These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a fun and tasty snack! Packed with protein and real strawberry flavor, they’re perfect for a quick treat or post-workout boost.
Trust me, they taste like dessert with none of the guilt. I love grabbing one before heading out or enjoying them as a little sweet pick-me-up during the day! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give these protein balls texture. You can also use oat flour if you prefer a smoother consistency. Instant oats can work, but they might make the balls less chewy.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add intense strawberry flavor without moisture. If you can’t find them, you might substitute with fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to adjust the moisture and possibly add more oats.
Protein Powder: Vanilla or unflavored whey protein is best for flavor. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based protein powder. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might change slightly.
Powdered Cream Cheese: This gives a cheesecake flavor. If that’s hard to find, consider regular cream cheese, but you may need to adjust other liquid ingredients to keep the consistency right.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work great. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you might try agave syrup or stevia; just adjust to your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Protein Balls Are the Right Consistency?
The texture of your protein balls is crucial! When mixing dry and wet ingredients, you want them to be sticky enough to hold together but not too wet. Here’s how to adjust if needed:
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese at a time until it binds well.
- If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more rolled oats or almond flour to balance it out.
- After mixing, roll a small amount into a ball to check. It should hold together without crumbling or sticking excessively.
Don’t rush this step! Getting the mix right ensures your protein balls will be delicious and satisfying.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup powdered cream cheese or cream cheese powder
- 2 tablespoons almond flour or finely ground almonds
Sweeteners and Binders:
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or cream cheese (for binding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’ll be enjoying your tasty treats in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the rolled oats (or oat flour), crushed freeze-dried strawberries, protein powder, powdered cream cheese, shredded coconut, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well until it’s evenly mixed. This is the base of your delicious protein balls!
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until well blended. This will help with binding the dry ingredients later.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir everything together really well. You want the mixture to be sticky enough to hold together, like dough. If it’s too dry, add a little more yogurt or cream cheese, one teaspoon at a time, until it sticks properly.
4. Roll the Protein Balls:
Once your mixture is ready, take small portions (about one tablespoon) and roll them between your palms to create 1-inch balls. While doing this, enjoy how fun and easy it is to make these snacks!
5. Add Extra Texture (Optional):
If you like, you can roll each ball in some extra shredded coconut or additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries to give them a beautiful finish and extra texture. This step is totally optional, but it adds a lovely touch!
6. Chill the Protein Balls:
Place your rolled balls on a plate or baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them even more enjoyable to eat!
7. Store and Enjoy:
Once they’re chilled, store your protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will be good for up to a week, making them a perfect snack to grab at any time. Enjoy them as a sweet, nutritious treat whenever you need a boost!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to adjust for moisture. Chop them finely and reduce the amount of other wet ingredients (like yogurt or cream cheese) to keep the mixture from getting too wet. You might also want to add a bit more oats to help absorb the moisture.
Are These Protein Balls Vegan-Friendly?
They can be made vegan by using plant-based protein powder, maple syrup instead of honey, and substituting the Greek yogurt or cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Just ensure that all the ingredients you choose fit within your dietary preferences!
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients as listed and follow the same instructions. Just be sure you have a large enough mixing bowl to incorporate everything without it spilling over!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
