Get Rolling: You've Gotta Try these Cheesecake Protein Balls!

If you’re looking for a sinfully wicked but heavenly healthful treat that’s perfect for pre or post-workout (or just cause), listen up. You can satisfy your hunger and your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering, creamy cheesecake protein balls!

Cheesecake Protein Ball Recipe

Before we get rolling, you need to master the basics first.

Makes: 12-18 balls

Time: 15 minutes prep + 30 minutes refrigerate (to harden)

Ingredients

• 8 ounces plain light cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sweetener (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, sugar-free)
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 cup of desiccated or shredded coconut

Directions

1. Place the first four ingredients (cream cheese, vanilla, sweetener and flour) into a food processor to mix the heck outta it.
2. Add ¾ cup desiccated coconut into the food processor and blend it well. Reserve ¼ cup to roll the balls in afterward OR dump the remainder into the mix.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
4. Roll balls with your hands; roll in remaining coconut.
5. Line a baking sheet with protein balls then refrigerate for 30 minutes before eating.

Substitutions

Whatever your dietary preference there’s a way to shape these cheesecake balls to fit your needs!

Sugar-free: Confuse your tastebuds with a sugar substitute like erythritol (sugar alcohol, 70% as sweet as the real stuff) and make this a keto-friendly treat.

Vegan: Whip up a batch of cashew cream. Soak 1 ½ cup of cashews in water for at least an hour to soften them before you drain and toss the soggy cashews through a food processor, and blend until smooth. You’ll also want to add at least ½ cup more almond flour when you're processing the balls so you can form balls.

Nut-free: Not a nutty person? Skip the almond flour and try coconut flour instead! (Coconut is technically a fruit.)

Double-Hit of Protein: Add a cup of whatever protein powder you use into the mix!

Cheesecake Varieties

We don’t want you to get bored, so here’s our ultimate guide to making different kinds of cheesecake!

• Chocolate: Roll balls in ⅓ cup of cacao nibs.
• Double-Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of 70%+ dark chocolate and dip refrigerated balls in chocolate. Sprinkle with cacao nibs. Toss back onto the baking sheet and refrigerate until hardened.
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter: Add heaping ⅓ cup of any nut butter into the food processor and dip in chocolate or roll in cacao.
• Lemon: Juice 1 lemon and it’s zest; mix in.
• Berry Blast: ½ cup or more (to taste) of blueberry, strawberry, raspberry or mixed berry (frozen or fresh) to the food processor.  

Ingredients Matter

We love this recipe because the ingredients are nutritious independently, but together they’re made better.

• Almond Flour: Made from blanched and ground almonds this flour fights off disease-causing free radicals with its high levels of vitamin E. It’s rich in magnesium, for controlling blood sugar levels.
• Coconut: Monolaurin is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial for a stronger immune system.
• Cacao: Is a rich source of easily absorbed iron, heart-healthy antioxidants and tryptophan to help your relax.
• Dark Chocolate: Contains powerful antioxidants, fiber, iron and offers protection from disease.
• Nut Butters: Are protein packed and contain healthy fats and fiber. Can’t wrong here!
• Cashews: Nutritious cashews protect your heart, eyes and help with weight loss.
• Lemon: Promotes overall health, weight loss, clear skin, and good digestion.
• Berries: A superfood loaded with antioxidants to fight inflammation, fiber, and is incredibly nutritious.

Cheese is something you eat in moderation as it's high in cholesterol but for the authentic cheesecake taste, use it once in a while!

Cheesecake Protein Balls Your Way

Pump iron then pump up your body with these slamming protein balls! We're all about delivering functional and tasty treats, and what better way to boost your recovery then healthy cheesecake protein balls!

But first, you’ve gotta actually workout! If you’re looking to gear up, shop our Spring Break Sale and score serious savings on our best-selling gear!