#20 Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Dip

Yay, I finally get to be creative with a recipe! I love getting to do themes for my foods - it's super fun! And, this one ended especially well because it was so yummy! 

For the Super Bowl this year, a whole lot of nobody I knew was excited to watch it (which is rare). It didn't matter who won or lost - most of my family and friends weren't too affected. To be honest, I'm never really affected by who wins or loses. That's why I get excited to host, bake and serve. 

Now, usually when I hear the words "cheese" and "chocolate" together, I cringe. BUT this is a completely different story! This chocolate peanut butter "cheese" ball (not real cheese, of course) is DELICIOUS. 

Sadly, this is not one of my healthy recipes. But, I can only be sad for about three seconds, approximately the amount of time it takes me to pick up a graham cracker and dish out this beautiful chocolate-y goodness. Then, all my sadness suddenly disappears.
 

This football "cheese" ball could easily be made into a regular-shaped ball, and served at any occasion! The chocolate is so rich, complemented by the cream cheese. And, my personal favorite part is the peanut butter chips! It's a pretty simple recipe - I had most of the ingredients in my house already, which is great.

The last thing I love about this recipe is how much people liked it. My dad actually had to sneak (tried to sneak) a few bites while I wasn't looking. When my friends were digging into this dessert, giving it debatably more attention than the game, my heart was happy. Make this immediately! You won't regret it!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Football Dip

Prep Time: 15minutes. Chill time: 2 hours. Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.

Serves: 10-12 

Ingredients:

15.25 oz. box chocolate cake mix (I used devil's food)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened (may use reduced fat)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter chips (may use more if preferred)
2 tablespoons vanilla frosting OR 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
your choice of sugar cookies, pretzels, fruit, graham crackers, etc. for dipping 

Directions:

1. With a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly and carefully add in cake mix, powdered sugar and brown sugar, beating on low speed. Mix until well blended.

2. Turn the mixture out onto the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, form dough into a football shape. Smooth surface as much as you can. 

3. Wrap and cover dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.


4. Once chilled, unwrap dough and place on serving tray. Coat visible surface of ball with peanut butter chips, gently pressing them into the dough to help them stick.

5. Using a piping bag or small Ziploc baggie with the corner cut out, pipe frosting onto the football to make laces.
Alternatively, use about 24 white chocolate chips to make laces.

6. Serve with wafer cookies, pretzels, graham crackers, fruit, etc. Cover and store leftovers in the fridge. Leftovers can be eaten chilled or (I prefer) left out about 30 minutes and eaten at room temperature.

Enjoy!


Click here to print recipe!

*Note: Nutrition facts may vary due to brand of products.

Recipe adapted from 

http://snapcreativity.com/super-bowl-party-appetizer/