No-Bake Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Introduction
No-Bake Cheesecake Balls are a quick and delicious dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins and coatings for endless variety.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins: crushed graham crackers or Oreos, mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts
- Coatings and decorations: melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white), sprinkles or edible glitter, crushed nuts or cookies
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 2: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 3: Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as crushed cookies or chocolate chips.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Step 5: Scoop out small portions using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll them into balls.
- Step 6: Melt your choice of chocolate and dip each ball to coat, or alternatively, roll in crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Step 7: Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add peanut butter to the mixture and coat with crushed peanuts for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
- Use red and green sprinkles to make festive holiday-themed cheesecake balls.
- Mix in a splash of Baileys or Amaretto for a boozy adult version.
- Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate for a vegan option.
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.
- Try honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
Storage
Store leftover cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To serve after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, they freeze well when stored in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
How far in advance can I make them?
They can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
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No-Bake Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheesecake balls 1x
Description
No-Bake Cheesecake Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that requires no baking. Made with creamy softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, these bite-sized treats can be customized with various mix-ins like crushed cookies or chocolate chips, then coated in melted chocolate or rolled in nuts and sprinkles. Perfect for any occasion, they chill to firm up and offer endless creative variations to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins:
- Crushed graham crackers or Oreos
- Mini chocolate chips
- Finely chopped nuts
Coatings and Decorations:
- Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
- Crushed nuts or cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing continuously until fully combined and no lumps remain. Fold in your choice of optional mix-ins like crushed cookies or mini chocolate chips carefully to evenly distribute.
- Chill and Shape: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle. After chilling, scoop out small portions using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, then roll each portion between your palms to form uniform balls.
- Coat and Decorate: Melt your chosen type of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate to coat completely, or alternatively roll them in crushed nuts, cookies, or sprinkles for decoration. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the coating and allow the balls to firm up.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest mixture and easier mixing.
- Chilling the mixture before shaping is essential for easy rolling and cleaner shapes.
- You can customize these cheesecake balls with mix-ins and coatings to suit any flavor preference or holiday theme.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For vegan versions, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use vegan chocolate.
- If powdered sugar is not available, make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Cheesecake Balls, Easy Cheesecake Recipe, Bite-Sized Desserts, No-Bake Desserts, Cheesecake Bites, Party Desserts
