Birthday Cake Protein Balls are a fun, no-bake snack that combines the nostalgic flavor of birthday cake with the nutritional boost of protein. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder, these bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while staying on track with your health goals. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making them ideal for kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These protein balls are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and just one bowl. They’re naturally sweetened, customizable, and packed with protein and fiber to keep you full between meals. Whether you need a quick pre-workout snack, a healthy dessert, or a lunchbox-friendly treat, these birthday cake bites offer flavor and nutrition in every bite—plus, they’re freezer-friendly and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed)
- 3 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Directions
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough begins to form.
- Adjust Consistency: Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together easily but is not too sticky.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Store: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12–14 protein balls.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or oat butter in place of almond butter for a nut-free version.
- Chocolate Chip: Add mini white or dark chocolate chips in place of sprinkles for a different flavor twist.
- Birthday Cake Boost: Use cake batter-flavored protein powder or a few drops of almond extract for a more authentic cake flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based protein powder.
- Rolled in Sprinkles: Roll the finished balls in extra sprinkles for a decorative finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before eating.
- Reheating: Not applicable—these are best served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
No, regular flour should not be used raw. If you don’t have oat flour, you can blend rolled oats into a fine powder to make your own.
What protein powder works best?
Vanilla-flavored whey or plant-based protein powders both work well. Choose one you enjoy, as it will affect the final flavor.
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes, peanut butter or any nut/seed butter can be substituted based on your preference.
How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?
Start with less liquid and add more milk gradually. Chilling the dough slightly before rolling can also help.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes, they’re made with wholesome, kid-friendly ingredients. Just be cautious with protein powder amounts for very young children.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double each ingredient and follow the same instructions.
Do I need to toast the oat flour?
No toasting is needed. Use oat flour made from quick or rolled oats for the best texture.
Can I use agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup?
Yes, agave works well as an alternative sweetener.
How do I make the texture smoother?
Blend the dough in a food processor for a finer, more uniform texture if desired.
Will the sprinkles bleed color into the dough?
Some brands may bleed slightly. To minimize this, fold them in gently and avoid over-mixing.
Conclusion
Birthday Cake Protein Balls are a delightful blend of fun and function—bringing festive flavor to a nutritious, portable snack. Perfect for meal prepping, snacking on the go, or adding a colorful treat to lunchboxes, these protein bites are as convenient as they are crave-worthy. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, they’re a smart and satisfying way to enjoy the taste of celebration any day of the week.
PrintBirthday Cake Protein Balls
Fun and festive no-bake protein balls flavored like birthday cake, packed with vanilla protein and colorful sprinkles. A healthy, high-protein snack perfect for on-the-go energy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed)
- 3 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine oat flour, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Slowly add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together like dough.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Can substitute peanut butter or cashew butter for almond butter.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg