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Looking for a healthy cake batter balls recipe that is completely gluten free, vegan, tastes like cookie dough, and can also be a protein packed dessert? This five ingredient no-bake recipe is perfect for kids and can be made in five minutes or less.
I mean, look at those sprinkles…
These little cookie dough like balls are essentially just healthy truffles on crack. They are perfectly sweet, but only made with natural sugar, which in this case is maple syrup, and are actually packed with protein. You could even add protein powder into them if you wanted to!
They are perfectly chewy, soft, and literally taste like straight up bad-for-you cake batter cookie dough. I’ve shared them with Tom and he literally about lost his mind because they are like eating cake batter in cookie dough form, except this time, it’s healthy.
They remind me of cake pops and the times I used to go to Starbucks as a teenager and always order one of the pops, right alongside my sugary caramel macchiato that I just had to have. Any one else remember just having to have the most sugary drink?!
Except these cake batter balls are a lot better for you, made with real food and wholesome ingredients, and won’t leave you with a sugar rush. Plus it’s an easy low-carb snack if you’re looking for something you can bring to work with you!
After you make them, if you are still in the mood for more cake, try my Healthy Cake Pops that are gluten-free.
What are in these healthy cake batter balls?
- cashew butter
- maple syrup
- almond extract (this gives it that authentic cake batter taste!)
- oat flour
- salt
- sprinkles
How do you make the balls?
To make these easy and healthy cake batter balls, all you need in one medium size bowl to get started.
Measure out your cashew butter and mix it together with the maple syrup and almond extract. Once they are completely combined, add in your oat flour and salt. The mixture will thicken. Add in a few tablespoons of sprinkles and then place in the freezer for thirty minutes, so that the dough is easier to roll into balls.
After it has chilled for a little bit, roll into balls and then roll into more sprinkles if desired! If the sprinkles aren’t sticking, wet your hand slightly and rub it on the outside of the ball before rolling in sprinkles.
What is the best way to store them?
I personally like to keep them in the freezer, where they will last for up to 3 months, but trust me when I say that they definitely won’t last for three months. To eat, just take one out and let it sit at room temperature for five minutes before enjoying.
You can also keep them in the fridge as well! They will last for up to two weeks.
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Healthy Cake Batter Balls
Looking for a healthy cake batter balls recipe that is completely gluten free, vegan, tastes like cookie dough, and can also be a protein packed dessert? This five ingredient no-bake recipe is perfect for kids and can be made in five minutes or less.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashew butter, unsalted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten free if necessary)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- sprinkles for rolling
*also tested with coconut flour and it works well but need to add another 1/2 tsp of almond extract to get cake batter taste.
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together cashew butter, maple syrup, and almond extract.
- Add in oat flour and salt, then mix until all combined.
- Place dough in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll into balls and dip in sprinkles, if desired. If sprinkles aren’t sticking, wet the outside of the balls slightly with hand.
- Store in fridge or freezer! If freezer, defrost a few minutes before eating.
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Cat says
I must have made these at least ten times – They are so easy and soo delicious! I have made them with cashew butter and peanut butter, but my favorite is MaraNatha’s raw vanilla almond butter. (tastes like frosting!) I have used coconut flour, but I think they taste best with oat flour. Sometimes I roll the balls in sprinkles and other times I just put the sprinkles right into the batter before rolling.
Erin says
Hi Cat, I am so happy you loved them so much and made them your own!
Jenna says
I regret ever being an almond extract hater because these completely changed my life! Perfect cake batter taste and a fun thing to prep for days when I have a tight schedule of classes and need a snack to grab. Definitely will be making them again!
Erin says
Hi Jenna, I am so happy these changed your mind about almond extract!
Kelly says
I have made upwards of 20 of Erin’s recipes and these may be the most addicting of the ones I have tried (and all of them have been amazing). I have made these twice in the last week, I cannot get enough. You can barely taste the cashew butter and it really just tastes like cake batter cookie dough. MAKE THESE!!
Erin says
Hi Kelly, thank you so much for all of your support! I am so happy you enjoy my recipes and especially these! 🙂
Rose says
These are so delicious ! You cannot just have one … I could literally eat the whole thing ! Such a great healthy option for a dessert that you dont have to feel guilty about!
Erin says
Hi Rose, thank you so much for sharing! I am thrilled you loved them!
Emma says
I’m currently in my first semester at college, and finding healthy recipes that I can make in a dorm room is HARD. But I’m so glad to find these on your page because they look so good! Quick question- could I use almond flour instead of coconut?
Erin says
Hi Emma, thank you so much for your kind words! I hope school is going okay and yes, you can! I haven’t tried it out with almond flour yet, so just triple check the ratio first. Let me know how they come out and best of luck the rest of the semester!
Mary says
Quick question-nephewnis allergic to
Cashews what can I use instead – any substitutes?
Erin says
Hi Mary, you could use any other type of nut butter if he can have them, or another type of butter. Let me know what you decide to use!
Tahliah says
Could I sub oat flour for skim milk powder?
Erin says
Hi Tahliah, I have’t tried that substitution, but feel free to try it and let me know how it goes!
Liz says
How much almond flour if I were to sub that? I don’t have oat flour and don’t want to venture to a store right now!
Erin says
Hi Liz, it looks like it is a 1:1 ratio. I’d just check the consistency and add a little extra if it is too wet. Let me know how it goes!!
Madison Cantrell says
Addicting. With or without the sprinkles. I finished this batch in about 3 days…. ??
Erin says
Hi Madison! I am thrilled you love them so much!! 🙂
Fatima says
This looks so good! I want to make them since I just bought cashew butter but I don’t have almond extract. Do you think I could substitute it for anything else, or no? Thanks!
Erin says
Vanilla! However, the almond extract gives it that cake batter taste!
Ashley says
So yummy! I’ve made them twice now and am addicted. Thanks for a great and easy recipe for my sweet tooth!
Erin says
Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
Marie says
If you sub cocoa flour for the oat flour, they taste like brownie batter ????!
Marie says
I meant cocoa powder, ha!
Erin says
WOW that sounds amazing!
Natalie says
Just made these and they’re delicious! I made them with coconut flour and an extra 1/2 tsp almond extract as you recommended and they’re soooo good (and really cute). Thank you Erin!!
Erin says
YAY!! That makes me so happy to hear!! Enjoy 🙂
Natalia says
So i dont have oat flour..can i ground some oats to powdery texture ? I asked because you mentioned about a bit different than ground oats as far as E.coli ?
Erin says
Hi Natalia, yes you can always ground up oats to make your own oat flour. Let me know how it goes!!
Stef W. says
HOLY TOLEDO! These are so bomb! I subbed the oat flour for protein powder, just so I could get a little protein in. OMG. Legit tasted like cake batter cookie dough. You’re a genius, Erin!
Erin says
YAY!! I’m so glad you liked them!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
steph says
how much protein did u use???
Allie says
What flavor protein powder did you use?
Ashleigh says
Could I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
Erin says
Most likely yes, may need to adjust the amount.
Lily says
These are incredible!! I couldn’t believe how much they actually taste like cake batter. Will be making on repeat!
Rebecca Sands says
Do you think you could substitute almond butter or peanut butter?
Erin says
I would do almond because peanut butter has a strong flavor!
Caitlin says
I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to eat flour raw—are you concerned about oat flour?
Erin says
No! The E.coli found in flour is different than just ground oats – all safe here:)
Tom says
These are the best! I love the cake pops from Starbucks and these taste just as good. Can’t believe how easy they are to make and good they taste!
Emily says
Do you think you could use agave instead of maple syrup?
Erin says
Yes! For sure. It should work just the same!