Reeses Cheese Ball Recipe

Irresistible Reeses Cheese Ball Recipe for Sweet Gatherings

A creamy Reese’s cheese ball brings decadent dessert magic to any gathering.

Sweet and salty flavors dance perfectly together in this crowd-pleasing treat.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will absolutely adore this simple yet impressive appetizer.

Blending cream cheese with chopped candies creates an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

Guests always ask for the recipe after tasting this delightful snack.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dessert a total winner for parties or casual get-togethers.

You’ll be the star of any potluck with this delectable creation.

Reeses Cheese Ball Highlights

  • Craft Sweet Indulgence: Transform a classic cheese ball into a decadent dessert-like treat that satisfies serious candy cravings with a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Customize Party Showstopper: Impress guests at gatherings with a unique dessert that doubles as an interactive appetizer, allowing everyone to dip and enjoy a playful twist on traditional cheese balls.
  • Quick No-Bake Wonder: Create a crowd-pleasing dessert without turning on the oven, mixing ingredients in minutes and chilling to achieve a delightful, crowd-friendly treat that requires minimal culinary skills.
  • Personalize Candy Lover's Dream: Combine beloved Reese's Pieces and peanut butter cups into a creamy cheese ball that celebrates chocolate and peanut butter lovers' ultimate flavor combination.

Ingredients for Reeses Cheese Ball

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The smooth and creamy foundation of the cheese ball that provides a rich texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a classic nutty flavor and helps bind the cheese ball together.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the mixture.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cheese ball.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Candy Mix-Ins:
  • Reese's Pieces, Mini Chocolate Chips, Crushed Peanut Butter Cups: These sweet and chocolatey candies add crunch, texture, and bursts of flavor throughout the cheese ball.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Reese's Pieces, Mini Chocolate Chips, Crushed Peanut Butter Cups: Create a delicious and colorful exterior that provides extra crunch and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Graham Crackers, Pretzels, Fruit: Perfect dipping options that complement the sweet and creamy cheese ball.

How to Make Reeses Cheese Ball

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Fold in Delightful Candy Pieces

Gently incorporate the candy pieces into the creamy mixture:
  • Mini Reese's Pieces
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed peanut butter cups

Stir until the candies are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Use your hands to form the mixture into a perfect round ball. Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set and firm up.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Coating

In a separate bowl, prepare the coating by combining:
  • Remaining Reese's Pieces
  • Additional mini chocolate chips
  • More crushed peanut butter cups

Step 5: Roll and Dress

Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator. Carefully roll the ball in the prepared candy coating, ensuring every inch is generously covered with the sweet crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present your Reeses Cheese Ball with a variety of dipping options like graham crackers, pretzels, or sliced fruit. Watch as friends and family dive into this decadent treat!

Tips for Reeses Cheese Ball

  • Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to help it set firmly and make coating easier, preventing crumbling during the rolling process.
  • Adjust sugar quantities to taste, ensuring the cream cheese and peanut butter blend smoothly without becoming overly sweet.
  • Chop peanut butter cups and Reese's Pieces into small, consistent pieces for an even coating and better texture throughout the cheese ball.
  • Pair with various dippers like graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices to complement the rich, sweet flavor profile of the cheese ball.
  • Prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep easier.

Variations for Reeses Cheese Ball

  • Nutty Chocolate Alternative: Replace Reese's Pieces with chopped almonds and dark chocolate chips for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Dream: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based peanut butter, and vegan chocolate chips with coconut sugar as a healthier substitution.
  • Low-Sugar Fitness Version: Swap powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and incorporate protein powder for added nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Party Starter: Use gluten-free graham crackers for serving, ensure all chocolate and candy components are certified gluten-free, and replace traditional ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.

Pairing Ideas for Reeses Cheese Ball

Elevate Your Reeses Cheese Ball Experience

Pair with cold milk or chocolate stout for a rich, complementary flavor that enhances the dessert’s sweet and nutty profile.

Serve with crunchy graham crackers, salted pretzels, or crisp apple slices to balance the creamy cheese ball’s decadent texture.

Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle caramel sauce alongside the cheese ball to create a luxurious dessert platter that tantalizes taste buds.

Storage Guidelines for Reeses Cheese Ball

  • Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
  • Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy consistency.
  • If the cheese ball feels too firm, gently knead it with a spatula to restore its smooth texture before presenting to guests.

FAQs

  • Can I make this Reeses Cheese Ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 2-3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and roll in the candy coating just before serving.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the sweet and creamy texture with candy pieces. It’s a fun dessert that’s perfect for parties and gatherings where children are present.

  • What if I can't find mini Reese's Pieces?

You can substitute with regular Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The key is maintaining the peanut butter and chocolate flavor profile.

Print
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Reeses Cheese Ball Recipe

Reeses Cheese Ball Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Reese’s cheese ball brings peanut butter and chocolate magic to dessert tables. Creamy cream cheese blends with chopped peanut butter cups, creating a rich dip you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peanut butter cups (optional)

Coating:

  • 1/4 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanut butter cups

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, whipping until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Fold in a portion of mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crumbled peanut butter cups, distributing the candy pieces thoroughly throughout the mixture.
  3. Manually form the blended ingredients into a compact, spherical shape using gentle pressure and clean hands.
  4. Encase the cheese ball completely in plastic wrap, sealing tightly to prevent air exposure.
  5. Refrigerate for approximately 60 minutes at 40°F to allow the mixture to solidify and develop enhanced flavor integration.
  6. Create a complementary coating by combining the remaining Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups in a separate shallow dish.
  7. Extract the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and methodically roll its surface through the prepared candy mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Transfer the decorated cheese ball to a serving platter, accompanied by crisp graham crackers, crunchy pretzels, or seasonal fresh fruit for dipping and enjoying.

Notes

  • Chill thoroughly before coating to ensure the cheese ball maintains its shape and the candy coating sticks perfectly.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing of ingredients.
  • Toast the Reese’s Pieces and chocolate chips briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the coating.
  • Swap out ingredients for dietary needs: use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, or replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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