What's the next best thing to a slice of birthday cake? These birthday cake protein balls! These paleo protein balls taste like vanilla cake batter, but they're healthy and high in protein. This easy recipe is nut free, egg free, grain free and dairy free.
I've had a couple requests for birthday cake flavored recipes. Because, sure enough, I don't have any on my blog. Until now!
I decided that I'd kick off the new year with these birthday cake protein balls. They taste just like vanilla cake batter. But unlike "real" cake they are high in protein, low in sugar and a perfectly healthy snack.
I've made them multiple times and they've turned out perfectly! My kids love these protein cake bites as well, which is always a plus.
Recipe Highlights
Here's what you need to know about these birthday cake energy bites:
- paleo friendly
- easily made vegan: swap the honey for maple syrup
- gluten free & grain free
- dairy free: these protein balls are made without whey protein and instead use pea protein.
- low in sugar: lightly sweetened with honey
- no bake
Ingredients
These healthy birthday cake protein balls are made with real, wholesome ingredients. They are sweetened with honey (or your preferred liquid sweetener) and high in protein.
Here's what you need to make them:
- pea protein: Nuzest is my favorite pea protein
- baking soda: optional, but added for flavor
- salt
- coconut butter
- honey: or your favorite liquid sweetener
- vanilla extract
- water
- sprinkles: I recommend dye-free sprinkles
- cacao butter
- powdered monk fruit sweetener
The filling consists of plant based protein powder, coconut butter, honey (maple syrup for vegan), vanilla, sprinkles, baking soda and salt. The baking soda is not required, but provides a more cake-like flavor. In addition, the honey can be substituted with any liquid sweetener (like maple syrup or monk fruit).
The outer coating is made of cacao butter and powdered monk fruit sweetener. However, coating these birthday cake protein balls is optional. Other topping options include white or dark chocolate.
How to Make Birthday Cake Protein Balls
These paleo protein balls don't require any baking and the filling is made in one bowl.
Make the Filling
First, combine all filling ingredients (except the water and sprinkles) in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, add the water one tablespoon at a time. This ensures that the correct amount of water is added. You don't want a dry, crumbly mixture or one that is too sticky and runny. Mixing the filling with your hands works best.
After adding the water, mix in the sprinkles. Then, roll the batter into balls about one tablespoon in size. Freeze the balls for at least an hour to set. Freezing them makes them easier to handle when dipping into the cacao butter.
Make the Coating
Lastly, melt the cacao butter and mix in the monk fruit sweetener. Then, dip the cake bites into the cacao butter. Add a few extra sprinkles immediately after dipping (before cacao butter has time to set). Place the balls on parchment to set, then eat!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do protein balls last in the fridge?
These protein balls will last well up to two weeks in the fridge, as do most protein balls. You can keep them in the freezer for longer storage (best up to two months).
Why aren't my protein balls sticking together?
Your protein balls won't hold together if there isn't enough moisture in the dough. This can happen if you use too much protein powder or perhaps an alternative brand. For most recipes, adding a little extra water will get the dough to stick together. Other options are adding more sweetener or nut butter (depending on the recipe).
Do I have to use pea protein in this energy ball recipe?
This particular recipe has only been tested using pea protein. Other plant based proteins should work as a replacement, just be sure to measure by weight (given in grams). If the dough is too dry and crumbly, then add more water. On the other hand, if the dough is too wet, add more protein powder.
More Paleo Protein Ball Recipes
Looking for more easy protein ball recipes? Take a look at these reader favorites:
Print
Birthday Cake Energy Bites
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 bites 1x
Description
No bake, high protein energy bites that taste like cake batter. Great for a quick treat or energizing Paleo snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup Just Natural Nuzest Protein (45g)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup melted coconut butter
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 7 Tbsp water
- 2-3 Tbsp sprinkles
Coating (optional)
- 1.5 oz cacao butter
- 2 Tbsp powdered monk fruit sweetener
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine protein powder, baking soda, salt, melted coconut butter, honey and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time until mixture can be rolled into balls*
- Mix in sprinkles.
- Roll dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon in size.
- Place balls in freezer for at least 1 hour to set**
- In a small saucepan, melt coconut butter over low heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat and mix in powdered monk fruit.
- Dip the balls into the melted cacao butter and place on a sheet of parchment paper to set. Optional: top with additional sprinkles.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
Notes
*Use more or less water as needed. Mixing dough with hands works best.
**Freezing the balls makes it easier to dip them in cacao butter.
Katie
My family loves these birthday cake protein balls and we hope you do too!
Diane
How long would they last in room temperature? Thanks!
Katie
They should last up to a week at room temperature. Store in an airtight container or sealed baggie.