Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls

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Sure! Here’s a full, expanded recipe for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls (With Cream Cheese) — including history, benefits, nutrition, and more — in a format that’s fun, informative, and irresistible to peanut butter lovers.

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls (With Cream Cheese) – Unbelievably Good!

Introduction

Looking for a no-bake treat that’s incredibly easy yet totally crave-worthy? These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls with Cream Cheese are a delightful mix of creamy, sweet, and nutty — perfect for holidays, after-school snacks, or a midnight indulgence. They’re rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple, making them a beloved treat across generations.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    (Use full-fat for the creamiest texture)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
    (Natural or commercial both work, but smoother is better)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    (Adjust to taste for sweetness)

Optional add-ins:

  • Crushed graham crackers for coating
  • Melted chocolate for dipping
  • Chopped peanuts for texture
  • A splash of vanilla or pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese
    Let cream cheese sit at room temperature until soft. This makes mixing easier and helps with smoothness.
  2. Mix the Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese
    In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Powdered Sugar
    Slowly mix in powdered sugar until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and scoopable.
  4. Chill the Mixture
    Refrigerate the mixture for 30–60 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.
  5. Form the Balls
    Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Optional Finish
    • Roll in crushed graham crackers or cocoa powder.
    • Dip in melted chocolate and let set.
    • Sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts.
  7. Refrigerate or Freeze
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Method & Texture

These no-bake bites come together by emulsifying the fat in the cream cheese and peanut butter with the fine sugar powder, creating a rich and cohesive dough. When chilled, it firms up enough to be hand-rolled but stays luxuriously soft on the inside. It’s a delightful balance between fudgy and creamy — like cheesecake met peanut butter fudge!

History of Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter balls date back to American mid-century kitchen culture, where simplicity ruled and ingredients were few. Popularized by church cookbooks and family reunions, they evolved over time — from powdered milk fillers to more gourmet versions like Buckeyes (chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls). The cream cheese version likely emerged from 1980s dessert trends, mixing cheesecake-like richness into old-fashioned recipes.

Benefits

  • High in Protein (thanks to peanut butter)
  • Quick Energy Boost (natural fats and sugars)
  • No-Bake (great for summer or quick prep)
  • Kid-Friendly (fun to make and eat)
  • Customizable (add chocolate, nuts, or coconut)

Nutritional Info (Per Ball, Approximate for 20 Balls)

Note: These values will vary based on add-ins and size.

Peanut Butter Lovers Unite

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this recipe is your soulmate. These peanut butter balls bring together the richness of cheesecake and the nostalgic flavor of classic peanut butter treats. Whether you’re sneaking one from the fridge late at night or gifting them in festive tins, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.

Lovers of this recipe include:

  • Cheesecake fans
  • Peanut butter addicts
  • Holiday bakers
  • Busy parents
  • College students
  • No-bake dessert fans

Conclusion

Three ingredients. One bowl. Infinite delight. These Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Balls are an easy, no-fuss dessert that delivers big flavor and serious satisfaction. Perfect for any time of year and any level of baking experience. You’ll love making them — but not as much as you’ll love eating them.

So grab that peanut butter jar, some cream cheese, and let’s roll. Literally.

Want a chocolate-covered version? A protein-packed twist? Or something holiday-themed? Let me know, and I can give you variations!

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