Made with only a handful of ingredients, these Birthday Cake Protein Balls come together quickly for an energy-boosting snack. Sweetened with honey to give them a light and indulgent taste, these no-bake balls are a meal prep staple for busy weeks.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 10 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 6
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 82 kcals and 8 grams of protein
- 📋 Main Ingredients: Vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, creamed honey, egg whites, and sprinkles.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be made paleo.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Sweet, fun, and protein-packed, these birthday cake balls deliver an instant pick-me-up in the most delicious bite-size form.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Whip up a batch and pop them in your mouth as you head out the door; that’s the beauty of this birthday cake protein balls recipe. They come together fast and are packed with fuel for busy days. I always keep some sort of dairy-free protein balls in the fridge (these coffee protein balls are another favorite) for those “I’m snacky but don’t want to derail my goals” moments. It’s the exact philosophy behind my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide, treats that taste amazing and support your energy.
If you’re the mom grabbing random pantry finds while rushing around or finishing scraps off your kids’ plates, then crashing later, these are a total game-changer. They give you that mini-dessert feeling while actually delivering nutrients to keep you going. And if you want another grab-and-go win, pair them with pumpkin protein muffins, and your afternoons suddenly feel a whole lot easier.
Jump To
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: You only need a handful of gluten-free pantry staples for the dairy-free protein balls to come together and they whip up in about ten minutes.
Yummy: All the birthday cake flavor is complete with sprinkles wrapped in a light but dense, no-bake texture.
Healthy: The protein balls are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free and come in with a whopping 8 grams of protein per ball (not bad for something bite-sized!). Plus, they’re one of the only protein ball recipes that don’t require a nut butter!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You don’t need much for the gluten-free protein balls and there’s actually no peanut butter (or other nut butter) involved, just like this full-on dairy-free birthday cake recipe.
- Protein powder: Know that the vegan protein powder you choose will affect the taste and texture of the balls, as all vegan protein powders absorb differently. I’ve used both Botanica Protein Powder and Thrive Protein to make these.
- Egg whites: I use carton egg whites as they’re pasteurized. I haven’t tried making them with actual separated egg whites.
- Make them paleo: To make the protein balls recipe paleo, you need to use a beef-based protein powder, which is now my personal preference. Read through the recipe card to see how to do this so that the balls still hold together.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
As always, the best part about gluten-free dairy-free protein balls is that there are so many ways to vary them! Below are a few flavor twists I use when I want to switch it up.
Chocolate: You can either use a chocolate protein powder or add in a bit of raw cacao powder (and reap the benefits of raw cacao!). Likewise, sprinkles can always be replaced by mini chocolate chips. Avoid regular-size ones, though, as it’ll make the balls crumble.
True birthday cake: If you can find one you love, using a birthday cake-flavored protein powder can add a lot of flavor.
Extracts: Add in a splash of almond extract for a nuttier base.
How To Make Birthday Cake Protein Balls
Step 1: Mix together the wet ingredients.
Step 2: One by one add in the honey, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix well. Add the sprinkles.
Step 3: Slowly add in water as needed and mix until sticky. Portion the balls onto a lined cutting board and chill until firmed up.
Expert Tips To Make It
Since each protein powder absorbs differently, the amount of water you need varies. Add in just a bit at a time until you get the perfect texture (peek at the video). It will be ever so slightly dry, but the mixture will hold together if pressed down firmly with a fork.
Again, the protein powder you choose will make a difference in the taste and texture of the balls. Learn more about choosing a protein powder.
Regardless of if you’re rolling them by hand or using a trigger ice cream scoop, you need to press them together firmly. They’re delicate and will crumble slightly until chilled, but the more air pockets you leave, the more they’ll fall apart.
If using a beef-based protein powder, you need to make a few adjustments. For Paleo Protein Protein the ratios will be the same, but you probably won't need water. For Equip Protein (which is a personal favorite for their flavors!), you need to use 4 tablespoons of coconut flour, and you can omit any water. The balls won't be fluffy and round, but more dense but ultra-sticky and delicious.
How To Store Them
These birthday cake protein balls are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container and will remain delicious for 5-7 days.
Of course, you can store them in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months as well. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before you enjoy them.
Birthday Cake Protein Balls FAQs
Yes. These protein balls use egg whites from a carton, which have normally been pasteurized, making them completely safe to eat. Though regular egg whites can also be enjoyed raw.
I haven’t tried baking them, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I have a feeling that the balls would dry out and crumble if they’re baked.
Homemade protein balls are a blend of healthy fats and fueling protein, so they make a great, healthy snack choice for busy days.
The best binder depends on the protein powder used. Oats or a sprinkle of flour can help bind recipes with vegan protein powder, whereas coconut flour is great for paleo-based protein powders.
More High-Protein Dessert Recipes
If you tried this Birthday Cake Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Birthday Cake Protein Balls (Dairy and Gluten Free)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons Coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons Creamed honey
- 3 tablespoons Egg whites
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoons Sprinkles
- 3-5 tablespoons Water
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the protein powder and coconut flour.
- One by one add in the honey, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add in two tablespoons of water and mix. Stir in the sprinkles.
- Start adding any more water if needed. The goal is a mixture that’s still crumbly but holds together when pressed firmly.
- You can either portion the balls with a trigger ice cream scoop, pressing very firmly into the scoop or roll them by hand. If rolling them by hand, grease your hands really well with coconut oil and re-grease every two balls to prevent sticking.
- If you find the balls crumbling too much, add half a tablespoon more water to the mixture.
- Store the protein balls in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
I love the seitch up from regular peanut-butter based protein balls! Great flavor and still protein packed.