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    Home » Healthy Snacks

    Moist Carrot Cake Energy Balls

    April 2, 2021 by cookingwithelo 4 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Are you craving carrot cake but you don't have the time or patience to make one? Then, these coconut carrot cake energy balls are the perfect solution. They come together in a food processor in less than 15 minutes and taste just like your favorite carrot cake. If you are looking for more healthy holiday recipes, you can have a look at this no-bake carrot cake with vegan cream cheese frosting.

    Jump to:
    • What are energy balls?
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Elo's tips
    • How to make carrot cake energy balls (+ pictures)
    • Storage tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • The recipe
    • More bliss balls recipes

    What are energy balls?

    Energy balls are small round snacks usually made of oats, nuts and dried fruits. You may also know them as bliss balls, protein balls, energy bites or raw bites.

    They are called energy balls because the ingredients they contain can give you the energy kick you may be looking for in between meals. Oats are high in fiber and nuts are high in protein and healthy fats to keep you full for a longer period of time. They are usually lightly sweetened to give you energy without making your blood sugar levels spike.

    They make a great after-workout snack or after-dinner treat. Plus, you can easily take them with you on the go.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • This vegan carrot cake energy balls recipe is made with a few simple ingredients that you most certainly already have in your pantry. Plus, it's made without dates. It almost can't get any easier than this!
    • It is also gluten-free and can easily be made nut-free.
    • They have a low sugar content compared to regular energy bites (even those made with Medjool dates).
    • You can make them for Christmas, Easter or at any time of the year.

    Ingredients

    Fresh carrots cannot be missing in carrot cake recipes. When freshly grated, they make these energy balls super moist and juicy.

    Oats are the base of this recipe. You can use quick oats or rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats). In this recipe, half the oats will be blended to thicken the mix. The remaining oats will be incorporated whole to add some texture. Use gluten-free certified oats if necessary.

    Shredded coconut adds a subtle flavor but is not overpowering. You can substitute it for coconut flakes as they will be blended in the mix. Do not replace it with coconut flour as it would be too drying. If using shredded coconut, you can use it to coat the finished energy balls.

    Almonds add flavor and some crunch. You can substitute almonds with walnuts or sunflower seeds if you need to keep the energy balls nut-free.

    Maple syrup is used to sweeten the balls since they are made without dates. It will also help the ingredients stick together. You can substitute it with agave nectar if needed.

    Coconut oil acts as a glue between the ingredients. It helps the blending process and makes it easier to shape the energy balls. As it solidifies in the fridge, it will further improve the consistency of the balls.

    All-spice is a mix of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. It will give the energy balls a real spice kick and provides the flavors of carrot cake. Instead of all-spice, you could use ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and/or fresh ginger that you grate with the carrots. Note that these bliss balls also taste great without spices, too! 

    Coconut oil is missing on the picture.

    Elo's tips

    1. Use freshly grated carrots. We recommend grating the carrots yourself to be able to decide on how thick the shreds should be.
    2. Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients for best results. Adding too many oats and too few grated carrots can cause the mixture to be dry and brittle.
    3. Use a small blender or food processor to blend the ingredients. If using a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, you should double the quantities.
    4. Press the mixture between your hands to form balls, don't roll it. Watch the video or step-by-step pictures below for detailed instructions.

    How to make carrot cake energy balls (+ pictures)

    Peel and grate the carrots. You can use a hand grater or the grater blade of your food processor. We like using a large grating grid to obtain thick, short and juicy carrot bits. Although you could use grated carrots from the bag, they tend to be very thin and dry and won't provide the same texture. Rehydrate them in water for 5 minutes if necessary.

    Blend the dry ingredients. Add the almonds, half the oats and the shredded coconut to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until finely ground. Make sure there are no big almonds chunks left (small pieces are fine as they add some bite).

    Add the grated carrots, melted coconut oil, maple syrup and all-spice to the food processor. Pulse to combine. Finally, add in the remaining oats and pulse a few more times. The dough should be firm and moist.

    To form the carrot cake bites, press about 1 tablespoon of dough in the palm of your hands. Don't roll them or they will fall apart. You should obtain sixteen 1-inch balls.

    Coat with shredded coconut. Place some shredded coconut or finely ground walnuts on a plate or in a small bowl. Press the energy balls into the mix. Note that this step is totally optional.

    Storage tips

    How do you store energy balls?

    The best way to store energy balls is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    How long can you keep energy balls?

    Usually, you can keep energy balls for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. However, since these carrot cake bites are made with fresh carrots, they should be eaten within 1 week.

    Can you freeze energy balls?

    These carrot cake energy balls cannot be frozen as they tend to fall apart once derosted. Other energy balls made with dates and nut butter can easily be frozen for up to 3 months.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you make energy balls in a Nutribullet?

    Nutribullets and similar small blenders are great to make a small batch of energy balls. Always make sure you blend the dry ingredients first.

    Can you make energy balls in a Vitamix?

    Yan can use a Vitamix only if you make large quantities of energy balls. Always double or triple the quantities indicated in the recipe. Otherwise, it's preferable to use a small blender or food processor.

    Can you make energy balls with quick oats?

    You can use quick oats or rolled oats interchangeably to make these energy balls. However, avoid steel-cut oats.

    Don’t forget to join the Cooking With Elo newsletter. You’ll get gluten-free and vegan dinner ideas sent right to your inbox.

    The recipe

    Carrot cake energy balls coated with shredded coconut on a plate.

    Carrot Cake Energy Balls

    5 from 3 votes
    These coconut carrot cake energy balls made without dates come together in a blender in less than 15 minutes and taste just like your favorite no-bake carrot cake.
    Print Pin
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 16 energy balls
    Author: Eloïse Jennes

    Equipment

    • Grater
    • Kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons
    • Food processor

    Ingredients 

    • 120 g grated carrots about 2 medium carrots
    • ½ cup (80 g) almonds or walnuts
    • ⅔ cup (60 g) gluten-free oats
    • ⅔ cup (60 g) shredded coconut + more for coating
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons (30 g) melted coconut oil
    • ¼ teaspoon all-spice
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Peel the carrots and grate them with a grater.
    • Set half the oats aside. Add the shredded coconut, almonds and remaining oats to a food processor. Blend until finely ground.
    • Add the carrots, maple syrup and 4 spice to the food processor and shortly blend again until combined. Stir in the oats that you previously set aside.
    • Form 8 large energy balls with your hands. Coat with more shredded coconut if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g
    Leave a rating and comment below! Thank you!Don't forget to mention @cookingwithelo on social media

    More bliss balls recipes

    • Almond Butter Bliss Balls
    • Healthy Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
    • Vegan Chocolate Truffles Without Cream
    • Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars

    Loved it? Please rate it!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elle

      February 03, 2022 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      I'm so glad to finally have found an energy ball recipe without dates! These are super moist and the carrot cake flavor is really yum! I recommend!

      Reply
      • cookingwithelo

        February 03, 2022 at 8:39 am

        Thank you for your feedback! I love reading this!

        Reply
    2. BharGopi

      November 16, 2022 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful. Just identified your blog. Seems to be interesting. Will follow from now on. Clear cut explanation given for the recipes. Thanks

      Reply
      • cookingwithelo

        November 18, 2022 at 4:31 pm

        I appreciate it a lot, thank you!

        Reply

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