No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are an easy and delicious treat, combining creamy peanut butter, cheesecake filling, and a chocolate coating. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack! Here’s the full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, your choice)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup chocolate chips, melted (for coating)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Graham Cracker Crumbs:
- Gradually stir in the graham cracker crumbs. You can start with a spoon or use your hands to combine the crumbs into the peanut butter cream mixture until a dough-like texture forms.
3. Roll the Balls:
- Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Chill the Balls:
- Once all the balls are rolled, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until they firm up. This helps the balls keep their shape when coating with chocolate.
5. Coat with Chocolate:
- While the balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Once the cheesecake balls are chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate. You can either fully coat them or drizzle the chocolate over the tops. Use a fork or spoon to lift each ball and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
6. Chill Again:
- Place the chocolate-coated cheesecake balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the fridge to chill for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
7. Serve:
- Once the chocolate coating has hardened, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are ready to serve! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Optional Toppings and Variations:
- Toppings: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
- Flavor Twist: Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for a salted peanut butter version.
- Coating Variations: Instead of chocolate, you can roll the balls in crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, or sprinkles for a different look and flavor.
Enjoy these rich, creamy, and peanut buttery bites! They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the need for baking. 😋
