Simple, yet delicious Carrot Cake Energy Bites taste just like a slice of carrot cake! These no-bake healthy snacks are made with nuts, vanilla, dates, shredded carrot, spices, and shredded coconut. Completely vegan & gluten-free for the perfect grab-and-go treat!
Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a healthy snack that tastes like a mix between carrot cake and a soft, doughy cookie. These flavorful, easy-to-make balls are loaded with nuts, sweet & chewy dates, carrots, warm cinnamon & ginger and get rolled in unsweetened shredded coconut. They stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge or store them in the freezer for the perfect on-the-go snack or treat!
Looking to change up the flavor? Try our Cookies & Cream Energy Bites!
Why you should make this recipe
- Healthy: Made with simple, clean ingredients and when compared to other snacks and store-bought energy bars, these are much more nutritious.
- Easy: All you need is a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes to make these energy balls!
- Delicious: They are incredibly tasty and make for an irresistible snack or dessert. You could even enjoy a couple of these for a quick breakfast!
Ingredients needed
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this carrot cake energy bites recipe tastes wonderful with plenty of crunchy, yet doughy texture. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- Nuts: Use raw cashews, walnuts, or almonds as the base of these bites.
- Flavorings: A mix of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger bring out the warm, cozy flavors of classic carrot cake.
- Dates: Naturally sweetens the bites and helps all of the ingredients bind together. We recommend Medjool dates, as they have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture.
- Carrot: These wouldn’t be carrot cake bites without the carrot!
- Coconut: Mix unsweetened shredded coconut with the other ingredients and also roll the balls to coat. It gives these a lovely buttery, nutty flavor and adds texture.
How to make this recipe
These energy balls are quick & easy to make and also happen to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan! All you need is a food processor! Here’s the simple method:
- Combine nuts with coconut and spices: In a food processor, place the cashews (or whatever nuts you are using), shredded coconut, ginger, and cinnamon. Process until you get a coarse powder-like mixture.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Next, add the shredded carrots, vanilla, and dates. Process until you get a crumbly and sticky texture that’s good enough to roll into balls.
- Roll into balls: Using a scoop or spoon, scoop a tablespoon size amount and roll it into balls using your hands. Continue to form all of the dough into balls.
- Coat in shredded coconut: Roll each ball over shredded coconut until they are coated and transfer onto a flat surface like a pan or plate, and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. Once they are set they are ready to serve and store.
Expert Tips
- If they are not already pitted, you will need to pit your dates before blending them with the other ingredients.
- When processing the ingredients, do not over-process or the mixture will get too greasy.
- To ensure the mixture is processed enough to roll when pressed it should be sticky and able to form to the touch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe for energy bites has a good balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, and it’s high in fiber. Each bite is satisfying and around 150 calories. These are great to make ahead and portable, so they are a healthy snack to easily grab on the go.
Energy balls or energy bites get their name because they are made with nutrient-rich ingredients that are satiating and provide us with a quick burst of energy.
These carrot cake energy balls have about 150 calories each. Enjoy one or two for a healthy snack.
Storage recommendations
To store, place the balls into a container with a lid and store them in the fridge for up to one week.
You can also freeze these in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. If frozen, we recommend letting them soften up for about 5-10 minutes in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
More energy ball recipes
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In a food processor, place the cashews (or whatever nuts you are using), shredded coconut, ginger, and cinnamon. Process until you get a coarse powder-like mixture.
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Next, add the shredded carrots, vanilla, and dates. Process until you get a crumbly and sticky texture that’s good enough to roll into balls. Do not over process or it will get too greasy.
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With your finger, you can press down on the mixture to see if it’s sticky and forming to your touch. If so, they are perfect and ready to roll.
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Using a scoop or spoon, scoop a tablespoon size amount and roll it into balls using your hands. Repeat this until all the dough is formed into balls.
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Roll each ball over shredded coconut until they are coated and transfer onto a flat surface like a pan or plate and place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. Once they are set they are ready to serve and store.
To store, place the balls into a container with a lid and store them in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If frozen, let them soften at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying.
Serving: 1ballCalories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 942IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
