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No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cheesecake balls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Craving an over-the-top, no-bake dessert that tastes like a Reese’s cup and cheesecake had a baby? These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are everything: a creamy peanut butter cheesecake center, a ribbon of soft caramel, and a crisp chocolate shell with a buttery graham cracker crunch on top. They’re perfect for easy dessert ideas, party food ideas, and quick make-ahead treats when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Serve them as a fun finger dessert, add them to your holiday dessert board, or stash a batch in the freezer for those late-night sweet tooth moments. This easy recipe fits right in with your favorite quick dessert, snack, and even special-occasion dinner ideas.


Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened, divided

1 cup creamy peanut butter divided

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 pinch fine sea salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar divided

20 soft caramels unwrapped

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

2 teaspoons coconut oil

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs for topping

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter for drizzling (optional)


Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz of the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of the creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar. Stir until a thick, cookie-like dough forms that holds together when pressed.

4. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture into about 24 even mounds. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Gently flatten each ball and press a shallow indentation into the center with your thumb or the back of a spoon. Freeze the tray for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.

6. In a small bowl, beat the remaining 4 oz cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar until silky and smooth.

7. Remove the chilled bases from the freezer and spoon a small dollop of the cheesecake mixture into each indentation.

8. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and thick. Let cool slightly so it is warm but not hot.

9. Spoon a little melted caramel over the cheesecake layer on each base, spreading gently to cover without overflowing the sides. Return the tray to the freezer for 20–30 minutes, or until very firm.

10. In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy.

11. Working with a few centers at a time, dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

12. While the coating is still soft, sprinkle the tops with the 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter (warmed slightly, if needed) for a decorative finish.

13. Refrigerate the cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and the centers are chilled through.

14. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Serve chilled, allowing them to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for a softer center if desired.

Notes

For the best texture, make sure the centers are very firm before dipping in chocolate; if they’re too soft, they may crumble or leak caramel when you coat them.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cheesecake ball
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 125
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 24
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4
  • Cholesterol: 25