Keto Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls – A Creamy, No-Bake Treat
These Keto Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are the kind of treat you’ll want to keep in your fridge at all times. They’re rich, creamy, and taste like a cross between peanut butter fudge and classic cheesecake. Best of all, they’re quick to make and don’t require turning on the oven.
If you’re craving something sweet that still fits your low-carb lifestyle, this is a keeper. Make a batch for the week, or roll them in chocolate and serve as an easy dessert for guests.
Ingredients
Method
- Soften the base: Let the cream cheese and butter sit out until soft. This makes mixing smooth and lump-free.
- Beat until creamy: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add peanut butter: Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined and silky.
- Sweeten and flavor: Add powdered sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat again. Taste and adjust the sweetener if needed.
- Check consistency: If the mixture feels too soft to roll, mix in almond flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape. It should be thick and scoopable.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and chill for 20–30 minutes. This helps the fats firm up for easier rolling.
- Roll into balls: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optional chocolate coating: Melt sugar-free dark chocolate with coconut oil in short microwave bursts (or over a double boiler). Dip each ball with a fork, let excess drip, and set back on parchment.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peanuts, coconut, or flaky salt over the top.
- Set and store: Chill for 20–30 minutes until firm. Transfer to an airtight container.
Overeating is a pattern. This helps you fix that problem. A quick reset for cravings, snacking, and “I’ll start tomorrow” moments.
Built for busy home cooks who want real-life structure. Simple steps that fit meal prep, family dinners, and late-night snack attacks.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- No-bake and fast: The mix comes together in minutes and chills quickly, so you can have dessert without fuss.
- Keto-friendly: Low in carbs and made with sugar-free sweetener, these won’t spike your blood sugar.
- Perfect texture: Silky from cream cheese, with a bit of firmness from the chill and the peanut butter.
- Customizable: Add a chocolate shell, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to make them your own.
- Great for meal prep: They store well and are easy to portion for snacks or after-dinner bites.
What You’ll Need
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (226 g), softened to room temperature.
- Natural peanut butter: 1/2 cup (smooth, unsweetened, no added sugar or oils).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened (helps with richness and structure).
- Powdered keto sweetener: 1/3 to 1/2 cup, to taste (erythritol, allulose, or a blend; powdered dissolves best).
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Fine sea salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
- Almond flour: 2–3 tablespoons (optional, for firmer balls if your peanut butter is runny).
- Dark chocolate (sugar-free): 4 ounces, for coating (optional).
- Coconut oil: 1 teaspoon, to thin chocolate for dipping (optional).
- Toppings (optional): Crushed peanuts, unsweetened shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or flaky salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soften the base: Let the cream cheese and butter sit out until soft. This makes mixing smooth and lump-free.
- Beat until creamy: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add peanut butter: Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined and silky.
- Sweeten and flavor: Add powdered sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Beat again. Taste and adjust the sweetener if needed.
- Check consistency: If the mixture feels too soft to roll, mix in almond flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape. It should be thick and scoopable.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and chill for 20–30 minutes.
This helps the fats firm up for easier rolling.
- Roll into balls: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optional chocolate coating: Melt sugar-free dark chocolate with coconut oil in short microwave bursts (or over a double boiler). Dip each ball with a fork, let excess drip, and set back on parchment.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peanuts, coconut, or flaky salt over the top.
- Set and store: Chill for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Keeping It Fresh
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Keep layers separated with parchment if coated in chocolate.
- Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then move to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before eating.
- Avoid warmth: These soften quickly at room temperature, especially if your peanut butter is on the runny side. Keep them chilled until serving.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Low-carb and satisfying: High fat and moderate protein help curb cravings without the sugar crash.
- Portable snack: Easy to pack for work or post-gym when you want something sweet but keto-friendly.
- Simple ingredients: No complicated baking steps or specialty equipment needed.
- Custom sweetness: You control how sweet they are, and which sweetener works best for your body.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Peanut butter and cheesecake is a classic combo, even for non-keto friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using peanut butter with added sugar: Read labels. Added sugars and fillers can raise carbs and change texture.
- Skipping the chill: If you try to roll them while the mixture is warm, they’ll stick and lose shape.
- Overheating chocolate: Melt slowly.
Burnt chocolate seizes and becomes grainy. Short bursts and stirring are key.
- Using granular sweetener: Granular types can be gritty. Choose powdered or run it through a blender first.
- Under-seasoning: A pinch of salt makes the flavors pop.
Don’t skip it.
Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate swirl: Mix 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder into half the batter and swirl it in before chilling.
- Peanut crunch: Fold in 2–3 tablespoons of crushed roasted peanuts for texture.
- Almond twist: Swap peanut butter for almond butter and add a few drops of almond extract.
- Mocha cheesecake balls: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the batter and dip in dark chocolate.
- Coconut cream: Roll finished balls in unsweetened shredded coconut for a Raffaello-style vibe (keto-friendly).
- Salted caramel feel: Drizzle with a keto caramel sauce and a few flakes of sea salt.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a bit of bite. If it makes the mix too stiff, add a teaspoon of heavy cream to loosen it.
What’s the best keto sweetener for this?
Powdered allulose gives the smoothest texture and no cooling aftertaste.
Erythritol or a monk fruit blend also works, but can be slightly grainy unless powdered.
Do I have to add almond flour?
No. It’s optional and only needed if the mixture is too soft to roll. Start without it and add 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter.
The texture may be a bit softer, so plan to chill longer and consider adding a spoonful of coconut flour to help set.
How many carbs are in each ball?
It depends on your ingredients and size, but a 1-inch ball typically has about 1–2 net carbs when made with sugar-free sweetener and unsweetened peanut butter. Always calculate with your specific brands.
Why are my balls too soft?
The mixture may be warm or your peanut butter too runny. Chill longer, add 1–2 tablespoons almond flour, or try a thicker peanut butter brand.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely.
They’re delicious plain. If you want a simple finish, dust with cocoa powder or roll in crushed peanuts.
Final Thoughts
Keto Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are the kind of recipe that make low-carb living feel easy. They’re simple, versatile, and taste like a special treat without a lot of effort.
Keep a batch in the fridge for quick snacks, or dress them up with chocolate when you’re entertaining. Either way, they deliver that creamy, peanut buttery goodness you’ll come back to again and again.
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