Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a healthy, snackable form!
Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bites are perfect for a quick energy boost, making them great for pre or post-workout fuel or a sweet treat any time of day.
Why Make This Recipe
These energy bites combine the goodness of carrots, nuts, and oats, providing a delicious and nutritious snack option. They’re naturally sweetened with dates, making them a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking!
How To Make Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw carrots, shredded
- 10 medjool dates
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Sprinkle of sea salt
- Optional: shredded coconut to cover
- Optional: plain Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter (to serve)
.3-Step Directions:
Chill & Serve: Arrange the energy bites on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside Greek yogurt or peanut butter. Store extras in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.
Prepare Ingredients: Wash, peel, and shred the carrots using a food processor, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Halve and pit the dates, then add them to the food processor with pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt. Process until the nuts are finely chopped and the mixture begins to stick together.
Combine & Form: Add the processed nut-date mixture to the bowl with the shredded carrots. Mix in rolled oats and chia seeds, stirring until evenly combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water. Roll into tablespoon-sized balls, and optionally coat with shredded coconut.
Prep Time And Nutrition Facts
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to set in the freezer, making a total of 40 minutes. It serves 12 people, and each serving has approximately 150 calories, with 3g of protein and 5g of fat.
How To Serve Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Carrot Cake Energy Bites can be enjoyed as a quick snack on their own or paired with plain Greek yogurt for a creamier treat. You can also dip them in creamy peanut butter for an extra indulgent flavor.
How To Store Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you need a quick snack!
Tips To Make Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- Feel free to customize the nuts based on your preference; almonds or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.
- Add a dash of nutmeg for an extra flavor kick.
- If you don’t have medjool dates, you can substitute with other dried fruits like figs or raisins, although you may need to adjust the quantity based on sweetness.
Health And Benefits Of This Recipe
Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a nutritious option, filled with healthy fats from nuts and fiber from oats and carrots. The chia seeds provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, while the dates offer natural sweetness without refined sugars. This recipe is packed with vitamins, including vitamin A from carrots, making it a balanced snack that helps keep you energized and satisfied.
Variation
You can experiment by adding a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost, or mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist!
FAQs
How long do these energy bites last?
- They can last up to a week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I use other nuts?
- Yes! Feel free to use any nuts you have on hand, such as almonds or cashews.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients.
What can I substitute for chia seeds?
- You can use flaxseeds or omit them if you don’t have any on hand.
Can I add sweeteners?
- You can add a little maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter taste, but it’s not necessary since the dates are sweet.
Are these gluten-free?
- Yes! They are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rolled oats.
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They are perfect for prepping in advance and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenient snacking.
Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Wash, peel, and shred the carrots using a food processor, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Halve and pit the dates, then add them to the food processor with pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt. Process until the nuts are finely chopped and the mixture begins to stick together.
- Add the processed nut-date mixture to the bowl with the shredded carrots.
- Mix in rolled oats and chia seeds, stirring until evenly combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water.
- Roll into tablespoon-sized balls, and optionally coat with shredded coconut.
- Arrange the energy bites on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside Greek yogurt or peanut butter.
