January 24, 2024
Review RecipePeanut Butter Ball
Table of Contents
This peanut butter ball might just be one of the best creations ever imagined. Similar to a cheese ball, this version features cream cheese and peanut butter blended and formed into a creamy ball before being coated with Reese’s pieces.
Peanut Butter Ball Ingredients
This peanut butter ball recipe offers a delightful blend of nutty and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch.
It’s a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious peanut-buttery treat with a hint of chocolatey goodness.
You’ll need:
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups of creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups of powdered sugar, sifted
- ¾ cup of Reese’s Pieces candies
- For dipping: 2 sleeves of graham crackers broken into individual pieces.
Substitutions And Additions
MIX-INS: You can add mini milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture before chilling in the refrigerator.
PEANUT BUTTER: You could choose either smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter for a little bit of extra crunch.
We would not recommend using natural peanut butter as the oils tend to separate, and it won’t combine well in this recipe.
PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: To infuse unique flavors, experiment with other extracts like almond, maple, or hazelnut.
REESE’S PIECES CANDIES: Get creative with mix-ins by using chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
How To Make This Peanut Butter Ball Recipe
Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making this easy party appetizer or dessert.
PRO TIP:
You can make the peanut butter ball a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
STEP ONE: Beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract for 1½ to 2 minutes until smooth.
Use either a stand mixer, or a medium mixing bowl and a hand mixer, on medium-high speed to mix the ingredients.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, or you may end up with lumps in your mixture.
STEP TWO: Add the sifted powdered sugar and continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes.
STEP THREE: Measure out two pieces of plastic wrap in a crisscross pattern. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the center of the plastic wrap and shape it into a ball.
Tightly wrap the peanut butter ball in the plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for two hours.
PRO TIP:
Don’t skip the chilling step, as you need to let the ball firm up to be able to hold its shape.
STEP FOUR: Just before serving, unwrap the peanut butter ball and place it in the center of a serving plate.
STEP FIVE: Lightly press Reese’s pieces onto the surface of the peanut butter ball.
STEP SIX: Arrange the graham cracker pieces around the decorated peanut butter ball.
How To Serve
This might just be my new favorite thing to make for a sweet treat. Surprise your kiddos with it for a fun after-school snack, or serve it at your next gathering.
You can also use vanilla wafers, hard pretzels, mini Hershey’s bars, apple slices, or broken pieces of sugar cone bowls for dipping.
Create a dessert platter with an array of sweet treats, including your peanut butter balls as the star attraction.
Add chocolate truffles, mini cheesecakes, and fresh fruit for a diverse dessert spread that caters to various tastes.
If you are looking for a savory version, our cheese ball is creamy and addictive, while our buckeyes are a yummy bite-size treat.
MORE PEANUT BUTTER RECIPES
Storage
Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious peanut butter balls to keep them fresh and enjoyable.
MAKE AHEAD: If you want to prepare ahead, you can make these peanut butter balls in advance and store them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store the peanut butter ball covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Store leftover graham crackers in a Ziploc baggie to keep the crackers from becoming stale.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the undecorated peanut butter cheese ball for up to one month. Wrap in wax paper and then place in a Ziploc bag.
Allow the peanut butter ball to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before decorating and serving.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this recipe for so many reasons, including:
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: These peanut butter balls are a delightful blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch, making them a mouthwatering treat for anyone who adores peanut butter and chocolate.
MAKE-AHEAD FRIENDLY: These peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient and make-ahead-friendly treat for parties, gatherings, or snacking whenever the craving strikes.
You might just find yourself addicted to this creamy peanut butter ball. Only a handful of ingredients and you will have yourself a perfect dessert choice for dipping and satisfying your peanut butter cravings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This delicious dessert is perfect for making the day before. Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.
The peanut butter ball ingredients are entirely customizable. If you would like to add other ingredients, such as chocolate chips or toffee bits, to this no-bake treat, you can give it a try.
It is best to use regular peanut butter, but you can also use crunchy if you’d like. We would not recommend using all-natural peanut butter as it won’t blend well, and the oils tend to separate easily in it.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Coconut Chocolate Balls
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Oreo Balls
- Pecan Pie Balls
- Butter Pecan Crunch
- Nutter Butter Dessert
- Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
- Salted Caramel Sauce
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars
- Peanut Butter Dream Bars
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Apple Pie Recipe
Peanut Butter Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¾ cup Reese’s pieces candies
- 2 sleeves graham crackers, broken into individual pieces (You can also use vanilla wafers, hard pretzels, mini Hershey’s bars, apple slices, broken pieces of sugar cones, or broken pieces of sugar cone bowls.)
- mini chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Using either a stand mixer, or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract for 1½ to 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar and continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes.
- Measure out 2 pieces of plastic wrap in a crisscross pattern. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the center of the plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Tightly wrap the peanut butter ball in the plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Just before serving, unwrap the peanut butter ball and place it in the center of a serving plate.
- Lightly press the Reese’s pieces onto the surface of the peanut butter ball. Arrange the graham cracker pieces around the decorated peanut butter ball.
Notes
- You can add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture before chilling in the refrigerator.
- You can make the peanut butter ball a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, or you may end up with lumps in your mixture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step, as you need to let the ball firm up to be able to hold its shape.
Comments
Heather N says
Can’t go wrong with peanut butter and cream cheese ๐
Patricia D Keiffer says
mmmm these ARE great!
Maria E. Montellano-Molina says
Will try and make this for my families parties soon. Looks good.
Tracy Goff says
Yum
Angie Birney says
Yummy for game or movie night snacks!
Jackie says
I havenโt made this but my family are big fans of peanut butter so Iโm sure it will be a big hit on my next party table.
Victoria Smith says
I cannot wait to try this!!!
lynn Doane says
interestingly delicious. Not sure what kind of get-together it would well with.
Kyleigh says
This looks so good!!!!
B.T. says
Can’t go wrong with those yummy ingredients!