Name: No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed; 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1–2 tablespoons almond milk (as needed); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Creamy, sweet, and perfectly bite-sized, these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls bring all the nostalgic flavor of a strawberry cheesecake without any of the baking. I love how they combine wholesome ingredients like oats, almond flour, freeze-dried strawberries, and protein powder into a chewy, satisfying snack that fits easily into a healthy lifestyle. Whether I need a post-workout bite, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a little treat after dinner, these energy balls hit the spot—guilt-free and packed with flavor.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup vanilla protein powder

¼ cup almond flour

⅓ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1–2 tablespoons almond milk (as needed)

Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by combining the oats, protein powder, almond flour, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. I mix everything until it’s evenly blended.

Then I add in the softened cream cheese, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. I mix again until a thick dough begins to form.

If the mixture feels a bit dry or crumbly, I stir in almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together nicely.

Using a small cookie scoop or just my hands, I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.

I place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Once chilled, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge—or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories per ball: ~90 kcal

Variations

I love switching things up depending on what I have on hand or what I’m craving:

Swap freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.

Use chocolate or strawberry-flavored protein powder for more depth.

Add mini dark chocolate chips or crushed nuts for extra texture.

Try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.

Use agave nectar or date syrup in place of maple syrup or honey for a different sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these protein balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If I want to make a larger batch, I freeze them—they’ll last up to 3 months. I just let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating so they soften up a bit. No reheating needed, which I love!

FAQs

How much protein is in each ball?

Each ball has about 5–7 grams of protein, depending on the protein powder I use. It’s a great way to sneak in extra protein without a shake.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based protein powder to make them completely dairy-free.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be! I just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check all other ingredients for gluten content.

Can I skip the protein powder?

If I skip the protein powder, I reduce the liquid slightly and maybe add more almond flour or oats to maintain the right texture.

What’s the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?

I usually place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or I pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls are a game-changer for quick, satisfying snacks that feel indulgent but support my health goals. I love how easily they come together, how flexible the recipe is, and how well they store. Whether I’m prepping snacks for the week or need something sweet in a pinch, this recipe is one I keep coming back to.

Recipe:

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 balls
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, sweet, and packed with protein, these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls combine oats, almond flour, freeze-dried strawberries, and cream cheese into a delicious, healthy snack that’s perfect for post-workout fuel or a guilt-free treat.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, almond flour, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
Add the softened cream cheese, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix again until a thick dough forms.
If the mixture is dry or crumbly, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together.
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.