This Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Dessert Ball is a creamy, sweet, no-bake treat made with peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a colorful candy coating. It is perfect for parties, holidays, game nights, or anytime you want an easy dessert that looks fun and tastes rich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert ball is simple to prepare and does not require baking. The creamy peanut butter filling is smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese, while the Reese’s Pieces coating adds crunch and color. It can be made ahead of time, served chilled, and paired with graham crackers for an easy shareable dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the peanut butter ball:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
For the coating and serving:
¾ cup Reese’s Pieces candies
2 sleeves graham crackers, broken into individual rectangles
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 1½ to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once. The mixture should become smooth and creamy with no visible cream cheese lumps.
Add the sifted powdered sugar. Beat again for 1 to 1½ minutes, until fully combined. The mixture should look thick, smooth, and spreadable, similar to a firm frosting.
Lay two large sheets of plastic wrap on a work surface in a crisscross shape. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the center. Gather the plastic wrap around the mixture and twist the top to seal it closed.
Using your hands, gently shape the wrapped mixture into a round ball. Place it on a plate or small baking sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape.
Remove the chilled dessert ball from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and place it on a serving plate. Press Reese’s Pieces candies all over the outside until the surface is covered. Serve chilled with graham crackers for dipping and spreading.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10 to 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
For extra chocolate flavor, mix ¼ cup mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling before shaping. You can also roll the dessert ball in crushed graham crackers, chopped peanuts, mini candy pieces, or a mix of candies and chocolate chips.
For a sweeter dessert, drizzle the finished ball with melted chocolate before serving. For a firmer texture, chill it for 3 hours instead of 2.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the graham crackers separate so they stay crisp.
This dessert does not need reheating. Serve it chilled straight from the refrigerator. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ball ahead of time?
Yes. You can make it one day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to decorate and serve.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. Creamy peanut butter gives the best classic dessert ball texture.
Do I have to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting is recommended because it prevents lumps and helps the filling stay smooth.
Can I freeze this dessert ball?
Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I serve with it besides graham crackers?
You can serve it with vanilla wafers, pretzels, apple slices, or plain cookies.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It is better to use regular creamy peanut butter because natural peanut butter can separate and make the mixture oily.
How do I keep the ball round?
Chill it while wrapped tightly, then reshape gently with your hands before unwrapping if needed.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes. Use 1 cup powdered sugar instead of 1¼ cups for a slightly less sweet filling.
Why is my mixture too soft?
It may need more chilling time, or the cream cheese may have been too warm. Refrigerate longer until firm.
Can I make smaller dessert balls?
Yes. Divide the mixture into mini balls and coat each one with candies for individual servings.
Conclusion
This Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Dessert Ball is an easy, creamy, colorful dessert that is ideal for sharing. With simple ingredients, no baking, and a fun candy coating, it is a sweet make-ahead treat that works beautifully for gatherings, celebrations, or a quick party dessert.
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Dessert Ball is a creamy, no-bake treat made with peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, rolled in colorful Reese’s Pieces for a fun, crunchy, party-ready dessert.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3/4 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
Graham crackers, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined and thick.
Shape mixture into a ball using plastic wrap and seal tightly.
Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
Unwrap and roll the chilled ball in Reese’s Pieces until fully coated.
Serve chilled with graham crackers.
Notes
Chilling is essential for the dessert ball to hold its shape.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.
For easier coating, slightly press candies into the surface.
You can add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving for easier dipping.
