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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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Pat says
These are great thank you. Ended up subbing almond butter due to allergies.and omitted the almond extract just to be safe since it has alcohol.
Erin says
Hi Pat, so happy you loved them and made them your own!!
Pat says
Yes my toddler loves them!
Erin says
Hi Pat, so happy to hear that!! 🙂
Hailey says
Hi! If I use almond butter instead of cashew butter, should I leave out the almond extract?
Erin says
Hi Hailey, you need the almond extract – it provides the cake batter taste.
Isabella says
I made these with peanut butter because it was all I had. Still so good. My boyfriend is addicted to them too. Can’t wait to remake them with cashew butter next time!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Isabella, so happy you both loved them! 🙂
Nikki says
These are my fave!! I substitute PS Snacks chocolate chip cookie dough for the cashew butter and they are a decadent, delicious (yet healthy) snack. So good to keep in the fridge!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nikki, so so happy you loved them! 🙂
Becky says
These are a favorite in our house. My daughter has type 1 diabetes and celiac, and the balance of sugar and protein in these is great for her. She doesn’t love nut butter, but the cashew is mild enough that she likes it. I grind up Trader Joe’s gluten-free rolled oats in my VitaMix, and it’s perfect. I also add a splash of Mexican vanilla along with the almond extract. Instead of rolling into balls, I make a double batch, wrap in plastic wrap, squish to about 1/2″ thick, and then freeze for a bit. Then unwrap and cut into little cubes. Thanks, Erin, for a real keeper!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becky, so happy you were able to make these and make them your own so she could enjoy them!! 🙂
Aly says
Easy and delicious!! We use different colored sprinkles for different occasions – we love them and so do our kiddos!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Aly, I am so glad you love them and great idea!!
Heizel says
Can you substitute the cashew butter for WOW butter??
Erin says
Hi Heizel, I haven’t tried that, but feel free to and let me know how they come out!
Alexandria says
These were so delicious!! I saw that someone used protein powder instead of oat flour and I’m going to try that next. These were so perfect, thank you Erin!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alexandria, I am so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
Kristina says
I don’t like leaving negative reviews but I spent over $20 on ingredients I don’t normally keep in the house just for this recipe and I personally did not like the taste at all. It did not taste like cake batter in the least, mostly just a glob of cashew butter with a hint of almond, that’s exactly what you taste. I wanted to love this so bad, but just putting it out there that it may not be exactly as some reviews lead you to believe..that it tastes just like actual cake batter. But you may still like the flavor. I personally didn’t.
★
Erin says
Hi Kristina, I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! We’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you! 🙂