If you’re looking for a snack that’s as delicious as it is nourishing, Strawberry Protein Balls are about to be your new go-to treat! These bite-sized gems deliver a burst of sweet strawberry flavor, balanced by creamy nut butter and a satisfying, chewy texture from oats. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, they’re the perfect pick-me-up for busy afternoons, pre-workout fuel, or anytime you want something sweet without the sugar crash. Trust me, once you have a batch of Strawberry Protein Balls in your fridge, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
How to Make Strawberry Protein Balls
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and chia seeds (if you’re using them). Give everything a good stir so the oats and protein powder are evenly distributed with the fruity strawberry bits.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring on the creamy goodness! Add your almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract straight into the bowl. The mixture will look a little dry at first, but keep going—you’re about to work some magic.
Step 3: Mix Until a Dough Forms
Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together. If the mixture feels too crumbly or dry, start adding water one tablespoon at a time. You want a thick, sticky dough that holds together easily when pressed. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there to finish mixing—it’s the best way to judge the texture!
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Scoop out the dough using a small cookie scoop or your hands and roll them into 1-inch balls. Aim for about 12 balls, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your snack preference. Place them on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop the tray in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick chill time helps the Strawberry Protein Balls firm up and makes them even more satisfying to bite into. After chilling, they’re ready to enjoy—or store them for later snacking!
How to Serve Strawberry Protein Balls
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, roll your Strawberry Protein Balls in a little more crushed freeze-dried strawberries or a dusting of shredded coconut. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate is lovely too, especially if you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something extra decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair these protein balls with a fresh fruit salad or a simple Greek yogurt parfait for a quick breakfast. They also make a great companion to your favorite smoothie or iced coffee, turning a simple snack into a mini-meal packed with flavor and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or on-the-go snacks, tuck these beauties into mini cupcake liners or stack them in a glass jar with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also thread them onto skewers with pieces of fresh fruit for a fun snack platter the whole family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Strawberry Protein Balls are set, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go snacks throughout your busiest days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these freeze beautifully! Just arrange the balls in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature whenever you need a sweet, protein-packed treat.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for Strawberry Protein Balls! But if you prefer them at room temperature, simply let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer. They’ll soften up and be ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
For this recipe, freeze-dried strawberries are best because they pack a punch of flavor and don’t add extra moisture. Fresh strawberries could make the mixture too wet and sticky, but you can use other freeze-dried fruits for fun flavor swaps!
Are these Strawberry Protein Balls gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and a protein powder that’s gluten-free. Double-check your ingredient labels to be sure, and enjoy a safe snack!
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes, you can! If you want to skip the protein powder, simply add more oats to help bind the mixture, though you’ll lose some of the protein boost. You can also try using a few tablespoons of almond flour for extra texture.
What’s the best nut butter to use?
Both almond and peanut butter work beautifully in this recipe, but you can also try cashew butter or a nut-free option like sunflower seed butter if you need an allergen-friendly version. Each one brings its own unique flavor to the Strawberry Protein Balls.
How can I make these vegan?
Easy! Just use maple syrup instead of honey, and be sure your protein powder is plant-based. This way, your Strawberry Protein Balls are 100% vegan-friendly and just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s equal parts wholesome and crave-worthy, give these Strawberry Protein Balls a try. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a staple in your snack lineup. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every sweet, satisfying bite!
Print
Strawberry Protein Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious no-bake snack packed with protein and natural sweetness from freeze-dried strawberries and honey. Perfect for a quick energy boost before or after workouts, they’re easy to make with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, and chia seeds, offering a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and chia seeds if using to form a uniform base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into the dry mixture until it starts to come together into a thick dough.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly until the dough holds together well.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the lined tray with the protein balls for 20 to 30 minutes until they become firm to the touch.
- Store Properly: Transfer the chilled protein balls into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries can be substituted with any other freeze-dried fruit of your choice.
- For a nut-free alternative, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
- These protein balls make an excellent pre- or post-workout snack to fuel energy and aid recovery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
