Enjoy these healthy strawberry cheesecake bites made with collagen peptides for a protein-rich, skin-loving treat. Easy, delicious, and perfect for a glow from within!
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I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for new (delicious!) ways to get 30-40 plants per week in my diet. That’s where these healthy strawberry cheesecake bites come into play. Although they sound decadent, these vibrant protein bites are quite good for you, too. Let’s have a look!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Collagen Peptides 101
Many of my nutrition coaching clients use collagen for skin and joint health. Types I and III are for skin health, and type II is for joint health. In one small trial of 87 women, collagen (5 grams) plus vitamin C (80 mg) resulted in improved skin health (skin density, skin roughness, and wrinkles), compared to placebo. (1)
For this recipe (not sponsored), I used Orgain collagen peptides, which I like because they are completely tasteless and provide 5 grams of grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen peptides (bovine, type 1 and 3) per serving. Orgain is gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy—and soy-free. If you have another favorite collagen peptide powder, feel free to use that instead.
Note: Each strawberry cheesecake bite contains 2.5 grams of collagen. If you want 5 grams per bite, double the amount of collagen powder in the recipe.
Orgain Collagen Peptides
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
- Combine the oats, cashews, collagen, coconut, and salt in a food processor bowl. Process to a coarse powder consistency.
- Add the fresh strawberries, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and process until well-combined.
- Add 3/4 cup of the freeze-dried strawberries and process.
- Crush the remaining freeze-dried strawberries with a rolling pin.
- Shape the dough into 14 balls. Roll in the crushed strawberries to coat.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Find the measurements and full instructions in the recipe card!
Jump to Recipe
Nutrition Notes
- Oats and strawberries are a great source of dietary fiber for gut health, blood sugar control, and weight management. And, raw oats provide resistant starch for a healthy gut microbiome.
- These strawberry energy bites get a boost of protein from the collagen powder and cashews.
- Other essential vitamins and minerals include vitamin C, magnesium, and healthy fats.
- Strawberry energy bites are gluten-free, and MIND diet and Dash diet friendly.
- If you prefer a vegan version, swap the collagen peptides with your favorite plant-based protein.
- See the recipe card for full nutrition details.
Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup gluten free oats, or regular.
- 3/4 cup cashew nuts, raw, unsalted
- 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup collagen powder, ~ 30 grams; or more-see recipe notes.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the oats, cashew nuts, coconut, collagen, and salt to a food processor bowl. Process about 30 seconds or until powder consistency.
- Add the chopped strawberries, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process another 30 seconds or until mixture resembles a thick dough.
- Add 3/4 cup of the freeze dried strawberries and process until just combined. The mixture will be sticky.
- Lay parchment paper on a tray. Moisten your hands with water to prevent the dough from sticking to them. Shape the dough into ~ 14 energy bites.
- Place the remaining 1 cup of freeze dried strawberries on a sheet of parchment paper. Top with another sheet and use a rolling pin to crush into a powder.
- Roll the energy bites in the strawberry powder to coat. Place back on parchment paper and put in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to harden.
- Keep in the freezer, in an airtight container for up to one month.
Notes
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use almonds, pecans, walnuts, or other nuts instead of cashew nuts.
- No collagen powder? Use unsweetened protein powder instead.
- Use honey in place of the maple syrup.
- Swap the fresh and freeze-dried strawberries with fresh and freeze-dried blueberries or raspberries.
- These strawberry cheesecake bites would be extra dreamy with mini chocolate chips stirred into the dough! Other good add-ins are chia, hemp, flaxseeds, and cacao nibs.
Want more collagen?
Some studies on collagen for skin health use 5 grams. If you want that amount for each strawberry cheesecake bite, double the amount of collagen in the full recipe, from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup.Nutrition
More Energy Bite Recipes
I love, love, LOVE homemade energy bites when I’m craving a healthy treat. Here are a few more recipes from The Spicy RD website I think you’ll love!
Let’s Chat! Are you a fan of energy bites? What about collagen powder for your skin or joints? If you use it, has it helped? Any questions about making these strawberry cheesecake bites? Leave a comment or question!
Did you make this recipe?
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