Description
Delicious and nutritious Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls made with rolled oats, cream cheese, and freeze-dried strawberries. These no-bake, easy-to-make protein snacks are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat, combining creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors with added protein powder for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into a fine powder)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- Chia seeds
- Mini white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature and measure out all ingredients. Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin to ensure even distribution and flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, blend together the rolled oats, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, softened cream cheese, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should stick together when pressed but not be too sticky.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the mixture is too dry, add one teaspoon of water or milk at a time until the dough holds together. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more almond flour to reach the perfect consistency.
- Form Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it between your palms to create balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size is ideal for a quick, bite-sized snack.
- Chill and Set: Place the rolled protein balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to allow them to set and firm up.
- Store Properly: Once set, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture, or reduced-fat to cut calories.
- Freeze-dried strawberries should be crushed finely for an even mixture without sticky chunks.
- Optional chia seeds add extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Mini white chocolate chips bring a touch of sweetness and texture but add extra calories.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- These protein balls are best stored in the fridge but can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake protein balls, no-bake protein snacks, healthy energy bites, protein balls recipe, freeze-dried strawberries, cream cheese snacks, easy protein balls
