There’s something magical about the way sweet and salty flavors blend to create the ultimate treat—and this Reese’s Cheese Ball is living proof. Imagine your favorite peanut butter candy, reimagined into a creamy, dreamy cheese ball rolled in crushed chocolate and mini Reese’s Pieces. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a party showstopper, a nostalgic nod to childhood candy stashes, and an irresistible indulgence that begs to be shared. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, throwing a game night, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth on a cozy Friday evening, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Inspired by classic cheese balls with a decadent twist, this sweet version has become a must-have at our family gatherings. We first discovered it during a Halloween potluck, and ever since, it’s made regular appearances at Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, and even summer BBQs. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe turns heads—and spoons.
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Cheese Ball
This dessert cheese ball is not only ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also endlessly versatile and incredibly fun to eat. Here’s why readers can’t get enough of it:
- No baking required – Perfect for summer or busy days.
- Crowd-pleaser – Everyone from kids to adults devours it.
- Customizable – Add your favorite candies or toppings.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepares easily the day before.
- Perfect texture – Creamy inside with a crunchy, candy-coated exterior.
This recipe brings together comfort, creativity, and candy. It’s your favorite peanut butter dessert, turned up a notch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, here’s a full list of what you’ll need to make this sweet sensation:
Main Cheese Ball Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for that luscious creamy base)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy is best, but crunchy adds texture)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for smooth sweetness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adds rich, caramel-like depth)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances all the flavors)
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces (a pop of color and crunch)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (because more chocolate = better)
- 1/2 cup crushed peanut butter cups (optional but HIGHLY recommended)
For the Candy Coating:
- 1/4 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peanut butter cups
Tip: Use your food processor to get the perfect crushed peanut butter cup texture, or go old-school with a rolling pin and a zip-top bag!
How to Make the Reese’s Cheese Ball
This recipe is wonderfully simple and great for first-time dessert makers. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Blend the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer (or mix by hand with elbow grease) until completely smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Add the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups (if using). Stir until everything is evenly distributed for bites full of surprises.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Using clean hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cheese ball firm up and hold its shape.
Overnight chilling? Even better. It lets the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Roll It in Candy
In a shallow bowl, mix together the mini Reese’s Pieces, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanut butter cups for the outer coating. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it thoroughly in the mixture, pressing gently to make sure the toppings stick.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Place your beautifully coated cheese ball on a serving plate. Surround it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or apple slices for dipping—and watch it disappear in minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To elevate your Reese’s Cheese Ball presentation, try these fun and flavorful ideas:
- Make a Dessert Board: Add strawberries, banana slices, and mini cookies around the cheese ball for an epic dessert charcuterie board.
- Holiday Theming: Use festive-colored candies for Christmas (red and green M&Ms), Halloween (orange and black sprinkles), or Valentine’s Day (pink and red candy).
- Dip It Differently: Try pairing with cinnamon pita chips or even salty ruffled potato chips for a sweet-savory contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best parts of this dessert is how well it stores and travels.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheese ball mixture up to 3 days in advance, keeping it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving again.
- Freezing: Wrap the cheese ball tightly (without the candy coating), then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, roll in fresh toppings, and serve.
Note: The candy coating can get soft if stored too long. Always roll just before serving for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but natural peanut butter tends to separate and may create an oily or less cohesive texture. Stick with classic creamy varieties for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the cheese ball itself is gluten-free, but always check your dipping items and candy brands to confirm they’re certified gluten-free.
Can I make this nut-free?
Since this recipe relies heavily on peanut butter and peanut candy, creating a nut-free version would require significant substitution—like sunflower seed butter and nut-free chocolate candies.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve nailed the classic version, try these fun variations:
- Oreo Explosion: Replace peanut butter cups with crushed Oreos, swap peanut butter for cookie butter, and roll in mini Oreos and white chocolate chips.
- S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs inside, then coat with crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chunks.
- Spicy-Sweet Surprise: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the mix for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
This dessert is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal twist.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
While this is a treat and meant to be enjoyed guilt-free on special occasions, here’s a rough breakdown:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Servings: 8
Keep portions moderate and enjoy with your favorite dippers to stretch it even further.
Why This Dessert Works for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, surprising someone with a homemade birthday treat, or building a themed dessert table, this Reese’s Cheese Ball adapts beautifully. Its nostalgic ingredients resonate with candy lovers of all ages, while the presentation makes it feel a bit fancy—without any baking stress.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to serve. From spreading it onto a graham cracker to scooping a bite with a pretzel, this cheese ball creates moments of joy. And those are exactly the kinds of moments worth sharing.
Final Thoughts: Make It, Share It, Love It
This Reese’s Cheese Ball is the ultimate feel-good dessert—bold, sweet, easy to make, and totally unforgettable. It brings together everything we love about classic desserts and modern party snacks into one indulgent bite. If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to wow a crowd, this recipe is the answer.
So go ahead—grab those cream cheese blocks, open that peanut butter jar, and let your inner candy-lover shine.