Birthday Cake Protein Balls – Have Your Cake & Eat it, Too!

These birthday cake protein balls are equally delicious and nutritious! Mix up a batch to keep in the fridge for a sweet treat that keeps you on track.

Birthday Cake Protein Balls

If you’re working towards protein goals but still have a little sweet tooth to satisfy, protein balls are an easy, yummy way to do both!

What is a protein ball? These yummy energy bites are packed with natural protein (usually from a nut butter) plus added protein powder for a high protein, mindful snack. Mixed together with a few pantry staples, these protein balls couldn’t be easier to make.

This recipe tastes exactly like vanilla cake batter so it’s absolutely delicious and makes you feel like you’re having dessert! You can whip up a batch for the week and keep them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go treat.

Ingredients

• Natural cashew butter (no added sweeteners – just cashews, oil, and salt)
• Vanilla-flavored protein powder
• Rolled oats
• Honey
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Sprinkles (I like the dye-free rainbow sprinkles from Simple Truth at Kroger for a budget-friendly option)

Looking for a more chocolate-y protein bite? Try these chocolate chip energy bites from our Whole Foods menu!

How to make birthday cake protein balls

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Add all of your ingredients to a large mixing bowl. (I use my  Ninja blender with the dough attachment for this because it speeds the process up a lot.)

Using a rubber spatula, mix the ingredients until a nice, smooth dough forms.

I like to use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to measure out each ball so they are relatively uniform in size. It works best to measure each scoop and drop it onto your baking sheet. Then, after you’ve done all the scooping, roll each ball with your hands until it’s smooth.

Pour some of your sprinkles onto a plate or shallow ball. Roll or press the top of each ball into the sprinkles to add a fun topping. You can always skip this step, but it makes them look extra cute!

Place the balls sprinkle-side up on the baking sheet and pop the whole thing in the fridge. Chill until the dough is firm and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks (if they last that long!).

Print Recipe

Birthday Cake Protein Balls

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural cashew butter
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 tbsp sprinkles plus more for topping
• ¾ tsp salt

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
• Using a cookie scoop, scoop 1.5" balls of dough and use your hands to roll into a smooth circle. Gently press each ball into sprinkles to coat one side.
• Place balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkle side up. Chill in the refrigerator until firm and then transfer to an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal

Substitutions and Additions

While this recipe is delicious and works so well as-is, there are a few substitutions or changes you can make to work with what you have.

Nut Butter: you can sub most other nut butters in place of Cashew Butter for a 1:1 swap. Make sure your sub is also natural without any sweeteners or your balls will end up too sweet. Almond butter is the best swap as it has a mild taste and texture. Peanut butter also works but will result in a slightly firmer dough.

Protein Powder: you can use any protein powder you like for this recipe. While this dough tastes like vanilla birthday cake, you can substitute chocolate protein powder and make “chocolate cake”.

Honey: you can substitute other natural sweeteners for the honey. Agave nectar is the closest substitute. Pure maple syrup also works but will be thinner than honey so you’ll want to add 1-2 extra tablespoons of oats for the correct texture.

P.S. Protein balls are one of my favorite things to take with a Meal Train to a new mom, someone healing from illness or surgery, or anyone who can use a pick-me-up. Not only are they tasty, they’re also helping meet nutrition goals. Win win!