If you're looking for a guilt-free and plant-based snack that packs a protein punch, look no further than these Vegan Protein Balls. These delectable bites will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide you with a healthy boost of energy.
Life as a busy mom is hard. Feeding your kids healthy food, keeping up with house, and staying on top of work are all tough tasks to tackle when you're already stretched thin.
Throw in an event like a birthday party and suddenly you find yourself drowning in a sea of cake batter. Mmmmm cake batter - which is what got us to today's recipe.
It's time for some birthday cake protein bites! These sweet treats will be the perfect addition to any celebration or just any ole day because they taste just like frosted cupcakes but are made from ingredients that won't leave your body feeling weighed down or bloated afterwards.
Plus, they make it easy to feed the whole gang by providing individual servings so everyone can grab one without having to wait around for their turn at the table.
Ingredient Spotlight for Vegan Protein Balls
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: Creamy and rich, these nut butters provide a luscious base for the protein balls, adding a satisfying texture and a dose of healthy fats.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile and adds a delightful aroma to the protein balls.
- Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, almond flour gives these bites a soft and slightly nutty texture.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content of the balls while infusing them with a delightful cake-like or vanilla flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the protein balls.
- Sprinkles: Adds a colorful and festive touch, making these protein balls perfect for special occasions.
- Hot Water (1-2 tablespoons, if needed): Helps adjust the consistency of the mixture, ensuring the balls hold their shape when rolled.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Protein Balls
Step 1 - In a bowl add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon until well combined and smooth.
Step 2 - Then add in the almond flour, scoop of vegan protein and the salt. Mix well (with your hands or a spoon) until a moldable dough begins to form. If dough is too dry, add 1-3 tablespoons of hot water until you get a moldable dough.
Step 3 - Lastly, fold in 2 tablespoons of sprinkles.
Step 4 - Use your hands to roll the dough into 16 balls. Refrigerate before consuming or enjoy them immediately.
These Vegan Birthday Cake Bites are everything you’ve ever needed when it comes to yummy snacks:
- quick, easy, and delicious!
- perfect for after a workout or on the go
- travel really well in school lunches.
Cindy's Insider Pro Tips
Change up your Vegan Protein Balls
- Make them into bars - instead of balls like I've done, feel free to press into a baking dish, refrigerate to harden, and then cut into bars.
- Use a different butter - Instead of almond or cashew butter, feel free to use peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter. Using peanut butter will alter the flavor of course, and it won't be quite a birthday cake flavor, but it's still an option if you're wanting to play around with the recipe.
- Omit the sprinkles - Sprinkles are fun, but of course, if you're not into it, that's totally fine.
- Use a different protein powder flavor - Feel free to go crazy here. Try a chocolate protein powder or any of the other crazy fun flavors out there.
Tips and Tricks for Vegan Protein Balls
Make rolling the bites easier - If you're struggling to roll the protein bites, try a couple of these tips. You could try and place the batter in the refrigerator to firm it up a bit. Or you could wet your hands just a little bit so it doesn't stick to you as much. I've found either method to work well.
Protein bites too crumbly? - If your protein bites batter seems just a bit too crumbly and they just won't come together, add a splash more water. Only a tiny bit though. Too much, and your batter will end up too soft and squishy and not hold their form.
Use a food processor - Now this one's totally up to you. With the recipe being so easy, I would rather just throw all in the ingredients in a bowl and stir it all up. But if you're feeling impatient and have a food processor on hand, use it. Do not use the food processor for mixing in your sprinkles or your batter will be all sorts of weird colors.
Protein Balls FAQs
Yes! The almond flour, nut butter, and protein powder has a lot of great nutrients making this a fiber & protein-filled snack that will fill you up longer than a cookie!
Keep energy bites in and air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, store them in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Yes, you can store protein bites in the freezer for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. If you're eating them straight from the freezer, I'd recommend letting them soften up a bit in the fridge or at room temperature before doing so.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nut butter options such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Just make sure to choose a smooth and creamy variety for the best results.
Of course! The sprinkles are mainly for decorative purposes and can be omitted if desired. However, they do add a fun and festive element to the protein balls, especially for special occasions or birthday celebrations.
If you prefer to use a different type of flour, you can try substituting almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly, so adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Looking for more Vegan Snack Recipes?
- Dessert Hummus
- Vegan Zucchini Bread
- Chocolate Covered Rice Cakes
- Raspberry Coconut Butter Cups
- Crock Pot Trail Mix
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey - If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Your comment and/or rating helps other readers!
Vegan Protein Bites
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup almond butter or cashew butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 scoop vegan birthday cake or vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
- 1-2 Tablespoons hot water, if needed
Instructions
- In a bowl add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon until well combined and smooth.
- Then add in the almond flour, scoop of vegan protein and the salt. Mix well (with your hands or a spoon) until a moldable dough begins to form. If dough is too dry, add 1-3 tablespoons of hot water until you get a moldable dough.
- Lastly, fold in 2 tablespoons of sprinkles.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into 16 balls. Refrigerate before consuming or enjoy them immediately.
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