Reese’s Cheese Ball – A Sweet & Creamy Party Showstopper 🍫🥜
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fun, delicious, and guaranteed to wow your guests, the Reese’s Cheese Ball is it. This no-bake treat blends creamy peanut butter, rich cream cheese, and sweet sugars into a decadent spreadable ball of joy – all rolled in a colorful coat of mini Reese’s Pieces. Perfect for birthdays 🎉, holiday parties 🎄, game day 🏈, or any occasion where sweet tooths roam free.
We’ll show you exactly how to make it, with professional chef tips from Ina Garten, Ree Drummond, and Bobby Flay, along with nutrition facts, health considerations, and answers to the most common dessert cheese ball questions.
Why This Recipe Works
- ✅ No baking required – ready in under 20 minutes (plus chill time)
- ✅ Perfectly creamy texture with a sweet, peanut buttery punch
- ✅ Visually stunning thanks to the Reese’s Pieces coating
- ✅ Versatile – serve with cookies, pretzels, or fruit
Ingredients – What You’ll Need & Why
🥛 Cream Cheese – 8 oz (softened)
Forms the creamy, tangy base. Softened cream cheese blends easily for a smooth texture.
🥜 Peanut Butter – ½ Cup
Rich, nutty flavor and smooth consistency. Creamy peanut butter works best, but crunchy adds extra texture.
🍬 Powdered Sugar – ½ Cup
Sweetens without grittiness and helps create a soft, spreadable mixture.
🍯 Brown Sugar – ¼ Cup
Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
🌿 Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
Balances the sweetness with a subtle aromatic note.
🍫 Mini Reese’s Pieces – 1 Cup
For that colorful, candy-coated crunch and an unmistakable Reese’s peanut butter flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2 – Sweeten & Flavor
Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated.
Step 3 – Shape the Cheese Ball
Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, form into a ball, and wrap tightly. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 4 – Coat with Reese’s Pieces
Once firm, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in a shallow dish of mini Reese’s Pieces until completely coated.
Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy
Place on a serving platter surrounded by graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or apple slices 🍏.
Chef Tips from the Experts
- Ina Garten: “For a more elegant presentation, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cheese ball.”
- Ree Drummond: “Add a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance the sweetness.”
- Bobby Flay: “Chill longer for a firmer texture – especially if serving outdoors in warm weather.”
Health & Safety Considerations
- Use pasteurized cream cheese to ensure food safety.
- Keep the cheese ball chilled until just before serving to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For nut allergies, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 1 oz | 100 | 2 | 10 | 1 |
| Peanut Butter | 2 tbsp | 190 | 8 | 16 | 7 |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 tbsp | 30 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp | 52 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Mini Reese’s Pieces | 2 tbsp | 80 | 1 | 3 | 14 |
| Total (per serving, approx. 2 tbsp of cheese ball) | 1 | 200 | 4 | 15 | 14 |
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Reese’s Cheese Ball with Holiday Cookie Platters 🍪, Hot Cocoa Bars ☕, or No-Bake Dessert Trays for a complete sweet spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, up to 3 days in advance. Just keep refrigerated and coat with candy right before serving.
- Can I freeze the cheese ball? Yes, without the candy coating. Thaw in the fridge before rolling in Reese’s Pieces.
- What’s the best peanut butter to use? Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter works best for texture.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
- Can I use other candies? Absolutely – M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or chocolate chips work too.
- How do I make it more chocolatey? Mix in mini chocolate chips before shaping.
- Can I add a crunchy texture? Stir in chopped peanuts or pretzel bits.
- What if I don’t have brown sugar? Use more powdered sugar or add honey for sweetness.
- Is this gluten-free? Yes, if served with gluten-free dippers.
- How long can it sit out? No more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
The Reese’s Cheese Ball is the ultimate no-bake dessert centerpiece – creamy, peanut buttery, and bursting with candy-coated crunch. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and sure to be the highlight of your dessert table 🍫🥜🎉.
