Protein Cake Pops

Protein cake pops are one of my favorite protein ball recipes because they're made with simple ingredients and are a healthy snack that can satisfy any sweet tooth.

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These birthday cake protein balls are sweet, easy to make (and meal prep!), and contain 4 grams of protein per bite. I love making these protein bites, no-bake brownie bites, oatmeal bliss balls, or chocolate peppermint bites as a healthy grab-and-go snack or sweet treat to enjoy during the week!

Jump to:

• Equipment
• Ingredients
• How to Make Healthy Cake Pops
• Substitutions & Pro Tips
• Fun Variations
• Storage
• Recipe FAQ
• Other Recipes You May Like
• Protein Cake Pops

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl - I recommend either a 3- or 5-quart mixing bowl as you want space to really mix the ingredients together without any spills!
• Rubber spatula - rubber spatulas work best with dough like this because it can be pretty sticky with the nut butter and maple syrup.
• Parchment paper - this will prevent the protein cake pops and chocolate from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Small baking sheet - I use a smaller baking sheet, as this recipe makes 15 cake pops, so you don't need a large sheet. Plus you want to make sure it fits in the fridge!
• Microwave-safe bowl - since it's a small amount of chocolate, I just melt it in the microwave because it's easiest. Be sure your bowl is safe to put in the microwave before putting it in!

Ingredients

Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the protein cake pops

• Vanilla protein powder - I recommend using vanilla whey protein isolate as opposed to whey protein concentrate, casein protein, or plant-based protein (you can still use these proteins, but you may need to alter the other ingredients as texture may be affected). Isolate is the highest quality protein! I'm also a big proponent of using 3rd party tested supplements, so check for an NSF for Sport logo (LINK) on the label!
• Cashew butter - this is a more neutral nut butter, which lets the sweet vanilla flavor shine in this recipe. You can sub almond butter or peanut butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
• Pure vanilla extract - a staple in any vanilla cake recipe, in my opinion! Almond extract would also be a great substitute for vanilla. Cake batter extract would give these protein cake pops a stronger cake batter flavor.
• Almond flour - this helps to bind all of the ingredients together while keeping the cake balls moist and soft! You can use coconut flour here as well too. Oat flour may absorb too much liquid and cause the balls to dry out.
• Pure maple syrup - to add just a hint of sweetness! You can sub honey here if you'd like.

For the white chocolate coating

• White chocolate - this forms a delicious, sweet shell around these protein cake pops! You can use chips, wafers, or a bar.
• Avocado oil - the white chocolate, even when melted, can be fairly thick. Adding some avocado oil will thin it out without adding any flavor! You can use any neutral oil here.
• Sprinkles - these are a festive addition to these delicious cake batter protein balls!

How to Make Healthy Cake Pops

Substitutions & Pro Tips

• Add a tablespoon of almond milk at a time if the dough is crumbly and falling apart.
• You can use any nut butter in lieu of cashew butter; just be aware it may alter the flavor! I've done half cashew, half peanut butter and these healthier cake balls have turned out really well!
• You can use whatever flavor of chocolate you'd like instead of white chocolate! Same with the sprinkles - you can use whatever color/flavor you'd like. It's fun to get festive based on the time of year, season, holiday, etc!

Fun Variations

• St. Patrick's Day - gold and/or green sprinkles
• Valentine's Day - red, pink, and/or white sprinkles
• Birthday - rainbow sprinkles (mix some in the batter for extra color!)
• Christmas - green and/or red sprinkles
• 4th of July - red and/or blue and gold sprinkles
• Turtle - chocolate protein powder + pecan butter instead of cashew butter + homemade caramel drizzle + chopped pecans on top
• Peanut butter cup - peanut butter or chocolate protein powder + peanut butter instead of cashew butter + milk/dark chocolate drizzle/coating

Storage

Store these energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Recipe FAQ

Other Recipes You May Like