Recipe

Digestive-Friendly Delights: Gluten-Free Cake Balls

Published on Friday, January 09, 2026
by Taylor Janulewicz

Health & Wellness

Gluten-Free & GERD-Friendly Cake Balls: A Sweet Treat Without the Burn

It can feel discouraging when you’re diagnosed with GERD and suddenly have to change your diet and lifestyle just to find some relief. Those quick stops for your favorite sweet treat on the way home may seem off-limits, especially when a delicious cake pop turns into a full-on GERD flare-up the moment it hits your stomach.

But don’t worry, there’s no need to give up treats entirely. We’re sharing an easy cake pop–style recipe that’s not only delicious, but also low-acid and gentle on digestion. It even doubles as a great post-workout snack, thanks to the added protein in each bite.

Instead of using traditional sticks, these cake pops are made as bite-sized cake balls, making them easier to pack for work, enjoy on the go, or grab during a quick errand, without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Why Desserts Can Be Tricky

Desserts can be especially challenging for people with GERD because many traditional sweets are high in fat. High-fat foods can stimulate the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that connects the esophagus to the stomach —causing it to relax and allowing stomach acid to rise, leading to discomfort. While some people may tolerate small portions of higher-fat desserts, this isn’t true for everyone, since everybody responds differently.

If you need to closely monitor fat intake, this recipe lets you still enjoy a sweet treat without worry. In this recipe, we swap traditional frosting, which is typically high in fat, for low-fat plain yogurt to act as the binding agent. We also skip baking altogether, which helps reduce the overall fat content often needed in traditional cakes, and crumble them into cake bites.

Additionally, we were mindful of avoiding other common GERD irritants, specifically milk and dark chocolate. Chocolate is a well-known trigger for acid reflux, so leaving it out makes these cake bites gentler on digestion while still satisfying.

Conclusion

Living with GERD doesn’t mean you have to give up enjoying desserts; it simply means being a little more mindful about ingredients and preparation. These gluten-free, GERD-friendly cake balls prove that with a few thoughtful swaps, it’s possible to enjoy a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and gentle on digestion. By keeping fat levels moderate, avoiding common triggers like chocolate, and using low-fat yogurt as a binder, this recipe offers a comforting option without the burn. Whether you enjoy them as a post-workout snack or a convenient on-the-go treat, these cake balls make managing GERD feel a little sweeter and a lot more doable.

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

1 ½ cup almond flour
3 tablespoons fat-free plain yogurt
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 scoop protein powder
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons sprinkles

Instructions

Combine the almond flour, protein powder, maple syrup, and yogurt in a bowl and mix until fully blended.
Using a melon baller, scoop the mixture into cake balls (about 9 total, depending on the size of the scoop). Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Dip each cake ball into the melted chocolate, then place it on a parchment-lined plate. Add sprinkles on top if desired. Repeat until all balls are coated.
Place the cake balls in the freezer until the chocolate has completely set.
Enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 5 servings

Servings Per Recipe: 5

Amount Per Serving Calories 276 % Daily Value* Total Fat 14.0g 21% Saturated Fat 4.8g 24% Trans Fat 0.0g Sodium 77.0mg 3% Total Carbohydrate 26.5g 8% Dietary Fiber 1.1g 4% Sugars 23.0g Protein 9.8g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.