
Sweet peanut butter bliss meets a playful cheese ball in this no bake dessert that combines all your favorite Reese’s flavors in one shareable party treat My friends and I have brought this to bake sales family gatherings and even a few game days and it is always scraped clean before the night ends
I first whipped this up when I wanted something easy but festive for a movie night My nephew now calls it his “birthday wish” every year
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: use the brick style for structure and smoothness let it come to room temperature for easier mixing
- Creamy peanut butter: choose classic over natural to avoid separation unless you plan to stir thoroughly
- Powdered sugar: blends smoothly for sweetness without graininess sift before adding for extra finesse
- Brown sugar: adds caramel warmth and depth
- Vanilla extract: deepens all the flavors stick with real extract if possible
- Mini Reese’s Pieces: colorful crunch and true Reese’s flavor check the candy aisle for minis
- Mini chocolate chips: deliver extra chocolate hits use semi sweet or milk chocolate to your taste
- Peanut butter cups: rough chop for bigger texture bursts minis work great
- For candy coating: extra Reese’s Pieces chips and chopped cups add a wow finish
- Graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, apple slices and strawberries: are perfect for dipping but feel free to get creative
Step by Step Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Ball Base:
- In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese and peanut butter Beat together with an electric mixer on medium until completely smooth about two minutes Make sure there are no cream cheese lumps left This sets the stage for a luscious texture
- Sweeten and Fluff:
- Add powdered sugar brown sugar and vanilla Beat on low first to keep sugar dust at bay then turn up to medium Work the mixture until light and fluffy about one to two minutes Scrape down the bowl for even mixing
- Fold in the Goodies:
- Add in mini Reese’s Pieces chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups Use a rubber spatula to gently fold them in until evenly distributed Take care not to crush the candies too much you want them whole for pockets of flavor
- Shape and Wrap:
- Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap Scoop the cheese ball mixture onto the wrap Using the wrap to keep your hands clean shape it into a ball It will be very soft now so do not worry about making it perfect yet
- Chill to Set:
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to twenty four hours Chilling is crucial because it firms up the cheese ball for easier coating
- Prepare the Candy Coating:
- While chilling combine mini Reese’s Pieces mini chocolate chips and finely chopped peanut butter cups in a shallow bowl Make sure pieces are small enough to stick well
- Coat the Cheese Ball:
- Once firm unwrap the cheese ball and immediately roll it in the candy mixture Press gently to ensure all sides are covered and everything sticks
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the coated ball to a serving plate Let it sit at room temperature for fifteen to twenty minutes so it spreads easily Serve with crackers cookies or fruit slices If you are prepping ahead rewrap and refrigerate up to three days

Peanut butter cups are my personal favorite for this recipe The way they melt into the tangy cream cheese reminds me of late night snack raids with my cousins This cheese ball has turned ordinary weekends into a group celebration
Storage Tips
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator It stays fresh and spreadable for up to three days For freezing avoid the candy coating and wrap the base well in two layers of plastic then finish the candy layer after thawing for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap almond or sunflower butter for peanut butter if allergies are a concern For a less sweet version try dark chocolate chips or cut the powdered sugar by a third You can even use full sized Reese’s cups cut small in place of minis or swap in any favorite chocolate peanut candy
Serving Suggestions
Pile graham crackers vanilla wafers pretzels or sliced apples and strawberries around the cheese ball for a festive look Chocolate dipped pretzels add a little extra flair This is a perfect centerpiece for birthday parties or potlucks

Cultural and Party Context
The dessert cheese ball is a nostalgic American potluck staple reimagined for sweet tooth fans With its nod to classic cheeseballs and the familiar flavor of peanut butter and chocolate it always brings smiles and childhood memories to the table
Recipe FAQs
- → Can the cheese ball be made ahead?
Yes, it can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Let it soften before serving for best texture.
- → What are the best dippers for this dessert?
Graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, apple slices, and strawberries all pair deliciously with the sweet, creamy ball.
- → How do I achieve a smooth, creamy texture?
Ensure cream cheese is softened and well-whipped with peanut butter, and fully incorporate sugars before folding in candies.
- → Can I customize the candy coating?
Absolutely! Use holiday-colored candies or swap in other chocolate candies to match the occasion or your taste.
- → Is it possible to make this nut-free?
For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with a seed butter and choose nut-free candies, adjusting for taste.