These Birthday Cake Protein Balls are made with cashew butter, almond flour and protein powder for a healthy protein-packed snack that is no-bake and made directly in a mixing bowl. Add some sprinkles to them for a little more *fun* and enjoy these protein balls that taste just like cake batter!

birthday cake protein balls with rainbow sprinkles

What are Protein Balls?

If you’ve never had a protein ball before, this is the perfect recipe to start with! These Birthday Cake Protein Balls taste like you’re eating a ball of cake batter cookie dough. While they taste indulgent, they’re actually packed with healthy ingredients! These protein balls are also naturally gluten-free, grain-free and can be made vegan by using maple syrup.

Protein balls, also sometimes called energy balls or bliss balls are a healthy snack that can be made with nut butter, nut flour, oats, protein powder and a variety of other healthy ingredients. There are many different versions of a protein ball that can be made in many different ways, but generally, a protein ball will have protein powder in it.

Protein balls are always no-bake and are pretty easy to make. You only need two mixing bowls to make these Birthday Cake Protein balls.

Why you’ll love these energy balls

  • No fancy equipment needed. Put away the food processor, stand mixer and whatever other kitchen gadgets you have. All you need for these protein balls in two mixing bowls.
  • Protein-packed snack. When you need a snack that will get you through the 3pm slump, reach for one of these protein balls that will give you long-lasting energy.
  • Cake batter heaven. Are you one of those people who likes to eat a bite of raw cookie dough or cake batter? If you answered yes, then you are going to be obsessed with this recipe.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • Almond flour: this is what the base of the protein balls is made of. You can substitute with oat flour, or a mix of coconut flour and almond flour.
  • Protein Powder: I recommend using unflavoured protein powder, or vanilla protein powder. If you don’t want to use protein powder you can substitute with more almond flour.
  • Salt: just a pinch to balance out the flavour.
  • Cashew butter: if you can find it at your grocery store, chose cashew butter. It will make the protein balls really taste like cake batter. If you can’t find cashew butter, you can use almond butter.
  • Honey: for a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave.
  • Vanilla extract: this is essential for the flavour.
  • Almond extract: optoinal, but will make the balls taste more like birthday cake.
  • Almond milk: just a couple teaspoons as needed to help the dough bind together
  • Sprinkles: any kid you love!

How to make Birthday Cake Protein Balls

Step 1:

Mix the cashew butter, honey, vanilla extract and almond extract together in a mixing bowl.

  • honey and cashew butter in a mixing bowl
  • cashew butter in a mixing bowl

Step 2

Mix the almond flour, protein powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Then add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients.

  • almond flour and protein powder in a mixing bowl
  • almond flour, protein powder and cashew butter in a clear mixing bowl

Step 3

Mix everything together until it forms a dough. Then add the sprinkles

  • almond flour and cashew butter dough in a clear mixing bowl
  • protein ball dough and sprinkles in a mixing bowl

Step 4

Mix the sprinkles into the dough. Then roll into balls, about a tablespoon of dough per ball.

  • birthday cake protein balls dough in a mixing bowl
  • a hand holding a protein ball

Step 5

Place the protein balls in the fridge to set for at least an hour.

  • birthday cake protein balls on a white plate
  • birthday cake protein balls on parchment paper

How to store protein balls

Protein balls MUST be stored in the fridge or in the freezer. They cannot be stored on the countertop or they will fall apart.

Store these Birthday Cake Protein Balls in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. These can also be eaten straight out of the freezer.

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  • If the dough is crumbly, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of almond milk to help the dough bind together. If it’s still too crumbly, add a couple tablespoons of cashew butter.
  • It’s easiest to mix the dough togeher with your hands. Start by mixing with a spoon and then get in there with your hands to mix!
  • You can make these protein balls without sprinkles if you prefer, or even add mini chocolate chips to them.

Frequently aksed questions

How long do these protein balls last in the fridge?

These protein balls will last 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container. They can also be stored in the freezer for 2 months.

Why are my protein balls not sticking together?

If your protein balls aren’t sticking together it could be because of the brand of cashew butter you’re using. If there isn’t enough oil in the energy balls the dough can end up being dry. If this happens, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of cashew butter and 1-2 teaspoons of almond milk to the dough. Continue to mix until the dough comes together.

How much protein is in each protein ball?

Each of these protein balls has 5 grams of protein. This is an estimate and can vary depending on the brand of protein powder you use.

More energy ball recipes to try

a hand holding a protein ball with a bite taken out of it

If you tried these Birthday Cake Protein Balls or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

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a hand holding a protein ball with a bite taken out of it

Birthday Cake Protein Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 20 balls 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Birthday cake protein balls are packed with protein and perfect for an afternoon pick me up!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Mix the almond flour, protein powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the cashew butter, honey, vanilla extract and almond extract together.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix together until combined. Add 1-2 tsp of almond milk as needed to help the dough bind together. (It helps to mix at first with a spoon, and then use your hands to mix the dough.) 
  4. Add the sprinkles and mix together with your hands to incorporate. 
  5. Roll into balls, about 1 tbsp of dough per ball. 
  6. Place in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour. 
  7. Store in the fridge. 

Notes

* there are many different brands of protein powder, some of which taste better than others. I recommend using unflavored plant-based protein powder, or vanilla plant-based protein powder. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g