Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Delight Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Makes: 24 bites

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Base:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• OR 12 oz chocolate melting wafers

For the Crust (Optional):

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• Sea salt flakes
• Drizzle of melted peanut butter

Instructions

Method 1: No-Bake Truffle Style

Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until well combined and smooth.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm enough to handle.

Shape the Bites:

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop mixture into 1-inch balls.
6. Roll between palms to make smooth balls.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.

Coat with Chocolate:

8. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
9. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen ball into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
10. Return to parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Immediately sprinkle with desired toppings while chocolate is wet.
12. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set chocolate.

Method 2: Layered Bar Style

Make the Crust:

1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened.
3. Press firmly into bottom of prepared pan.

Add the Filling:

4. Make peanut butter filling as directed above.
5. Spread evenly over crust layer.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Add Chocolate Layer:

7. Melt chocolate as directed above.
8. Pour over peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
9. Add toppings while chocolate is wet.
10. Refrigerate for 1 hour until set.
11. Cut into 24 squares.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter:

• Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling
• Use dark chocolate for coating

Crunchy Delight:

• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth
• Add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts to the filling

White Chocolate Version:

• Use white chocolate chips for coating
• Add 1/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers to filling

Banana Peanut Butter:

• Add 1/4 cup mashed banana to filling
• Use banana chips for garnish

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing
• Proper Chilling: Don’t skip the freezing step – it makes dipping much easier
• Chocolate Temperature: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping to prevent melting the filling
• Clean Dipping: Use a fork and tap gently to remove excess chocolate

Storage Instructions

• Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture
• Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking

Make-Ahead Tips

• Filling can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated
• Shaped balls can be frozen for up to 1 month before coating
• Finished bites keep well for parties and gatherings

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for parties and potlucks
• Great for holiday cookie platters
• Lovely with coffee or milk
• Individual treats for lunch boxes

Nutritional Notes

• Very rich – one bite is satisfying
• High in protein from peanut butter
• Can be made smaller for portion control
• Naturally gluten-free if using GF graham crackers

Troubleshooting

Filling too soft? Add more powdered sugar or chill longer Chocolate too thick? Add a little more coconut oil Coating cracking? Chocolate may have been too hot when applied Bites falling apart? Ensure filling is well-chilled before dipping

Gift Ideas

• Package in decorative boxes for holidays
• Individual paper cups make elegant presentation
• Include in homemade candy assortments
• Perfect for teacher gifts and hostess presents

These Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Delight Bites are incredibly rich and satisfying – the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and indulgent in every bite!