Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls (No-Bake, 15 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free); ½ cup vanilla protein powder; 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup fresh strawberries, mashed; 2 tablespoons cashew butter or almond butter; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2-3 tablespoons white chocolate chips; Graham cracker crumbs for rolling; Extra freeze-dried strawberries, crushed; Lemon zest for extra tang

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Introduction

These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a no-bake, quick treat that combines creamy cheesecake flavor with the natural sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for a healthy snack or a post-workout boost, they come together in just 15 minutes.

A close-up view of a creamy pink mixture being stirred in a large white bowl with a slightly rough texture, resting on a light-colored fabric. The mixture looks thick and smooth, with the uneven swirls showing the soft texture. Two woman's hands are visible, one holding the bowl steady on the right, and the other using a metal spatula to mix on the left. The background is dark, adding contrast to the pale pink and white tones of the mixture and bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
½ cup vanilla protein powder
4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
¼ cup fresh strawberries, mashed (or freeze-dried strawberries)
2 tablespoons cashew butter or almond butter
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Optional: Graham cracker crumbs for rolling
Optional: Extra freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Optional: Lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and a pinch of salt to prevent clumping. If using fresh strawberries, mash them with a fork, leaving some small pieces intact.
Step 2: Add softened cream cheese, nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like, about one minute.
Step 3: Gently fold in the mashed strawberries. If using, add white chocolate chips now. The mixture may feel wet but will firm up later.
Step 4: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls with your palms. Use slightly damp hands or a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Optionally, roll the balls in graham cracker crumbs, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Step 5: Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and firm up the texture. Enjoy immediately or store as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with oat flour and use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor without extra moisture, making them great for rolling or folding in.
Adding lemon zest brightens the flavor and gives a tangy twist to the cheesecake taste.
Rolling the balls in graham cracker crumbs mimics the classic cheesecake crust experience.
Use honey or maple syrup depending on your preferred sweetness and dietary restrictions.

Storage

Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this period. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the fridge before eating. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature for a few minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate with six small, round pink desserts arranged in a close cluster. Each dessert has a smooth texture and is topped with small bits of green leaves and pink crushed pieces for decoration. Around the desserts, there are red strawberry halves with shiny seeds visible. A gold fork lies on the left edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a pale pink cloth draped on the right side and a small white bowl with pink powder in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these protein balls vegan?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

What type of protein powder works best for this recipe?

Vanilla-flavored protein powder works best to complement the strawberry cheesecake flavor. Plant-based or whey protein powders both work well, depending on your dietary preference.