The Ultimate Sweet Treat, Upgraded with Smoked Cream Cheese

Taking Dessert Outdoors
When you think about firing up your Traeger, chances are your mind goes straight to ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or a weeknight chicken dinner. But one of my favorite parts of grilling is pushing the boundaries of what you can make outdoors. In Colorado, where the weather changes by the hour, I keep my Traeger running all year long—snow, sleet, or sunshine. Cooking outside has become part of our family rhythm. My twins, Beatrice and Bodie, play in the yard while I tend the grill, and more often than not they’re the first to come running when dessert is involved.
This smoked peanut butter cup cheesecake dip is one of those recipes that surprises people. It takes a viral favorite and layers in flavor that can only come from the Traeger. By smoking the cream cheese with Spiceology Pumpkin Pie Spice before blending it with peanut butter, sugar, and chopped Reese’s cups, you create a dip that’s both nostalgic and totally new. It’s rich, fluffy, a little smoky, and perfect for scooping with graham crackers, Oreos, or even apple slices.

And let me tell you—if you’re headed to a football party this season, THIS is the dish you want to bring. Everyone expects savory dips like queso, guacamole, or buffalo chicken dip. But when you walk in with a sweet, smoky dessert dip, you’ll instantly be the MVP of the snack table.
Why Dessert Dips Belong at Football Parties
Football food is usually salty, spicy, and cheesy—and I’m all for that. But after a couple of hours of wings, sliders, and nachos, people start craving something sweet. Dessert dips are the perfect solution: they’re sharable, quick to eat between plays, and no one has to juggle forks and plates.
This Smoked Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dip on the Traeger delivers exactly that. It’s familiar enough that everyone will dive in, but unexpected enough to get people talking. Imagine a table packed with savory dishes, and then this sweet dip comes out—it’s a breath of fresh air. A sweet surprise that resets the palate and keeps the energy up for the second half.
So the next time you’re invited to a watch party, skip the chips and salsa. Bring this dip, and watch it disappear before halftime.
Inspiration for the Recipe for Smoked Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dip
I’ve seen this recipe popping up in different variations on the interwebs recently. But none were using smoked cream cheese, and that’s one of my signature moves. As I always like to make things my own, especially with the tools I know best—my Traeger grills– this got me excited. Smoked cream cheese has been making the rounds in the BBQ world, and I’ve done plenty of versions (from savory taco toppings to appetizers drizzled with hot honey). One day, I thought: why not make smoked cream cheese the foundation of a dessert? And let’s involve my kids to demonstrate how fun and easy it is to cook together.

That’s where this recipe came together. I scored and seasoned a block of cream cheese with Spiceology Pumpkin Pie Spice, then smoked it low and slow for about 90 minutes. The spice blend added warmth and sweetness, while the smoke layered in depth. Once it cooled slightly, I blended it with peanut butter, sugar, and Reese’s cups. The result was exactly what I’d hoped for—familiar but elevated.
What Is Smoked Cream Cheese?
Smoked cream cheese is exactly what it sounds like: a block of cream cheese placed in your smoker or pellet grill until it’s infused with smoky flavor. The cheese softens, takes on a golden color, and becomes a spreadable, flavorful base for countless recipes.
Temperature: 180°F for gentle smoking.
Time: 90 minutes, long enough to take on smoke without drying out.
Seasoning: Pumpkin Pie Spice here, but savory rubs for appetizers.
Texture: Creamy, smoky, and versatile.

This single ingredient is what sets your dip apart from anything store-bought.
Ingredients: Building Flavor
Smoked Cream Cheese: The star of the show.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm, seasonal touch.
Peanut Butter: Creamy works best.
Sugar: Brown sugar for depth.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness.
Mini Reese’s Cups: Texture, flavor, and nostalgia all in one bite.

The Mixing Process
Start with your smoked cream cheese while it’s still slightly soft. In a large bowl, beat it together with peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Finally, fold in chopped Reese’s. Don’t overmix—those chunks of candy are what make the dip irresistible.



Chopping the Candy
Mini Reese’s are best for this recipe because they chop quickly and mix well into the dip. Cutting them into quarters or smaller chunks ensures that you get little pops of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. Save a few extras to scatter on top as garnish—it makes the dip look even more inviting.

Serving the Smoked Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dip
When everything comes together, the smoked peanut butter cup cheesecake dip is ready to serve. I like to scoop the finished dip into a shallow dish, sprinkle more peanut butter cups on top, and set it out with a spread of dippers.
Dipper ideas:
- Oreos
- Graham crackers
- Lotus Biscoff cookies
- Pretzels
- Apple slices
At a football party, this spread is a touchdown. Imagine halftime: everyone’s plates are already full of sliders and wings, and then this tray appears. Sweet relief! A dessert that doesn’t require plates or forks, just grab-and-dip.
Why the Traeger Works for Dessert
The Traeger’s steady heat and Super Smoke feature make it perfect for desserts like this. It transforms a block of cream cheese into something magical with almost no effort. And the best part? You can smoke the cream cheese while prepping the rest of your football spread. By the time the pregame show is over, you’re ready to mix, serve, and enjoy.


Step-by-Step Recap
- Smoke cream cheese at 180°F for 90 minutes with pumpkin pie spice.
- Blend with peanut butter, sugars, and vanilla.
- Fold in chopped Reese’s.
- Garnish with extra candy.
- Serve with cookies, crackers, or fruit.
Alternate Recipes and Links
Smoked Crab Rangoon Dip
Traeger S’mores Dip
S’mores Monkey Bread
Peach and Blackberry Cobbler
Be the Party Hero with this Smoked Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dip
If you want to stand out at your next football party, this is the recipe to make. Everyone else will show up with savory dips and snacks, but you’ll be the one who brings the sweet, smoky surprise. It’s unexpected, indulgent, and guaranteed to make you the crowd favorite—almost as exciting as a fourth-quarter touchdown.
So fire up your Traeger, grab some Reese’s, and get ready to be the snack-table MVP.

Smoked Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dip on the Traeger
Equipment
- Traeger grill (Ironwood, Timberline, or similar)
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Sharp knife for scoring cream cheese
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls and spatula
Ingredients
- 1 block cream cheese 8 oz, scored and seasoned
- 2 tbsp Spiceology Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mini Reese’s peanut butter cups chopped
- Extra peanut butter cups for garnish
- Graham crackers Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or pretzels for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 180°F and set to Super Smoke.
- Place cream cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score the top with a knife in a crosshatch pattern and season generously with Spiceology Pumpkin Pie Spice.
- Smoke the cream cheese for about 90 minutes until golden and infused with smoke. Remove and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine smoked cream cheese, softened butter, and peanut butter. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until incorporated.
- Stir in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, reserving a handful for garnish.
- Transfer dip to a serving dish, garnish with extra peanut butter cups, and serve with graham crackers, Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or pretzels.


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