These Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack you can enjoy anytime! They combine sweet strawberries with creamy cheese and a bit of protein to keep you energized.
Making them is a piece of cake—just mix, roll, and chill! I love grabbing a couple before my workouts, and they taste like dessert. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These are a fantastic ingredient that adds a burst of flavor without the extra moisture. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh strawberries, but be sure to chop them finely and adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
Rolled Oats: They give these protein balls a great chewy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Vanilla Protein Powder: I love whey protein for its creamy texture, but plant-based powders work well too. If you’re not using protein powder, you could swap in more oats or almond flour in a pinch, but it will change the flavor.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter option, you can try using low-fat cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative if you’re dairy-free.
Greek Yogurt: Use plain for less sugar or vanilla for added sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt is a great substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key to forming these protein balls. To help them stick together nicely, follow these tips:
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese well; it mixes in better. Microwaving it for a few seconds can help.
- If your mixture feels too crumbly, gradually add a small amount of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk until it holds together.
- When rolling, use damp hands to prevent sticking.
- Chill the balls for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps them set up better!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy snack that you can make in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by placing the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender. Pulse them until they become small pieces or a fine powder. If you’d like, set aside a small amount for rolling later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, protein powder, and the processed freeze-dried strawberries until well combined. This will be the base of your protein balls.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. This creamy mixture will help bind everything together.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Add the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything well until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture feels too dry, just add a little extra Greek yogurt or a splash of milk until it binds nicely.
5. Roll the Protein Balls:
Using your hands, scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape. You can make them as big or small as you prefer!
6. Add Extra Coating (Optional):
If you’d like, roll each ball in chopped nuts or the reserved freeze-dried strawberry pieces for an extra crunch and pretty finish.
7. Chill the Balls:
Place the protein balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can firm up a bit.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze them if you’d like to save them for later. Enjoy these tasty snacks anytime you need a boost!
Now, you have a delicious and healthy treat to keep you going through your busy day. Enjoy every bite! 😋
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just chop them finely and be aware that you may need to adjust the amount of the wet ingredients since fresh strawberries contain moisture. You might add a little more oats to compensate.
How Long Do These Protein Balls Last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these protein balls will last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these protein balls vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan cream cheese, and use maple syrup for sweetness. Opt for a plant-based protein powder as well.
How Can I Make Them Lower in Sugar?
If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can decrease the amount of honey or maple syrup or omit it entirely. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and cream cheese will still add flavor!