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No party snack matches the rich creamy crunch of this peanut butter and candy treat. It mixes sweet, tangy cream cheese, peanut butter candy, and chocolate for a bite you can’t resist. It’s always the first to vanish at get-togethers.
The first time I made this was for a buddy’s birthday, and honestly, it was gone long before we opened gifts. That’s how I knew it was a winner—it just disappears.
Addictive Ingredients
- For serving: totally up to you—try apple slices, graham crackers, strawberries, vanilla wafers, pretzels. Crunchy fruits and sturdy cookies work best for dipping.
- Peanut butter cups: quarter cup, chopped fine for rolling on the outside. Use fresh cups and chop just before rolling to keep the flavor big.
- Additional mini chocolate chips: quarter cup for the outside, brings a chocolate crunch with every bite.
- Additional Reese’s Pieces: quarter cup for the outer coat, makes it colorful and festive.
- Peanut butter cups: half cup rough chopped, if you really want a bigger peanut butter chocolate punch. Chop these right before mixing in.
- Mini chocolate chips: half cup, tossed right into the filling for extra chocolate in every mouthful. Go for semi sweet so it’s not too sugary.
- Mini Reese’s Pieces: one cup for that signature candy crunch and burst of peanut butter. Pick the brightest ones.
- Vanilla extract: just a teaspoon will make the whole thing smell amazing. Use real vanilla if you can.
- Brown sugar: quarter cup gives it a mellow caramel kick—make sure it’s soft and fresh.
- Powdered sugar: half cup for that just-right sweetness and creamy texture. Sifting makes it nice and smooth.
- Creamy peanut butter: half cup so peanut flavor comes through strong. Use your fave brand, just stir it up first for smooth mixing.
- Cream cheese: eight ounces, let it warm up so it’s easy to mix into a dreamy base. Go full-fat for the best creaminess.
Simple How-To Guide
- Start Plating and Enjoy:
- Put your finished ball on a tray, let it rest about fifteen minutes so it’s easy to scoop and spread, then pile up your dippers and let everyone dig in. If there’s any left, cover it back up and stash in the fridge for a few more days.
- Roll On That Tasty Candy:
- When it’s cold and set, unwrap your ball and roll it gently in the mix of candies and chips. Press everything on so it sticks everywhere and looks fun all over.
- Get the Candy Coating Ready:
- While your ball chills in the fridge, put the extra Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and finely chopped peanut butter cups in a plate or shallow bowl. Chopping the candies makes them stick better.
- Chill Until It’s Firm:
- Wrap your ball tightly in plastic and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or leave it overnight if you want. This lets it firm up and hold its shape.
- Shape That Ball:
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap out, plop the mix in the middle, and use the wrap to help you mold it into a ball. Don’t stress if it’s soft or lumpy right now—the chilling will fix it up.
- Mix In the Candy Bits:
- Fold in the Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and the chopped peanut butter cups. Try not to stir too much—you want whole pieces in every scoop.
- Sugar and Fluff Time:
- Mix in both sugars and splash of vanilla. Go slow at first so you don’t get sugar clouds in the air, then speed up until it goes creamy and lighter.
- Blend the Creamy Base:
- Kick things off by whipping softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together in a big bowl. Use your hand or a mixer and beat for a couple minutes until it’s silky smooth and lump-free.
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I’m obsessed with the extra flavor from all those peanut butter cups. Last Christmas, my niece was the candy-sticker; now she insists we make this for every family bash. It’s become our holiday thing.
Best Ways To Stash Your Cheese Ball
Keep your ball fresh by tightly wrapping it in new plastic wrap before putting it in the fridge. This keeps it soft and blocks it from picking up weird fridge smells. For longer storage, save the toppings off to the side and roll it right before serving for max crunch and color.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Want less peanut butter? Try mini M&Ms instead of Reese’s. Swap in almond butter for a twist, or go with dark chocolate chunks instead of mini chips for a deeper taste. Cut some sweetness by using less sugar plus a tiny pinch of salt.
How To Serve It Up
Lay out apple slices, graham crackers, pretzels, or strawberries around your ball. Our family loves using chocolate-dipped pretzels for a double-chocolate crunch. Make a big circle of treats so it’s easy for everyone to reach. Serve with a butter knife so it spreads super easy.
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A Sweet Party Memory
Fun, candy-packed cheese balls like this were huge at old-school gatherings and church events. My family started making this one after seeing it in a retro magazine ages ago. Now, it shows up at every family birthday.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long before serving can I prep the peanut butter ball?
Wrap it tight and stash in the fridge for as long as 3 days. Let it sit out about 20 minutes before you want to dig in for the best texture.
- → What are some tasty pairings for dipping?
Try dipping with strawberries, apple slices, vanilla wafers, pretzel rods, or graham crackers. They all taste great with it.
- → Can I change the candies on the outside?
Totally! Go for any colorful candies, swap in some nuts, or pick special colors for holidays. Lots of small candies will stick and look cool.
- → Do I really need to chill it before rolling in candy?
Yep, chilling makes it way less sticky and much easier to shape and coat. The candies will hold better, too.
- → Could I swap in crunchy peanut butter?
Creamy is best for a smooth ball, but if you love crunch, you can use the chunky kind for extra texture.