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Looking for a sweet treat that’s both healthy and easy to make? Let’s whip up some Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls! With simple ingredients like oats, almond butter, and freeze-dried strawberries, you can enjoy a delicious snack that packs a protein punch. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a post-workout refuel, these bites are perfect for any time. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it easy to whip up a batch in no time.
- Healthy Snack Option: Packed with protein and fiber, these protein balls are a nutritious choice for a quick snack.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a delightful flavor that satisfies sweet cravings.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the ingredients or add extras like nuts or seeds to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Full List of Ingredients
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for coating)
I love these simple and tasty strawberry cheesecake protein balls. The ingredients are easy to find and fun to mix. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll use:
Rolled oats provide fiber and help keep you feeling full. They also give a nice base to our protein balls.
Vanilla protein powder adds a boost of protein. This makes the protein balls perfect for a snack or post-workout treat.
Almond butter gives a creamy texture and a nutty flavor. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
Honey or maple syrup is your sweet touch. Both work well and add a hint of flavor.
Freeze-dried strawberries bring that bright strawberry taste. They add a fun crunch and make every bite delicious.
Cream cheese adds a rich flavor, making these protein balls taste like cheesecake.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. It brings a warm and inviting taste.
Salt balances the flavors. Just a pinch can make everything taste better.
If you want to add a fun twist, try rolling the balls in unsweetened shredded coconut. This gives them a tropical feel and a little extra sweetness.
Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to create your strawberry cheesecake protein balls!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps Overview
Making Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls is fun and easy. You will need about 15 minutes to prep these tasty treats. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This includes rolled oats, protein powder, almond butter, honey, freeze-dried strawberries, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
First, take a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder. Use a whisk to mix them well. Make sure there are no lumps. This step is key for a smooth texture. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.
Mixing Wet Ingredients and Forming Dough
Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. In the same bowl, add 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula or your hands to mix these ingredients well. You want a thick dough that sticks together.
Next, gently fold in 1 cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This adds a burst of strawberry flavor. Mix until the strawberries are evenly spread. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats soak up moisture. Finally, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Optionally, coat them in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Place the protein balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them for at least 30 minutes. After they set, store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious snack!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Mixing
To make your protein balls, start with dry ingredients. Mix rolled oats and vanilla protein powder in a bowl. Whisk them well to avoid lumps. This step is key for a smooth texture. Next, add wet ingredients one by one. Use almond butter, honey, and cream cheese. Mixing with a spatula or your hands works best. Focus on blending until the mix is thick and holds together.
How to Achieve the Right Consistency
The right consistency is crucial. If your mix is too dry, add a splash of water or more almond butter. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more oats or protein powder. Letting the mixture rest for about 10 minutes helps too. This gives oats time to absorb moisture. After resting, the dough should be easy to shape. Roll it into balls about one inch wide for the best bite.
Presentation Tips for Serving
Presentation matters! Use a decorative plate to display your protein balls. For extra flair, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. You can also add unsweetened shredded coconut for texture. Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a pop of color. This makes your snack not just tasty but also beautiful!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For easier shaping, refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make the dough firmer and prevent it from sticking to your hands.
- Custom Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different protein powder flavors or nut butters to create your own unique version of these protein balls!
- Storage Tips: To maintain freshness, store the protein balls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers with additional parchment if stacking.
- Health Boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the mixture for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of these protein balls easily. Try using different fruits. Chocolate chips can add a sweet touch. Blueberries also work well for a fruity twist. You can mix in a few crushed nuts for added crunch. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out almond butter for other nut butters. Peanut butter or cashew butter both taste great. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a nice choice. You can also replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. These small changes can make a big difference in taste.
Dietary Adjustments
If you follow a vegan diet, use dairy-free cream cheese. You can also skip the cream cheese and add more nut butter instead. For gluten-free options, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. These adjustments keep your protein balls tasty and suitable for everyone.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your strawberry cheesecake protein balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. Layer parchment paper between the balls if you stack them. This prevents sticking and helps maintain their shape.
Shelf Life in Refrigerator
In the refrigerator, these protein balls last about one week. After that, their flavor and texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying them. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
You can freeze protein balls for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want a quick snack, just take one out and let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
FAQs
What are Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls?
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are tasty snacks packed with protein. They mix oats, protein powder, almond butter, and cream cheese with sweet strawberries. The result is a delicious treat that’s easy to make. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert. Each ball tastes like cheesecake, but it’s healthy!
How can I make them lower in calories?
To cut calories, you can swap a few ingredients. Use a low-calorie sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup. You can also use light cream cheese to reduce fat. Another option is to cut the almond butter in half and replace it with more oats. This makes the recipe lighter while keeping it tasty.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Chop them into small pieces. Keep in mind that fresh strawberries add moisture. To balance this, you might need to add a bit more oats. This way, the mixture stays firm. Fresh strawberries will give a juicy burst of flavor.
You learned to make tasty Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls today. We covered the best ingredients, from oats to cream cheese. You now know the steps to mix and form your dough. I shared tips for mixing, achieving the right texture, and serving. You can also explore flavor and ingredient variations. Lastly, we discussed proper storage methods to keep your treats fresh. Enjoy making these healthy bites and share them with others. Healthy snacks can be fun, easy, and tast
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls
Delicious and nutritious protein balls bursting with strawberry flavor, perfect for a quick snack.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 100 kcal
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup vanilla protein powder
- 0.5 cup almond butter
- 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for coating)
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder. Whisk together until the ingredients are fully combined and there are no lumps.
To the bowl, add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a spatula or your hands, mix thoroughly until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.
Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats absorb some moisture and firm up the mixture slightly, making it easier to shape.
With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. If desired, roll each ball in the unsweetened shredded coconut for a deliciously textured coating.
Arrange the protein balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and enhance their flavor.
After they have set, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. These tasty treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, making them perfect for on-the-go snacks!
For an eye-catching display, arrange your protein balls on a decorative plate and sprinkle a few crushed freeze-dried strawberries or additional shredded coconut on top.
Keyword healthy, protein balls, snack, strawberry
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