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It is hard to beat the creamy sweet crunch of this Reese’s Cheese Ball Peanut Butter Bliss Dessert at any party The balance of tangy cream cheese peanut butter candies and chocolate makes each bite irresistible and it always disappears fast at gatherings
I first whipped this up for a friend’s birthday and it was gone before the presents came out That moment sold me: this is a true crowd pleaser
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: eight ounces softened for a smooth rich base Choose a full fat quality brand for best texture
- Creamy peanut butter: half cup intensifies the peanut flavor Natural or traditional both work if fully stirred for smoothness
- Powdered sugar: half cup gives sweetness and the perfect creamy consistency Sift for lump free blending
- Brown sugar: quarter cup adds a hint of caramel flavor Go with fresh soft brown sugar for best results
- Vanilla extract: one teaspoon brings everything together Use pure vanilla for a deeper aroma
- Mini Reese’s Pieces: one cup inside for candy crunch and peanut butter pop Look for bright ones without cracks
- Mini chocolate chips: half cup throughout for chocolatey bites Choose semi sweet for balance
- Peanut butter cups: half cup roughly chopped optional for even more peanut butter chocolate flavor Go for fresh cups and chop just before adding
- Additional Reese’s Pieces: quarter cup for coating for colorful festive outside
- Additional mini chocolate chips: quarter cup for coating for chocolate crunch
- Peanut butter cups: quarter cup finely chopped for coating for extra decadence
- For serving: optional graham crackers pretzels vanilla wafers apple slices strawberries Choose sturdy crackers and crisp fruits for best dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Creamy Base:
- Start by combining the softened cream cheese and peanut butter in a large bowl Using an electric mixer beat on medium speed for about two minutes The mixture should be completely smooth without lumps for the best creamy texture
- Sweeten and Fluff:
- Add the powdered sugar brown sugar and vanilla extract Start mixing on low speed to avoid tossing the sugars in the air then switch to medium speed Mix until the sugars dissolve and the mixture turns light and fluffy This step helps the cheese ball hold together
- Fold in the Candy Surprises:
- Add the mini Reese’s Pieces mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups Gently fold these in with a spatula The secret is to mix just enough to distribute the candies without breaking them up so every scoop has full pieces
- Shape into a Ball:
- Set a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface Scoop the mixture onto the wrap Using the wrap to protect your hands gather and shape the mixture into a ball At this stage the dough will be soft so do not aim for a perfect sphere yet
- Chill to Firm Up:
- Wrap the ball completely in plastic wrap so it is well covered Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour and up to a full day Chilling firms up the cheese ball so it can easily be rolled and served
- Prepare the Candy Coating:
- While chilling combine the coating ingredients mini Reese’s Pieces mini chocolate chips and finely chopped peanut butter cups in a shallow dish Chop candies finely so they stick well
- Coat the Cheese Ball:
- Once the ball is firm remove the wrap and roll the cheese ball in the candy coating Press the candies gently into the surface so they stay secure Continue rolling until every side is covered for a festive look
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Place on a serving plate Let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes at room temperature before serving so it softens and is easier to spread Surround with your chosen dippers like graham crackers or fruit If you need to store it again rewrap and keep in the fridge for up to three days
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I adore the punch of flavor that the chopped peanut butter cups bring to the mix My niece helped press candies into the ball last Christmas and now she insists on making it for every holiday It is a memory in the making every single time
Best Ways To Store Your Cheese Ball
Always wrap tightly in fresh plastic wrap before storing in the fridge This keeps it moist and prevents other fridge flavors from sneaking in For longer storage keep extra candy coating separate and roll just before serving to keep everything crisp and colorful
Smart Ingredient Swaps
Try swapping mini M and Ms for Reese’s pieces if you want less peanut butter Use almond butter for a fun twist or dark chocolate chunks in place of chips for a more grown up flavor If you want to cut sweetness choose a third less sugar and add a pinch of salt
How To Serve It With Style
Pile graham crackers pretzels sliced apples or strawberries around the cheese ball Family loves using chocolate covered pretzels for extra crunch Arrange dippers in a big circle so everyone can reach and serve with a small knife and spreaders for easy scooping
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A Little Sweet Party History
Cheese ball desserts like this one are pure Americana They appeared at church potlucks and holidays in the mid twentieth century and now get modern upgrades with favorite candies Our family first found this version in a vintage magazine Today it is at every birthday celebration
Recipe FAQs
- → How far in advance can the peanut butter ball be made?
Prepare it up to 3 days ahead. Keep wrapped and refrigerated until about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- → What can I use for dipping?
Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, and fresh apple or strawberry slices all pair deliciously for dipping.
- → Can I customize the candy coating?
Yes, switch up candies or use holiday colors for festive occasions. Chopped nuts or other small candies may work, too.
- → Is it necessary to chill before coating?
Chilling helps firm the mixture and makes it easier to shape and roll in candy so the coating sticks well.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Creamy peanut butter is recommended for smoothness, but crunchy can be used for more texture if preferred.