I love quick and nutritious snacks that are both delicious and easy to make, and these Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites are the perfect example. They offer a naturally sweet, protein-packed boost that satisfies cravings while keeping you energized throughout the day. Whether you need a pre-workout snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy dessert alternative, these bites are a fantastic option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites combine freeze-dried strawberries, oats, and vanilla protein powder for a soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The honey and almond butter help bind everything together while adding a rich, nutty flavor. Plus, they require no baking, making them an effortless, mess-free treat.
These bites are perfect for:
✔ Meal Prep – Make a batch and store them for the week.
✔ On-the-Go Snacks – Pack them in your bag for a quick, nutritious energy boost.
✔ Kid-Friendly Treats – A fun and healthy alternative to store-bought sweets.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The freeze-dried strawberries provide an intense strawberry flavor, giving these bites their signature shortcake taste. Combined with creamy almond butter and vanilla extract, each bite is packed with a deliciously smooth and slightly crunchy texture. The pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making these protein bites truly irresistible.
With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, these Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites are the ideal snack to keep on hand for busy days. They’re nutritious, satisfying, and naturally sweet—without any processed sugars. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a healthier snack alternative, these bites are guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites
To create these delicious Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that blend together perfectly for a naturally sweet and satisfying snack.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (1 cup) – These provide an intense strawberry flavor and a slight crunch, mimicking the taste of classic shortcake.
- Rolled Oats (1 cup) – Adds texture, fiber, and a hearty base to the protein bites.
- Vanilla Protein Powder (1 cup) – Enhances the nutritional value while giving a smooth vanilla shortcake-like taste.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (2 tbsp) – A natural sweetener that also helps bind the mixture together.
- Almond Butter (2 tbsp) – Provides healthy fats, a creamy texture, and a slightly nutty taste.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the dessert-like flavor of the bites.
- Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Water (1-2 tbsp, if needed) – Helps the mixture stick together if it’s too dry.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites
Making these protein bites is incredibly easy and requires no baking! Follow these simple steps to create a quick and nutritious snack.
Step 1: Crush the Freeze-Dried Strawberries
In a food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they are finely chopped. This will help distribute their flavor evenly throughout the bites.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the food processor. Pulse everything together until the mixture starts to come together.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency
If the mixture seems too dry and isn’t binding well, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and pulse again. The texture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 4: Shape the Protein Bites
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Transfer the protein bites to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and enhances the flavors.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once chilled, the Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw for a few minutes before eating.
- On-the-Go: Pack them in a sealed container for a travel-friendly snack.
How Long to Make Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites
One of the best things about these Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites is that they require no baking, making them an incredibly fast and easy snack to prepare. Here’s a general timeline for making them:
- Prepping Ingredients – About 5 minutes to measure and gather everything.
- Processing the Mixture – 3-5 minutes to pulse everything in the food processor.
- Rolling into Bites – 5 minutes to shape them into bite-sized balls.
- Chilling Time – 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the best texture.
The total active prep time is just 10 minutes, making this one of the easiest and quickest healthy snacks to make!
How to Store Leftovers
These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator – Store them in an airtight container for up to one week. The chilling process helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out.
- Freezer – If you want to keep them for longer, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
- Room Temperature (Short-Term) – If taking them on the go, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best to keep them chilled when possible.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites
Want to ensure your protein bites turn out perfect every time? Follow these simple tips:
- Use High-Quality Freeze-Dried Strawberries – They should be fully dried and not chewy. This ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed – If the mixture is too dry, add water (1 tbsp at a time) until it sticks together. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra rolled oats or protein powder.
- Experiment with Add-Ins – Want more texture? Roll them in shredded coconut or crushed nuts for an extra crunch. You can also add a handful of chia seeds or flaxseeds for more fiber.
- Make Them Extra Sweet – If you prefer a sweeter snack, add an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
- Double the Batch for Meal Prep – These store well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later!
These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites are a quick, nutritious, and satisfying snack that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you need a post-workout energy boost or a healthy alternative to sugary treats, these bites are a must-try!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites – A Sweet and Healthy Snack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites are packed with protein, natural sweetness, and a deliciously chewy texture. Made with freeze-dried strawberries, oats, and vanilla protein powder, they are the perfect snack for busy days, workouts, or a healthy treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tbsp water (if needed to help combine)
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until finely chopped.
- Add the oats, vanilla protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the processor. Pulse until the mixture begins to come together.
- If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp of water, pulsing again until the dough sticks together.
- Scoop out small portions and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill the bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, roll the bites in shredded coconut or crushed nuts before chilling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites
1. Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried Strawberries?
No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture, which will make the mixture too wet and sticky. Freeze-dried strawberries provide the best texture and an intense strawberry flavor without making the bites soggy.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Almond Butter?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almond butter with:
- Peanut Butter – Adds a rich, nutty taste.
- Cashew Butter – A slightly sweeter and creamier option.
- Sunflower Seed Butter – A great nut-free alternative.
3. How Can I Make These Protein Bites Vegan?
To make these Strawberry Shortcake Protein Bites vegan, replace:
- Honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a plant-based sweetener.
- Whey Protein Powder with a plant-based vanilla protein powder for the same protein boost.
4. Can I Make These Bites Without a Food Processor?
Yes! If you don’t have a food processor, follow these steps:
- Crush the freeze-dried strawberries in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well until combined.
- Use your hands to press and shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
This method takes a little longer, but the result is just as delicious!