Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls
These no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a delightful snack, combining the flavors of strawberry cheesecake in a portable, chewy form. Packed with protein and real fruit, they make for a perfect post-workout treat or simple dessert.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g)
- 1/2 cup almond butter Can swap with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Maple syrup keeps it vegan if using dairy-free cream cheese
For the Fruit & Cheesecake
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped Use fresh only for best texture
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened Can use full-fat for richer flavor
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes Optional for added texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients in a large bowl. Chop strawberries into small, even pieces and set the softened cream cheese at room temperature.
Mixing
- Mix rolled oats and protein powder in the large bowl until evenly combined.
- Add almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry mix and stir until a thick dough forms.
- If the dough seems too dry, add a splash of water or milk until it binds.
Incorporating Ingredients
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries and softened cream cheese until well incorporated, being careful not to mash the strawberries.
Shaping and Chilling
- Roll mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm them up.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy folding. For a fun presentation, serve with Greek yogurt or additional strawberries on the side.