Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls (No-Bake, 15 Minutes) Recipe
These no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls combine almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and fresh strawberries for a healthy, delicious snack that tastes like cheesecake. Softened cream cheese and nut butter give a creamy texture while honey and vanilla add natural sweetness. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for on-the-go energy bursts or a sweet treat without guilt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
The Cheesecake Base:
- 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
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2–3 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- Graham cracker crumbs for rolling
- Extra freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- Lemon zest for extra tang
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Stuff: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together well to prevent clumping when adding wet ingredients.
- Mash the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, mash them lightly with a fork, leaving some small chunks for texture and flavor.
- Add the Creamy Components: Add softened cream cheese, nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Mix vigorously until the cream cheese breaks down and forms a thick, cookie-dough-like consistency.
- Fold in Strawberries and Optional Add-Ins: Gently fold the mashed strawberries into the mixture. If using white chocolate chips, add them now and mix lightly.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll between your palms into balls. Use damp hands or a little cooking spray to help if the mixture sticks. For a finishing touch, roll balls in crushed graham crackers, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or shredded coconut.
- Chill: Place the balls in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to firm up and allow the flavors to meld. They are good immediately but best after chilling.
Notes
- Use oat flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free version.
- For more intense strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh.
- If cream cheese is not softened, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Store balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Dry hands or cooking spray can help with rolling if the mixture is sticky.
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake protein balls, no-bake protein snack, healthy snack, almond flour, vanilla protein, no-cook dessert, keto-friendly, protein bites
