This no-bake Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Ball is a cool and creamy treat and a sweet switch from the usual cheese ball appetizer. Easily made with 5 simple ingredients, this recipe tastes similar to peanut butter cheesecake but served as a delicious dessert dip that you can spread or scoop onto your favorite cookies or fruit slices.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8-ounce package of cream cheese softened
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cup powdered sugar sifted
- ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces candies
- 2 sleeves graham crackers broken into individual pieces
You can also use vanilla wafers, hard pretzels, mini Hershey’s bars, apple slices, broken pieces of sugar cones (my favorite), or broken pieces of sugar cone bowls.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Using either a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract for 1 ½ – 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Add the sifted powdered sugar and continue mixing for another 1 – 1 ½ minutes.
Step 3: Measure out 2 pieces of plastic wrap in a crisscross pattern. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the center of the plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Tightly wrap the peanut butter ball in the plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Step 4: Just before serving, unwrap the peanut butter ball and place it in the center of a serving plate. Lightly press the Reese’s pieces onto the surface of the peanut butter ball. Arrange the graham cracker pieces around the decorated peanut butter ball.
TIPS:
- Use softened cream cheese to make it easier to mix and to prevent lumps.
- Don’t use natural peanut butter in this recipe because it has a tendency to separate easily from the oil.
- For extra texture and chocolate, you can add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture before chilling in the refrigerator.
- You can make the peanut butter ball a day ahead.
