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts for that extra crunch. Finish with a pinch of sea salt flakes if you like (I do!). Refrigerate the coated balls for about 20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always soften cream cheese and peanut butter first for the smoothest filling without lumps.
- Freeze Before Dipping: Don’t skip chilling the balls — frozen ones coat with chocolate way easier and won’t fall apart.
- Temper Your Chocolate: Let melted chocolate cool slightly to avoid melting the cheesecake balls and get a glossy coating.
- Use Parchment Paper: It keeps the coated balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these cheesecake balls with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers and chopped peanuts — it adds texture and a little visual wow. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-salty kick that makes you want another bite immediately.
Side Dishes
They’re rich enough to stand alone, but I often serve these with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. For parties, a simple fruit platter or crunchy cookie sticks on the side pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special occasions, I like arranging these balls on a tiered dessert stand with edible flowers or festive sprinkles. Wrapping individual ones in colorful cupcake liners makes them look like fancy bite-sized treats — perfect for gifting or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep very well for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick sweet fix whenever you want without making a new batch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cheesecake balls with great success. Freeze them in a single layer on parchment first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge a few hours before serving for best texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Just let frozen cheesecake balls thaw fully in the fridge, and enjoy chilled. The cool cream cheese and peanut butter texture is part of the charm, so treat them like a frosty treat rather than a warm dessert.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cheesecake balls extra texture inside, which some people love. Just keep in mind the chopped peanuts garnish will add even more crunch, so balance according to your preference.
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How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?
Make sure to mix coconut oil into your melted chocolate — this helps keep it smooth and less brittle when set. Also, avoid dipping balls that are too warm or the coating will harden improperly and crack.
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Can I make these with almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, swapping almond butter works really well and creates a slightly different but just as delicious flavor profile. Just use creamy almond butter and expect a subtle change in richness.
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Is there a way to make these vegan-friendly?
You can substitute vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan. Just make sure your other ingredients like graham crackers are vegan too. Texture might vary slightly, but the flavor is still amazing!
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Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! These No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are fantastic make-ahead treats. Prepare and coat them a day or two before your event, keep refrigerated, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe has been one of my favorite sweet fixes for busy days and special moments alike. They come together quickly, need no oven, and offer that perfect creamy, nutty, chocolatey bite every single time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do — it’s a simple recipe that always earns compliments, so give it a go, and let these little balls of joy brighten your day!
Print
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no bake peanut butter cheesecake balls coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate, topped with graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts. This easy, creamy dessert is perfect for parties or a sweet treat anytime.
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 extract preferred
- ½ cup graham crackers, finely crushed
Chocolate Coating & Toppings
- 12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips for coating
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil for smooth chocolate coating
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs for topping
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts for garnish
- pinch sea salt flakes, optional finishing touch
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Beat softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix until completely combined.
- Incorporate graham crackers: Gently fold crushed graham crackers into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for 1 hour until firm enough to handle.
- Form balls: Using a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture into uniform balls and roll them smooth with your hands.
- Freeze the balls: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool slightly until just warm to the touch.
- Coat the balls: Quickly dip each frozen cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated balls back on clean parchment paper.
- Add toppings: Immediately sprinkle the chocolate-coated balls with graham cracker crumbs and chopped peanuts. Optionally, add a pinch of sea salt flakes for finishing touch.
- Set the coating: Refrigerate the coated balls for 20 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely firm. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth filling mixture.
- Crush graham crackers finely for better texture incorporation.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform ball sizes to ensure even coating and freezing.
- If chocolate thickens during dipping, gently rewarm in the microwave in short bursts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optionally add sea salt flakes on top to balance the sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
