Peanut Butter Ball

Cupcakes? No, need a break. Whoopie pies? Naw. Rice Krispie treats? Not quite, too regular. Hmmm, what to make? This year when Paul and I were invited to a Super Bowl party I was pondering what dessert to make. I love making my cupcakes, but this group has probably had enough of those for a while and I wanted to try something a little bit new. I took to my "Foodie" pinboard on Pinterest and found something that looked easy enough to try, and I had yet to see it pop up at other events. I decided to make a peanut butter ball, much like a cheese ball but more delicious. I would suggest, if you are going to make this as a treat do not go the reduced fat route (Although, as you will notice I did get reduced fat Nilla Wafers). Just go big or go home. Also, do not use all natural peanut butter.

WARNING: The wonderful dessert you are about to create is very peanut buttery, if you do not like peanut butter maybe this is not for you! Also, if you do not like peanut butter we may have a problem.

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (this is what the original recipe called for, I went closer to a cup)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup chocolate chip (either semisweet or milk chocolate, although I imagine you could also use dark chocolate and it would be just as delicious)
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or whatever your imagination comes up with for dipping. I think I will try Oreos next. :)

First beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well mixed. Then scoop the mixture into a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather all four edges together, twist tightly and make a ball. It does not need to be perfect or pretty as you will later be covering it in peanut butter and chocolate chips. Place in the freezer for an hour and a half.

Mix together your peanut butter and chocolate chips. Lay them out in a large dish, or even the dish you plan to later serve on. Unwrap your peanut butter ball from the plastic wrap and place it on top of the chocolate chips. Roll the ball in the chips. For me it was easier to just take handfuls of the chips and press them into the ball. You do not want any bald spots. Once you are done with this, place the ball back into the freezer and freeze for two hours. If you have freezer room you can put the peanut butter ball back in the freezer on the serving dish or you can just move your peanut butter ball to a smaller dish for this part. You can also freeze over night, but if you do let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before you serve.

Serve with whatever vehicle you have chosen for getting the peanut butter goodness from the plate to your mouth. This is an excellent, no bake alternative to a delicious dessert.

Baker's rating: Easy