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These carrot cake energy balls are an easy, no bake recipe made for spring! Made with fresh carrots, natural sweeteners, and delicious warming spices, they have all the flavors of carrot cake. It’s the healthy, protein-filled version of your favorite Easter dessert.
Need more Easter recipes with carrots? Try these crispy carrot fries, carrot cake overnight oats, or cinnamon streusel paleo carrot muffins.
Naturally Sweet, Naturally Delicious
As a mom of littles, I’m always on the lookout for an easy snack I know the kids will love made with ingredients I can feel good about feeding them. Look at the nutrition label for any sweet snacks these days and the first thing you’ll see will be a long list of added sugars.
With just a few easy steps and a handful of quality ingredients, you can feel much better about a delicious treat made with natural sweeteners that makes the perfect snack or easy breakfast.
The next time you have a carrot cake craving, reach for these little gems. Even though these aren’t exactly the same as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, they have the added benefits of protein, fiber, good fats, anti-oxidants, and vitamins! And the best part is, there’s no baking required!
Not a fan of carrot cake flavor, but want to try more healthy, bite-sized treats? Try PB&J protein balls, snickerdoodle protein balls, or oatmeal chocolate chip protein balls next time!
Why We Love These Delicious Carrot Cake Bites
- Made with fresh carrots that are a great source of vitamin A, biotin, and potassium
- Filled with healthy fats, protein, and fiber
- Natural sweetness from dates that are high in antioxidants and fiber
- Filled with wholesome ingredients
- Great way to offer healthy snacks to kids
- Dairy-free and refined sugar-free
How to Make Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Here are the basic steps, with images, for this carrot energy balls recipe. Skip down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.
Soak the Dates
Soak the dates in hot water for 5 minutes.
Success tip: I’ve also tested this by placing the water and dates together in the microwave on high for 2 minutes. Both options work.
Blend the Ingredients
Drain and transfer the dates to a food processor or high-speed blender with the rest of the ingredients. Pulse until combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Roll the Balls in Coconut and Refrigerate
Roll the carrot cake batter into balls and roll the tops in more coconut. Tansfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, repeating until all of the mixture is gone.
Recipe Variations
- Grab pre-shredded carrots at the grocery store to save yourself time and effort.
- Make them nut-free by using sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter.
- If you are a fan of nuts, add some extra crunch by crushing pecans and rolling the carrot cake bites in them.
- Bring out an even richer, nuttier flavor in the coconut by toasting it.
Freezing and Storing Tips
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Click to pin this recipe.If you make these no bake carrot cake energy bites, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
More No Bake Recipes
- Cake batter protein balls
- Buckeye bites
- Edible cookie dough
- No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
- Monster cookie bites
- Puppy chow without peanut butter
Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Save this Recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon hemp seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until combined. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to firm slightly and then roll into one inch balls.
- Roll in unsweetened coconut and keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
I was wondering if almond flour would work for these. I have no dietary restriction.
I am also wondering what the benefit of using hemp seed?
Thanks