Description
These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious no-bake snack combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet, fruity flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients like oats, almond flour, and vanilla protein powder, they offer a perfect on-the-go treat that tastes like a bite of cheesecake without the guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into a fine powder
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- Optional: chia seeds or mini white chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 4 oz softened cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oats & Strawberries: In a food processor, pulse about 3/4 cup of the rolled oats until a fine flour forms. Combine this oat flour with the remaining 1/4 cup whole rolled oats and the crushed freeze-dried strawberries in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla protein powder and almond flour, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free, achieving a luscious cheesecake-like consistency.
- Combine & Form Dough: Pour the wet cheesecake mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a thick, cohesive, and slightly sticky dough forms. Ensure all dry ingredients are moistened. If using, fold in the optional chia seeds or mini white chocolate chips at this stage until evenly distributed.
- Roll into Balls: Scoop portions of the dough (approximately 1.5 tablespoons each) and gently roll them between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Place the formed balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. This crucial chilling time allows the balls to firm up, prevents crumbling, and allows the flavors to fully meld, enhancing the ‘cheesecake’ mouthfeel.
- Store for Enjoyment: Transfer the chilled protein balls to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days for a quick grab-and-go snack. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen balls for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying, or eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer treat.
Notes
- Using softened cream cheese at room temperature makes mixing easier and smoother.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
- The protein balls can be customized by adding chia seeds or mini white chocolate chips for texture and extra nutrition.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
- Freeze for longer shelf-life and enjoy a firmer texture when eaten straight from the freezer.
- 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 protein balls, freeze-dried strawberry snacks, creamy protein bites, easy protein ball recipe
