4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls With Cream Cheese Recipe

Heavenly 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls With Cream Cheese Recipe

A delightful twist on classic peanut butter balls combines creamy cheese with irresistible nutty goodness.

Sweet treats like these always spark joy in our kitchen.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor and super easy preparation.

Kids and adults alike go crazy for these bite-sized delights.

Quick mixing and zero baking make this recipe a total winner.

Simple pantry staples come together in mere minutes.

Rolling these delectable spheres becomes a fun little adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on these addictive little morsels!

Creamy Peanut Butter Balls That Are Simple and So Good

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: These peanut butter balls are a game-changer for busy home cooks.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these treats with just four ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making them perfect for novice bakers who want impressive results without complex techniques.
  • No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven and create a delectable dessert in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: The combination of creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and rich chocolate makes these balls a universal hit for kids and adults alike, suitable for parties, potlucks, or casual weekend snacking.

What Goes Into 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese

Main Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft and tangy base that helps bind ingredients together, best when at room temperature.
  • Peanut Butter: Rich and nutty spread that provides robust flavor, smooth variety works best for even mixing.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth, moldable texture, sifted for best results.
Coating and Decoration:
  • Chocolate: Adds rich outer layer and makes the treats look elegant, dark or milk chocolate recommended for best flavor.
  • Optional Powdered Sugar: Light dusting provides extra sweetness and visual appeal, use fine-grain for smooth coverage.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese Made Easy

Step 1: Blend Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter

Take a mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese with peanut butter.

Whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture with no lumps.

The creamy blend should look smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Incorporate Powdery Sweetness

Sprinkle powdered sugar into the cream cheese and peanut butter mixture.

Stir thoroughly until the ingredients merge into a dense, pliable dough that holds together perfectly when pressed.

Step 3: Craft Delectable Spheres

Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to create bite-sized spherical treats.

Arrange these round delights on a tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Step 4: Chill the Truffles

Slide the tray into the refrigerator and let the balls firm up for about 25 minutes.

This cooling period helps them maintain their shape during the chocolate coating process.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate Coating

Select your favorite chocolate and melt it gently using a double boiler or microwave.

Stir occasionally to ensure a glossy, smooth consistency without any burning.

Step 6: Chocolate Dipping Technique

Remove the chilled truffles from the refrigerator.

Carefully dunk each ball into the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and drain excess coating.

Gently tap to create a clean, even chocolate shell.

Step 7: Final Chilling

Return the chocolate-covered truffles to the parchment-lined tray.

Place back in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets completely, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 8: Optional Decorative Touches

For an elegant finish, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle contrasting melted chocolate over the truffles.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Present these luxurious truffles chilled or at room temperature.

Perfect for sharing or savoring as a personal indulgence.

Cream Cheese Ball Tips for Perfect PB Center

  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for a smoother, easier-to-mix base that blends perfectly with peanut butter.
  • Lightly coat hands with cooking spray or dust with powdered sugar when rolling balls to stop mixture from sticking and create uniform shapes.
  • Use a dipping fork or slotted spoon to fully submerge balls, allowing excess chocolate to drip off cleanly for a professional-looking finish.
  • Swap regular cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use dark chocolate to create gluten-free and vegan-friendly versions of this treat.
  • Store completed peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

Save Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese

  • Store peanut butter balls in an airtight container between wax paper layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for maximum freshness up to 7 days.
  • Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze successfully for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Remove desired number of balls from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain chocolate coating's integrity.
  • Always keep these treats refrigerated to maintain their creamy consistency and prevent chocolate from melting. Cream cheese makes them perishable, so consume within a week for best taste and quality.

What Goes with Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Balls

  • Pair with Creamy Cold Brew: Complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors with a smooth, chilled cold brew coffee that brings out the dessert's nutty sweetness.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Bourbon: Pour a small glass of smooth vanilla bourbon to enhance the creamy texture and provide a warm, sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet chocolate coating.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Raspberry Sorbet: Add a bright, tart raspberry sorbet to cut through the richness of the peanut butter balls and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Complement with Salted Caramel Milkshake: Create a decadent pairing with a thick salted caramel milkshake that amplifies the dessert's creamy texture and adds another layer of indulgent flavor.

Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese Swaps

  • Protein Power Boost: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt and add a scoop of protein powder for a high-protein snack perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Use gluten-free powdered sugar and dark chocolate to create a celiac-friendly version of the treat.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic diets.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream, use almond butter instead of peanut butter, and select dairy-free dark chocolate to create a plant-based version of the recipe.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free powdered sugar and chocolate, the recipe can be made completely gluten-free.

  • How long do these peanut butter balls stay fresh?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, maintaining their delicious taste and texture.

  • Can I freeze these peanut butter balls?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container between layers of parchment paper.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls With Cream Cheese Recipe

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls With Cream Cheese Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter balls combine creamy cheese and smooth chocolate for a quick dessert sensation. Rich flavors and simple preparation make these bite-sized treats perfect for sharing with friends who crave sweet, indulgent moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar

Coating:

  • 1 cup (200g) chocolate (milk, dark, or white), melted

Instructions

  1. Merge cream cheese and peanut butter in a medium bowl, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that eliminates any lumpy textures.
  2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the mixture, stirring methodically until the ingredients transform into a dense, pliable dough that holds its shape when pressed.
  3. Craft uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, positioning each delicately on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking.
  4. Transfer the tray to the refrigerator, allowing the spheres to solidify and chill for approximately 25 minutes, which enhances their structural integrity.
  5. Prepare the chocolate coating by gently melting it using either microwave intervals or a double boiler technique, stirring occasionally to ensure a glossy, smooth texture.
  6. Extract the chilled spheres and systematically immerse each one into the molten chocolate, utilizing a specialized dipping tool or fork to ensure complete coverage.
  7. Delicately remove excess chocolate by tapping the utensil, creating a sleek, even coating on each sphere.
  8. Return the chocolate-enrobed spheres to the parchment-lined tray, then refrigerate until the chocolate sets completely, typically 15-20 minutes.
  9. Optional: Embellish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or artistic chocolate drizzles for visual appeal.
  10. Serve the confections slightly chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting a decadent treat perfect for gatherings or personal indulgence.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that ensures perfect texture and easier blending.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for consistent results, avoiding natural separating varieties that might create uneven consistency in the mixture.
  • Chill balls before coating with chocolate to prevent crumbling and help chocolate adhere more effectively, creating cleaner, more professional-looking treats.
  • For gluten-free option, verify chocolate’s ingredients and use certified gluten-free powdered sugar to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising delicious flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 164
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 13mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star