I’ve been following the carnivore diet for a while now, and one thing I missed was having a sweet treat after dinner.
That’s why I created these carnivore cake balls. They’re completely carnivore friendly but give you that dessert experience that many people crave when switching to this way of eating.
The secret to these cake balls is using casein protein powder instead of flour. Casein creates a dough like consistency when mixed with heavy cream, and it’s entirely animal-based, keeping it within the carnivore rules.
You’ll be surprised how cake like these little balls taste without any plant ingredients at all.
Making these treats couldn’t be easier. You simply mix the ingredients together until thick, chill the mixture to firm it up, and then roll it into bite-sized balls.
If you want to add more flavor, you can experiment with different spices. The recipe is very flexible that way. I also recommend trying them with the optional carnivore caramel sauce drizzled on top.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Baking Needed: These cake balls don’t require any baking at all. You simply mix the ingredients, chill the mixture, and roll it into balls. No need to turn on the oven, wait for things to bake, or worry about burning anything.
Only Four Main Ingredients: With just heavy whipping cream, casein protein powder, vanilla extract, and optional spices, your shopping list is super short.
You don’t need to hunt down a dozen different ingredients or special flours like many other dessert recipes require.
Rich in Protein: Thanks to the casein protein powder, these cake balls pack a serious protein punch. Each ball contains a good amount of complete animal protein, making them more than just a treat – they’re also supporting your muscle maintenance and growth.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Brings creamy richness that keeps the centers velvety instead of dry.
- Casein Protein Powder (use this powder– amazon)– Packs slow-release protein and gives the balls their firm bite.
- Vanilla Extract – Smooths out flavors with a subtle bakery-sweet note.
- Your Favorite Spices (I recommend Cinnamon) – Introduces a warm aroma that lifts the creamy base.
- Carnivore Caramel Sauce (glaze) – Coats each ball in a glossy, sweet-savory finish.
Free Cookbook
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow my recipe to make the best carnivore cake balls:
Step 1
Combine casein protein powder, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and your favorite spices (optional).
Step 2
Mix together until well combined – it should take about 2 minutes. The mixture will become thick. Place in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
Step 3
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of dough and form into a ball. Repeat for the remaining dough.
💡Tips
1. Freeze, Don’t Refrigerate
Don’t substitute refrigeration here. The freezer sets the mixture much more quickly and creates the perfect consistency for rolling. If you only refrigerate, you’ll end up with a mixture that’s too soft and sticky to work with.
2. Use the Right Protein Powder
Not all protein powders behave the same way in recipes. Make sure you’re using specifically casein protein powder, not whey or plant based options. Casein has unique thickening properties that give these cake balls their special texture.
3. Perfect Your Caramel Drizzle
If you’re using the optional carnivore caramel sauce, make sure it’s the right consistency before drizzling. If it’s too thick, warm it slightly by placing the container in a bowl of warm water for a minute or two.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
Make sure to check out these amazing carnivore recipes:
Carnivore Cake Balls
Print RecipeIngredients
- 5 oz 140g Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2.5 oz 70g Casein Protein Powder (use this powder– amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Your Favorite Spices I used Cinnamon
- Carnivore Caramel Sauce as topping/glaze
Instructions
- Combine casein protein powder, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and your favorite spices (optional).
- Mix together until well combined – it should take about 2 minutes. The mixture will become thick. Place in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of dough and form into a ball. Repeat for the remaining dough.
Perfect
What is casein protein powder? What is glycine powder? What can be substituted for them??
You can use regular protein powder. Regarding glycine- you can omit it.
So easy and delicious. That texture was crazy good. I used lanko monkfruit allulose sweetener and vanilla extract with the casein powder and heavy cream and this is my new favorite dessert!
Can Beef Isolate Protein Powder be used instead of Casein protein powder? I’ve got Chocolate, Vanilla and Salted Caramel flavors I can try!
Casein tends to create a thicker, more gel-like consistency when mixed, while beef isolate is typically smoother. So, it won’t work.
Thanks for that info!
Hi Richard, I never could get my mixture to roll into balls, they just crumbled. I measured everything by weight. I placed it in the freezer from 5 minutes to 15 minutes, I added a tiny bit more heavy cream, didn’t make a difference. What is the consistency supposed to be like after combined but before you place it in the freezer? It reminded me of making a pie crust, very crumbly. I tossed it back in the freezer for now. If nothing else I’ll just use it in my coffee! I used Pumpkin Pie Spice! Thanks for any help.
Hi.
Did you use Casein Protein Powder? The “Casesin” type is super important.