Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Bites

I know what you’re thinking: did she really just make my dreams come true? YES, YES I DID.

These 6-ingredient birthday cake energy bites are full of nutritious ingredients like cashew butter, flaxseed meal, and almond flour and are naturally sweetened with just a touch of pure maple syrup. They’re the perfect no bake snack that’s both protein-filled and sweet enough that you feel like you’re enjoying a treat. Keep them in the freezer for the ultimate birthday cake-inspired snack!

no bake birthday cake energy bites on parchment paper

Ingredients in birthday cake energy bites

These incredible no bake birthday cake energy bites are made with just 6 simple, nutritious ingredients but are filled with that nostalgic cake batter flavor you know and love. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

  • Cashew butter: I like using and all natural, creamy cashew butter in these energy bites because it’s a very subtle nut butter. You can feel free to use a different all natural nut butter but note that these will taste like that nut butter. Almond butter is a good substitute.
  • Maple syrup: we’re naturally sweetening these cake batter energy bites with a bit of pure maple syrup.
  • Vanilla & almond extract: the combo of vanilla extract and almond extract gives the energy bites that birthday cake flavor!
  • Almond flour: you’ll need a bit of blanched, fine almond flour to hold these energy bites together and keep them gluten free. No subs!
  • Flaxseed meal: we’re adding some flaxseed meal to further hold them together and add a boost of omega-3’s, fiber and protein. I haven’t tested any substitutes and love that the flaxseed adds nutrition, so sub at your own risk.
  • Sprinkles: for that true birthday cake flair! I like these all natural sprinkles, but this brand makes really fun, all natural ones, too.

dough for birthday cake energy bites in a bowl

How to make healthy birthday cake energy bites

These vegan birthday cake energy balls are incredibly easy to make for the perfect snack or quick treat.

  1. Mix the wet ingredients. Start by mixing the cashew butter, maple syrup and extracts until they’re nice and smooth.
  2. Add the dry ingredients. Mix in the almond flour and flaxseed meal until a dough starts to form. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon or two of almond flour or flaxseed meal.
  3. Add the party. Once you have a nice dough-like consistency, fold in sprinkles.
  4. Shape the energy bites. Use a medium cookie scoop to grab the dough and roll it into about 8 balls. I like to roll them in extra sprinkles, too! 
  5. Freeze & enjoy. Lastly, place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then enjoy!

rolling healthy cake batter energy balls in a bowl of sprinkles

Customize your cake batter energy bites

Feel free to get creative with different add-ins to truly make these energy bites your own! I like to add:

  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds for an additional nutritional boost.
  • 1/3 cup shredded coconut for a coconut birthday cake energy bite.
  • A scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder (I love Vital Proteins collagen peptides).

vegan birthday cake energy balls on parchment paper

How to store birthday cake energy bites

  • To store: these birthday cake energy bites will last for 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • To freeze: feel free to add them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 1 month. I actually love these straight from the freezer, and I’d recommend letting them soften up for about 5-10 minutes in the fridge or at room temp before eating them.

healthy birthday cake energy bites in a bowl

Recommended tools

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birthday cake protein ball with a bite taken out

More birthday cake themed recipes

Get even more of my no bake snacks here!

I hope you love these easy birthday cake cookie dough energy bites! If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!

Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Bites

5 from 21 votes

no bake birthday cake energy bites on parchment paper

Prep Time 40 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Serves8 energy bites

No bake birthday cake cookie dough energy bites that taste just like cake batter! These easy, vegan birthday cake energy bites are made with seven simple ingredients, naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and filled with festive sprinkles. The perfect protein-packed snack or treat!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cashew butter (just roasted cashews + salt)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • cup packed fine blanched almond flour
  • ¼ cup flaxseed meal, plus a tablespoon more if needed (I haven’t tested subs)
  • 2 tablespoons sprinkles
  • Extra sprinkles, for rolling

Instructions

  • Add cashew butter, pure maple syrup and vanilla and almond extract to a medium bowl. Mix with a spatula until well combined and smooth.

  • Next add in almond flour and flaxseed meal. Mix well until combined and a dough begins to form. If dough is too wet, add another tablespoon or two of almond flour or flaxseed meal. Lastly, fold in sprinkles.

  • Use a medium cookie scoop to grab dough and then roll into balls. You should get about 8 balls. If desire you can roll each ball into sprinkles. Place energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once they’ve hardened a bit, you can transfer to an airtight container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Balls can be enjoyed straight from the freezer. If they are too hard, let them sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes.

Recipe Notes

To store: keep these energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’re eating them straight from the freezer I’d recommend letting them soften up for about 5-10 minutes in the fridge or at room temp before doing so. I prefer the texture of these when they are stored in the freezer!
See the full post for fun ways to customize these energy bites!

Nutrition

Serving: 1energy biteCalories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 14.5gProtein: 4.9gFat: 11.5gSaturated Fat: 1.9gFiber: 1.4gSugar: 7g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on September 17th, 2020, republished on June 1st, 2022, and republished on September 6th, 2023.