These lemon cheesecake protein balls are my go-to snack whenever I am looking for an instant boost of energy or even when I just want to treat myself and my loved ones with a sweet and zesty dessert made healthy.
There’s just something about lemon and cheesecake that unconsciously pulls my lips into a smile whenever I treat myself to a creamy sour-sweet bite.
Tangy and delicious, these protein balls have a delightful combination of lemon and cream cheese that will wake up all your sleeping taste buds.
They are easy to make and ready in no time and are packed with protein and fiber. I’m a sucker for the creamy and sweet taste of the lemon cheesecake protein balls, and I think they make the perfect bite-sized dessert.
What I love about lemon cheesecake protein balls
- Easy to prepare
- No-bake
- Only 5 ingredients
- Low calories
- High-protein
- High-fiber
So, let’s try it!
Ingredients used to make this
**I’ve linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Cream Cheese – I’ve tried using both dairy and vegan cream cheese made from almond milk, and both turn out delicious.
- Protein Powder – You can use any protein powder for this, but keep in mind that whey protein tends to produce slightly gummier results. I used a vanilla plant-based protein powder.
- Coconut Flour – Packed with fiber and nutrients, you can’t forget about this gluten-free, wheat free and grain-free ingredient. Coconut flour is great for those allergic to gluten and wanting a low-carb option. While it’s called coco-nut it’s actually nut-free because this flour is made from coconut flesh (which is a fruit, not a nut) that’s been dried and then grind into small flour particles. Coconut flour feels and looks similar to grain flour, and also it has a very mild taste. Here is a brand of coconut flour I like to use.
- Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest – sweet, sour and bright, lemon juice / zest is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, with health benefits that range from healthy skin, better digestion, to a healthier immune system. While fresh lemon juice and fresh lemon zest is best. You’re welcome to use bottled lemon juice or dedhyrated lemon zest in this recipe.
For the Deco
- Melted white chocolate chips – I used regular white chocolate chips, but you can also use white candy melts or almond bark. I also like using this stevia sweetened brand since it’s lower-carb/lower sugar diet-friendly
How to Make
Lemon Cheesecake Protein Balls
STEP 1
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
STEP 2
Roll the batter into tablespoon-sized balls, refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Note: I find that it’s best to use my hands to mix the dough because it takes some kneading and pressing to get the dough to come together. Coat with melted white chocolate, sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
- If you don’t have lemon juice / lemon zest, any other citrus juices and zest will work fine, too! Try key lime, grapefruit, tangerine or even blood orange!
- Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn’t feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as lemon extract or raspberry extract
- Try adding matcha for a lemony matcha protein ball version!
How to Make this Healthier
- Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
How to Store
- Store these protein balls covered in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Final Tips
- Coconut flour and protein powders are all very different depending on brands, so if you find that the dough is too soft, add more coconut flour; if the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon or more of water, honey or liquid sweetener of choice.
More Energy Bite Recipes
Lemon Cheesecake Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vanilla protein powder*
- 2 Tbsp coconut flour
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese** about 1 oz
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Deco (optional)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. Add more coconut flour if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of water, or lemon juice if the dough is too thick***
- Roll the batter into tablespoon sized balls, refrigerate for 15 minutes to set
- Optional: melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second bursts until melted, stirring in between. Dip the protein balls into the chocolate and then set them on a clean parchment paper until the chocolate is set.
Notes
**You can use low fat or vegan (almond milk) cream cheese
***I find that it’s best to use my hands to mix the dough because it takes some kneading and pressing to get the dough to come together.
Nutrition
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