Reese’s Cheese Ball

Reese's Cheese Ball

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and nutty—meet the showstopper: Reese’s Cheese Ball. This eye-catching creation blends cream cheese, peanut butter, and crushed Reese’s treats into one dreamy dessert ball that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re looking to impress without breaking a sweat.

Each bite delivers layers of sweet-and-salty magic, from the rich creaminess of the base to the chunks of chocolate and peanut butter candy nestled inside and out. Whether served with pretzels, graham crackers, or just a spoon (no judgment here), this sweet cheese ball is pure indulgence.


Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter for Reese’s Cheese Ball?

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter gives this dessert a smooth texture, using crunchy peanut butter can add even more dimension and bite. It really depends on your preference. You could even do a mix of both for the best of both worlds. If you’re layering on the crunch with chopped peanuts or candy anyway, going full creamy inside keeps it balanced.


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Ingredients for the Reese’s Cheese Ball

Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation of the cheese ball, it blends beautifully with the peanut butter to form a smooth and spreadable texture.

Peanut Butter: Choose creamy for smoothness or crunchy for extra texture—this brings the iconic Reese’s flavor front and center.

Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without grittiness, making the mixture pleasantly dessert-like.

Vanilla Extract: Just a touch to bring out all the rich flavors.

Mini Chocolate Chips: These dot the mixture with little bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout.

Chopped Reese’s Cups: The star of the show! Folded in and used as a topping, they add intense peanut butter cup flavor and a chewy texture.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Rolled around the outside for a toasty, sweet finish that contrasts the creamy interior.

Chocolate Drizzle (optional): For those who want that extra dessert drama, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.


How To Make the Reese’s Cheese Ball

Step 1: Soften and Blend the Base

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Good Stuff

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups. This is where the texture and flavor really come alive, with chocolatey, nutty bites in every spoonful.

Step 3: Chill Into Shape

Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a rough ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. The chilling helps it set into the perfect cheeseball shape.

Step 4: Coat and Finish

Once chilled and firm, unwrap and roll the cheese ball in graham cracker crumbs until evenly coated. Press a few extra chopped Reese’s and mini chocolate chips onto the outside for that extra wow factor.

Step 5: Drizzle (Optional) and Serve

If you’re adding a chocolate drizzle, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, apple slices, or cookies.


How to Serve and Store the Reese’s Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is a true crowd-pleaser and works beautifully on any dessert board. Place it in the center of a platter surrounded by dippers like vanilla wafers, broken waffle cones, chocolate graham crackers, or even salty pretzel rods for a perfect sweet-and-salty combo.

To store, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If making it ahead, wait to roll it in the graham cracker coating until just before serving so it stays crisp.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can change once thawed.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead helps the flavors meld even more. Just be sure to add the outer coating and drizzle right before serving.

What are the best dippers for a sweet cheese ball?

Go for graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, or even apple slices. If you want to go all out, try using chunks of peanut butter cookies or chocolate chip cookies!

Can I use other candy besides Reese’s?

Definitely! While Reese’s are the star, you can sub in chopped Snickers, Butterfingers, or even mini M&M’s for a different twist.

Is this cheese ball gluten-free?

The filling can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers and checking your candy labels. Just be mindful of what you roll and serve it with.

Can I freeze this dessert cheese ball?

It’s not ideal. Freezing can cause the cream cheese to change texture. It’s best enjoyed freshly made and stored in the fridge.

How can I make it less sweet?

Cut back slightly on the powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors more. The Reese’s and chocolate chips already bring plenty of sweetness.


Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Reese’s Cheese Ball, here are a few more creative dessert recipes worth checking out:

For even more ideas, check out my Pinterest board where I post daily: Life with Nina on Pinterest


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you roll it in something different? Try a candy swap? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.


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Reese's Cheese Ball

Reese’s Cheese Ball

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Craving something sweet, creamy, and packed with peanut butter and chocolate? This Reese’s Cheese Ball is your go-to quick dessert idea. With a rich cream cheese and peanut butter base, folded in with mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups, it’s the perfect no-bake treat for holidays, parties, or anytime indulgence. Serve with cookies, fruit, or pretzels for a sweet-and-salty snack that never disappoints. Ideal for easy dessert recipes, quick party food, or creative snack boards!


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 cup chopped Reese’s Cups

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for coating)

1/4 cup melted chocolate (optional drizzle)


Instructions

1. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened.

2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Cups gently.

4. Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

5. Unwrap and roll the cheese ball in graham cracker crumbs for coating.

6. Press extra chopped Reese’s and mini chips onto the outside, if desired.

7. Drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving (optional).

8. Serve with pretzels, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fruit.


Notes

For a firmer texture, refrigerate overnight before serving.

Wait to coat with graham cracker crumbs until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Feel free to substitute with chopped Snickers or Butterfingers for a flavor twist.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22
  • Sodium: 190
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 25

Keywords: Reese’s dessert, peanut butter cheese ball, no-bake treat, easy dessert, party snack

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