This Reese’s Cheese Ball is a dreamy dessert that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweet crunch of mini chocolate chips and Reese’s candies. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any time I’m craving a sweet and salty indulgence. Shaped like a cheese ball but entirely dessert, it’s served with cookies, pretzels, or fruit for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and fun this dessert is to make. It requires simple ingredients and comes together quickly without needing an oven. The creamy, peanut buttery center is packed with bits of chopped Reese’s, making every bite a delightful surprise. It’s a showstopper on the dessert table and always gets people asking for the recipe. Plus, it’s easy to customize depending on my favorite candies or mix-ins.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cream cheese, softened
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Peanut butter (I use creamy for smooth texture)
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Powdered sugar
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Brown sugar
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Mini chocolate chips
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Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
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Reese’s Pieces (optional, for coating)
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Graham crackers, pretzels, cookies, or fruit for dipping
Directions
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I start by beating together the cream cheese and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Then I mix in the powdered sugar and brown sugar until everything is well combined.
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I fold in the chopped Reese’s and some mini chocolate chips to add extra chocolatey goodness.
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I transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, shaping it into a ball as best as I can, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to let it firm up.
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Once it’s set, I roll the cheese ball in a mix of mini chocolate chips and more chopped Reese’s to coat the outside.
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I place it on a serving plate and serve it with a variety of dippers like graham crackers, pretzels, and apple slices.
Servings and timing
This dessert serves about 10–12 people, making it great for parties and gatherings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1–2 hours of chilling time.
Variations
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I sometimes add chopped nuts like peanuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
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For a holiday twist, I roll the cheese ball in seasonal M&M’s or colored sprinkles.
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If I want a sweeter version, I add mini marshmallows or a drizzle of caramel into the mix.
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I can also make mini cheese balls for individual servings—perfect for parties.
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For a touch of saltiness, I like to roll the ball in crushed pretzels before serving.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since it's made with cream cheese, I keep it chilled until ready to serve again. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change once thawed. There’s no reheating needed—just bring it to room temperature for a bit before serving to soften slightly.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make a Reese’s cheese ball?
I usually make it up to 2 days in advance. It holds its shape well in the fridge and actually tastes even better after the flavors have melded.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, I’ve used crunchy peanut butter when I wanted a bit more texture. It works great and adds a subtle nutty crunch.
What are the best dippers for this dessert cheese ball?
I like serving it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or sliced apples. Anything that can scoop without breaking works well.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
If I need a nut-free version, I substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the Reese’s candies. I replace them with nut-free chocolate chips or candies.
Why is my cheese ball too soft?
It’s likely that the cream cheese or peanut butter was too warm, or it didn’t chill long enough. I pop it back in the fridge for an hour or two to help it firm up.
Conclusion
This Reese’s Cheese Ball is one of my go-to treats when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and full of peanut butter-chocolate bliss. Whether I’m hosting a holiday party or just want something indulgent, this dessert hits the sweet spot every time.
Reese’s Cheese Ball: Peanut Butter Bliss Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reese’s Cheese Ball is a no-bake dessert that combines creamy peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and chunks of Reese’s candies, rolled in mini chocolate chips for a sweet and salty treat perfect for parties or holidays.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for coating)
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (plus more for coating)
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional, for coating)
- Graham crackers, pretzels, cookies, or fruit for dipping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and brown sugar; mix until well combined.
- Fold in chopped Reese’s and mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Once chilled and firm, roll the cheese ball in a mixture of mini chocolate chips and additional chopped Reese’s to coat.
- Place on a serving plate and serve with graham crackers, pretzels, cookies, or fruit for dipping.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Chilling is essential to help it hold its shape.
- Customize with nuts, M&M's, sprinkles, or mini marshmallows.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Do not freeze; texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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