This No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls confection combines two of my absolute favorites—creamy cheesecake and rich peanut butter—into one perfect, poppable treat that hardly takes any time to create. As a passionate lover of all things sweet and a self-proclaimed peanut butter fanatic, I assure you that this recipe answers all your dessert dreams.

With no oven time required, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are ideal for sweltering summer days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do or for those moments when you just need a quick and easy indulgence.

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How to make No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are small, creamy, bite-sized dessert treats made from a mixture of peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sometimes crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs. They are rolled into balls and usually coated in melted chocolate, crushed nuts, or cookie crumbs for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature: This forms the creamy base of your cheesecake balls. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Choose a high-quality peanut butter for the most robust flavor. Natural peanut butter can be used, but be aware it may make the mixture a bit oilier.
3/4 cup powdered sugar: This not only sweetens your cheesecake balls but helps thicken the mixture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors and adds depth.

For coating:

Graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies for a delightful crunch.
If you’re looking for a chocolate delight, you can use melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for dipping.
Depending on your taste preference, a pinch of sea salt or chopped peanuts will be used for the finishing touches.

Instructions

Creating these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls is a breeze. Follow these steps:

Tips for Success

Prevent Stickiness: If the mixture becomes too sticky when shaping, place it back in the fridge for a bit to firm up or dust your hands with powdered sugar.
Flavor Variations: For varied flavors, feel free to experiment by adding mini chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or a dash of cinnamon to the mixture.
Storage: These cheesecake balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for prep-ahead treats.

What to serve with

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are delicious on their own, but when paired with the right beverages or side treats, they can make your snacking experience even more indulgent.

Beverages

Coffee or Espresso: The rich bitterness of coffee or espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy peanut butter flavor, making for a sophisticated snack combo.
Cold Milk: A classic pairing, much like with peanut butter cookies—cold milk complements the sweetness and helps cleanse the palate between bites. You can opt for dairy or plant-based milk as per your preference.
Dessert Wine: If you’re serving these balls at a dinner party, consider pairing them with a sweet dessert wine such as a Port, which can withstand the intensity of the peanut butter.
Chocolate Stout or Porter: For beer enthusiasts, a chocolate stout or porter can complement the dessert’s richness and chocolate coating (if used).

Side Treats

Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit slices, such as strawberries, apples, or bananas, can bring a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich peanut butter and cheesecake flavors.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can be a nice touch, offering a smooth texture alongside the dense cheesecake balls.
Ice Cream: Pair the cheesecake balls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful and more comprehensive dessert experience.
Mousse or Pudding: Serve alongside a chocolate, vanilla, or banana pudding or mousse for a mix of silky textures and complementing flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

No-bake peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are a crowd-pleaser, but dietary restrictions or pantry shortages might require some ingredient substitutes. Such adjustments can not only cater to various dietary needs but also inspire creativity in dessert making.

1. Cream Cheese

For Vegans: Use vegan cream cheese, which is available in most health food stores. It is typically made from soy, almond, or cashew.
For Lactose Intolerant: Lactose-free cream cheese is a great alternative and behaves similarly to regular cream cheese in recipes.

2. Peanut Butter

For Nut Allergies: Sunflower seed butter is the closest in texture and flavor to peanut butter. Alternatively, soy nut butter or pumpkin seed butter can be used.
For a Different Flavor: Almond butter or cashew butter can substitute peanut butter for those who prefer the taste or simply want to try something new.

3. Powdered Sugar

For a Lower Glycemic Index: Coconut sugar, ground to a powder consistency in a food processor, can replace powdered sugar. Note that this will alter the color and has a distinct taste.
For Diabetics: Use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, both of which are keto-friendly and have a lower glycemic index than conventional sugar.

4. Vanilla Extract

Alcohol-Free: Use alcohol-free vanilla flavoring or vanilla bean paste as a direct substitute for vanilla extract.
Budget-Friendly Substitute: Maple syrup or honey can impart a similar sweetness and depth, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

5. Graham Crackers (for coating)

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour mixed with a bit of sugar and cinnamon as a coating.
For More Texture: Crushed nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts can give a crunchy exterior. For nut allergies, try toasted quinoa or sesame seeds.

6. Butter (if used in the recipe)

For Vegans or Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil (for a coconut flavor) or a vegan butter substitute that can mimic the richness of butter.
For Healthier Fats: Use avocado oil or light olive oil in parts of the recipe where butter is melted.

Final Thoughts

No-bake peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are a testament to the beauty of simple, no-fuss desserts. They bring together the best of two worlds—cheesecake and peanut butter—in a format that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe