Cheesecake Protein Balls

Creamy, no-bake Cheesecake Protein Balls that taste like dessert but work like a high-protein snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12 balls

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese or vegan cream cheese substitute softened
1 cup vanilla protein powder whey or plant-based
1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
1/4 cup chopped nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries

Instructions

Soften the cream cheese at room temperature until easy to stir and gather all remaining ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste and mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the protein powder, rolled oats or almond flour, lemon zest, and cinnamon, then stir until a soft dough forms that holds together when pressed.
Fold in the chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, and freeze-dried berries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
If the mixture feels very sticky, refrigerate the bowl for 10 minutes to firm slightly before shaping.
Roll the mixture into 12 equal balls using your hands and place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Refrigerate the Cheesecake Protein Balls for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to hold their shape.
Store the chilled protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats or almond flour instead of oats.
- If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of extra honey or a splash of milk and mix again.
- For a stronger cheesecake flavor, use the lemon zest and a touch of extra vanilla.
- These Cheesecake Protein Balls keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Keyword Cheesecake Protein Balls, high protein snack, no-bake snack, protein balls, Vegetarian