These 9 ingredients vegan carrot cake energy balls taste just like carrot cake but they are no-bake, raw, and sweetened with dates. You will love how easy these energy bites are to make with simple ingredients.
A delicious, healthy, power-packed homemade snack (dessert). These gluten-free carrot cake bliss balls are so heavenly and get ready in just 15 minutes.
The post contains helpful tips and tricks to make a successful recipe on your first attempt. Please use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end if you want to skip.
Why you will love this recipe
- Flavorful & aromatic– If you love carrot cake, you will definitely love these raw carrot date balls. With warm spices, sweetened with dates this no-bake dessert is simply delicious. It is basically a form of raw carrot cake where sugar and baking are not required.
- Healthy snack bites– These raw carrot energy balls are healthy, low-calorie, and a perfect snack or dessert for sweet cravings. A nutritious snack for kids, even picky eaters won’t find the hidden carrots and grab these without hesitation.
- Easy to make– This is a raw dessert made with whole food ingredients. You need 10-15 minutes to grind everything together and make small bite-size balls.
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly– The best part is you can make these in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. It is also a great recipe to include in meal planning.
What do we mean by healthy
Such no-bake raw bites are packed with carbohydrates, healthy fats, and naturally sweet. That is why known as an energy balls, bliss balls, or energy bites. They give you instant energy to quickly start the day. You can read the health benefits of dates.
Being in low calories these healthy bites are a great way to consume for sweet cravings or midday snacks or after meal dessert. If you follow a macro-friendly diet then all ingredients fit in the macros and are safe to consume.
For other dietary restrictions check the variations section to find out how to make them nut-free, low-fat, or protein-packed. You can check protein energy balls.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Please check the recipe card for the full ingredient list and measurements
- Dates– To make such no-bake desserts you need soft and moist dates and Medjool dates are the one. In case Medjool dates are unavailable then do soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes before use. Drain and then use in the recipe. This will add extra moisture which will help in binding other ingredients together. Dates are naturally sweetened and help in making refined sugar-free desserts.
- Nut– I use walnuts here, but any other nuts like almond, cashew, and pecan will also work. Feel free to use any of them if required.
- Spices– Cinnamon and nutmeg are used to have warmth and aroma. Salt is also added to balance the sweetness.
- Desiccated coconut– Coconut and date is an awesome combination. I use unsweetened fine or medium dried coconut also known as desiccated coconut.
- Carrot– Shredded carrots are used to make these vegan plant-based carrot cake balls. I grated the fresh carrots to use in the recipe.
Variations
- Rolled oats are a great option in place of desiccated coconut to make these energy balls low in fat content. While making low-fat energy bites you can use any crushed nuts or seeds to roll. Make sure to use gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free. Almond flour is another option.
- Almonds, cashews, pistachio, macadamia nuts, or pecan are other nuts to use in the recipe.
- Nut-free– For nut-free energy balls, you can use any seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Add protein– Adding 1 scoop of whey, isolate, or any vegan protein powder, you can make carrot cake protein balls.
- Chocolate chips and cocoa powder is another option to make chocolate carrot cake energy balls.
- If you like to make energy balls without dates, then use honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Raisins will also work for sweetness and binding the ingredients.
How To Make Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Making carrot cake energy bites are very easy and need just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Prepare dates
At first, clean and wash the Medjool dates, remove the seed. If using different dates and texture is not soft enough then soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain the water and then use it further.
Process & make bites
Transfer all the ingredients to the food processor and grind till dough-like consistency (pic 1-2). Do not over grind as walnuts start releasing oil.
Take 1 -1.5 tbsp mixture at one time and make small bit size balls. I used a 1.5 tbsp ice cream scoop here for uniform size energy balls.
Roll them in dry coconut further, this is optional but it definitely tastes great.
Serve & store
Raw carrot cake bliss balls are ready, serve immediately or store for later use.
Tips & FAQ’s
- These no-bake carrot cake bites are easy, just make sure not to over-grind the mixture. When over-processed, nuts start releasing oil and the mixture becomes too oily.
- Rolling in extra coconut is optional.
- Instead of rolling the mixture into a ball shape, you can make bars as well. Flatten the mixture into a cookie sheet and keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Afterwards cut them into a bar and enjoy carrot cake energy bars instead of energy balls.
You can easily freeze the energy balls in the freezer. Use a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bags and store them for up to 3-4 months. Keep them outside for an hour before consuming or try your luck on eating straight away.
Homemade, no-bake, raw date energy balls are kids friendly and share with them without any trouble.
Make sure the mixture is very smooth and second customize the recipe as per requirement.
How To Eat
Serve them as a dessert after meals, enjoy as a mid-day snack, pack in kids lunch boxes, carry them on camping site, you can enjoy this small snack in many ways.
How To Store
Since we use raw shredded carrots, transfer any leftovers in glass containers and store them in the fridge. Keep them at the kitchen counter for 2-3 hours before consumption.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
If you like this light and healthy snack then do check a few more from the blog.
More Energy Bites Recipes
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment and a star rating. Don’t forget to tag #fitmealideas20 on Instagram or @fitmealideas on Pinterest!
No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates If dates are dry, then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup walnuts approx 60gram
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut approx 45 gram
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder optional
- 1/2 tsp salt normal salt also goes well
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
For rolling bliss balls
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut optional but recommended
Instructions
- Clean, wash the Medjool dates, and remove the seed. If dates are dry then soak in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain the water and use.
- Transfer all the ingredients to the food processor and grind till dough-like consistency. Take 1 -1.5 tbsp mixture at one time and make small bit size balls. Roll them in dry coconut further
- Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-grind the mixture. When over-processed, nuts start releasing oil and the mixture becomes too oily.
- Rolling in extra coconut is optional but recommended.
- Any variety of oats are a great option in place of desiccated coconut to make these energy balls low in fat content.
- You can add your favourite protein powder to make these healthier and protein-packed.
- If making energy balls without dates, then use honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Raisins will also work for sweetness and binding the ingredients.
