The Best Basic Dessert Cheese Ball

a wooden handled spreader cutting into a nut covered dessert cheeseball

5 from 1 vote

The Best Basic Dessert Cheese Ball

The best basic dessert cheese ball is a winner anytime you need to whip something up to entertain with or you are asked to bring a sweet to a party or potluck. Endlessly customizable and so delicious, you'll love mastering and enjoying these easy spread.

Prep Time20

Chill Time2

Total Time2 20

Course: Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 259kcal

Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened
1 stick salted butter softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 packed tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup pecans finely chopped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To a medium mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, butter, and extract. Using a hand mixer, whip them together until everything's smooth & creamy.
Add both of the sugars to the bowl, and mix again until evenly combined.
Using a spatula fold in the chocolate chips, then use the spatula to pull the mixture together into a ball shape.
Transfer the cream cheese 'ball' to a sheet of cling wrap. Wrap it up tightly, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator, and keeping the ball wrapped- gently press it into a uniform ball shape.
Add the crushed pecans to a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball, and roll it in the crushed nuts. Press nuts in, as needed, to cover any bare spots.
Transfer the dessert cheese ball to a serving plate, and serve with your favorite dipping options.

Notes

Be sure to let the cream cheese and butter soften on your counter prior to using them. It will be much easier to mix them together.
Make sure to keep the cheese ball wrapped while shaping it to keep it sanitary and to prevent a mess.
You can chop the pecans by adding them to a thick ziplocking bag and beating with the flat side of a meat mallet, OR you can add them to a food processor fitted with blade attachment and give them a couple pulses. You want them chopped, NOT pulverized.

Nutrition