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!
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.
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.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Start by mixing the cashew butter, maple syrup and extracts until they’re nice and smooth.
- 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.
- Add the party. Once you have a nice dough-like consistency, fold in sprinkles.
- 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!
- 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!
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).
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.
Recommended tools
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More birthday cake themed recipes
- Grain Free Birthday Cake Cookies
- Healthy Birthday Cake Bread
- Healthy Birthday Cake
- Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats
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!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup cashew butter (just roasted cashews + salt)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅓ 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
Nutrition
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.
Unfortunately this did not turn out at all for me. It was recommended in the written blog above the recipe to use a food processor (under recommended tools). I did not blend for very long (quick pulses) as I know oils can be released, but omg the whole mixture was soooooo oily anyways. My hands were covered in oil anytime I kneaded it even afterwards adding a lot more almond flour and sprinkles to no improvement. The taste was also not reminiscent of cake at all. I made the mistake of doubling the recipe because I thought it would be a hit. It was a very very expensive experiment, wasting a half jar of cashew butter and over half a jar of natural sprinkles. Would not recommend.
Apologies for the confusion here! Many of our energy bite recipes require a food processor, but this one does not (so the link was misplaced within the post). However, the recipe itself is correct as written, and you’ll just mix the energy bite ingredients in a bowl! Confirming you used cashew butter in here? It has a neutral flavor, and should take on the almond extract, vanilla, and maple flavors well.
Absolutely delicious. My fussy 11 year old (and the rest of the family!) love them. Have remade them 3 times! Thanks so much
So happy to hear that!
Omg – these are so good!! My best advice is to make two batches because these will not last! My 5 year old picky eater ate 3 of these in one setting! Next time, I definitely want to add in the protein powder.
Absolutely! Glad your little one loved them 🙂
We love these!! They never last more than a day in our house. Last batch we made with Sun butter and they were so good!
So happy to hear that!
I love having these as dessert, yum!! Love the healthier ingredients too 🙂
The best!!
Wow these are so good. The glowing reviews convinced me to make them but I have to admit I wasn’t expecting crave worthy good, just “good for a healthy snack” good. But no…these are so yummy!! The texture reminds me of cookie dough. I love them so much and will absolutely make again!
So happy you gave them a try!
I can’t wait to make these! Can I sub honey for pure maple syrup? I don’t have any syrup on hand .
They’ll likely have a stronger honey flavor but it will work!
These are so good!! I def had to double the recipe because I had 3 in one sitting 🤣
So glad you loved them!
Thank you, Monique, for sharing this wonderful recipe! Wow, these birthday cake energy bites are absolutely fantastic! They taste just like cake batter and are made with nutritious ingredients. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or treat. Highly recommended!
YUM! I am so glad you found this recipe and are loving these energy bites, Julian 🙂
These Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Bites from Ambitious Kitchen are a heavenly treat with the perfect blend of birthday cake and cookie dough flavors. Moniqu’s recipe is easy to follow, resulting in delicious and guilt-free indulgence.
aw thank you so much, I am glad these are a hit!
Another delicious recipe from AK! These are so yummy and easy to make. Will make these again and again and have them stocked in the freezer. I also made the salted date bites and chia banana. All amazing snacks!
Yay! I am so glad you are loving these, simply the perfect snacks and good for you too!
These look amazing. Have you ever put protein powder in? Just wondering if I should omit something else to add this or add a little more of a wet ingredient to help it stick?
Very tasty and super kid friendly. My 3 year old was VERY excited about these!
Nice!! So glad you both loved them!
My kids love these (sprinkles anyone?!?. I typically throw in a handful or two do freeze dried strawberries, as well. So yum!
Okay wow these are so easy to make and so delicious. Made the recipe exactly as is and these will not disappoint!
OMG, the cake was so yummy 🙂 All my friends loved it.
Thanks for sharing this recipe MONIQUE.
Made these today and told my 3 year they’re cake pops. 🙂
Really easy and adaptable recipe for no bake energy balls. All the family love them and really helps when you want to reach for a sweet treat and you have the balls made so quickly to hand!
Would you think coconut flour or oat flour would work? I have a suspect almond sensitivity…
I haven’t tried these with any other flours, sorry to say!
I love switching up energy balls for my kids and this one was truly loved because they were convinced it was a treat while I felt good about what I was putting in their bodies.
Love that! Such a great snack 🙂
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 These taste so much like cookie dough! Going to try and not eat the whole batch in one sitting! I added some shredded coconut on hand and chia seeds for a little crunch bc I didn’t have sprinkles. So so good. Thank you!
Such a great treat or snack!!
Great energy balls!!! I loved them and the unique flavor. I wonder if I roll them in Cocoa Nibs would that be delicious!? I think so!! I will lessen the Almond Extract just a smidge next time for my own personal preference. This recipe is EXCELLENT!! Keep the energy ball recipes coming Monique…once you are more settled in as a family of 4! Congratulations!
So glad you loved these ones! Let me know how it goes with the cocoa nibs 🙂
Such a treat. Made these, then made them again 2 days later. Can’t stop grabbing them from the freezer! My toddler likes them too!
Love it! Perfect treat 🙂
So delicious! Made these with ground flaxseed and they came out awesome. I also love that I can make them without needing a food processor so it’s quiet to make during nap time. My kids, even my picky eater, devoured these. Thanks for another great recipe!
Absolutely! Easy and delicious 🙂
Curious if I can use something other than cashew butter as two of my kids are allergic…
Sure! Try tahini or almond butter 🙂
help! I can’t stop eating these
Haha such a great snack or treat!
Half my family loves these. I appreciate the funfetti flavor with healthier ingredients and it’s just the right size for a small treat after dinner.
Love it! Perfect treat.
OMG these are dangerously good. I just made them for the first time and am glad I decided to double the recipe!
So glad you loved them!
This has become a staple in our house (along with the peanut butter chocolate bars which I will comment on separately)! I make at least a batch a week of both. Highly recommend! My daughter is a swimmer and always hungry so these types of snacks are so handy and healthy!
S happy to hear that! Such a great snack or treat 🙂
AMAZING. Wonderful taste, easy to make, and the perfect afternoon sweet treat that is clean!
Absolutely! Glad you loved them!
These are so good! I wanted to add the collagen for a little extra protein boost but forgot. Next time!
Great idea! Let me know how it goes 🙂
These look delicious! Is there a possible substitute for the almond flour? I cannot tolerate almonds. Thank you!
I haven’t tried it any other way than as written. You could try a little coconut flour instead, but definitely not as much.
These were delicious and fun to make! I subbed almond butter for cashew because that’s what I had on hand. My 2 year old son loved “helping” me make them, but let’s be real— he basically ate sprinkles out of the bowl the whole time.
Perfect! So glad you both enjoyed 🙂
Made these for my 11 and 5 year old – absolutely delicious after lunch treat!
The best! Glad they loved them!
Received this recipe in my inbox, made it immediately. I added collagen powder on your recommendation. They are DELISH. Perfect little work-from-home treat!
Perfect! So glad you loved them!