Cheese cake pops can be a delightful treat to enjoy with your friends or family! Adding a layer of rich chocolate and peanut butter makes them even more irresistible. Here’s how you can make these decadent dessert bites in just 6 easy steps.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually mix in the sugar and peanut butter.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
#### Step 2: Chill the Mixture
- Cover the mixture and chill it for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it makes the dough easier to handle when shaping into popsicle sticks.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Pops
1. Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the cheesecake mixture (about tablespoon-sized).
2. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
3. Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each ball to secure it.
#### Step 4: Freeze the Pops
- Place the pops on a baking sheet lined with wax paper in the freezer for about an hour or until firm enough to coat.
#### Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
1. Melt the chocolate chips either by using a microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between) or over a double boiler.
2. Remove the pops from the freezer and dip them into the melted chocolate one at a time. Hold each pop vertically to ensure even coating.
3. Place them back on the wax paper-lined baking sheet.
#### Step 6: Chill Again
- Let the chocolate set completely in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes or until fully hardened before serving.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a bit of peanut butter to your melted chocolate.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like caramel or white chocolate for variety.
- Serve these treats as an elegant dessert at parties or gatherings!
#### Conclusion
Making Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pops is a fun and rewarding experience. With these detailed steps, you can create these delicious pops that are sure to impress your guests! Enjoy your sweet creations and share the joy of baking with loved ones.
*Note: Ensure all ingredients and tools are clean to maintain food safety.*