Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of carrot cake in a wholesome, no-bake bite. These spiced carrot and walnut bites work well as a quick snack, a pre-workout option, or a light dessert. They are naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and feature carrots, oats, chia seeds, and walnuts for satisfying texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ⅓ cups Medjool dates (pitted)
- ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup raw walnuts
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 2 large carrots (peeled and finely grated (approx. 155 g))
- 1 ¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Base: In the bowl of a food processor, add the rolled oats, walnuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg. Pulse 5–7 times until the mixture is broken down into a coarse, fragrant flour.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the pitted dates and finely grated carrots to the processor with the flour base. Pour in the vanilla extract.
- Process the Dough: Secure the lid and process continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The dough is ready when it is sticky and forms a large ball.
- Form the Bites: Scoop out heaping teaspoons of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each portion firmly between your palms to create a smooth, compact ball.
- Coat and Set: Spread the unsweetened shredded coconut onto a small plate or in a shallow bowl. Roll each energy bite in the coconut to coat all sides. Place the finished bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best texture, refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
- Ingredient Swaps: Pecans or almonds work beautifully in place of walnuts. For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough seems too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water and pulse again. If it is too sticky to handle, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before rolling.
- Yield: This recipe typically makes about 28 bites, but the exact number will vary depending on how large you roll each ball.
Nutrition Facts (1 bite): Calories 67 kcal | Total Fat 2.5 g (Saturated Fat: 0.6 g) | Total Carbs 12 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Total Sugars: 8 g, Includes Added Sugars: 0 g) | Protein 1 g | Sodium 5 mg | Calcium 22 mg | Iron 0.5 mg | Potassium 119 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 67
