These carrot cake bliss balls are a really fun vegan and nut free snack idea. Made with seeds, dates and grated carrot, they make for a healthy snack or light option for breakfast-on-the-go.
If your family is like mine, then you are always on the lookout for a healthy snack recipe! These energy balls join my cardamom pistachio energy balls, turmeric ginger energy balls and coconut energy balls as a quick and easy sweet treat. As well as being an at-home treat, they are also a great idea for picnics, or as travel snacks.
This recipe for vegan carrot cake protein balls is simple, no bake and takes just a few steps to prepare. I bet you won't be able to only eat one of these energy balls at a time . . . !
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Why this recipe is so good
Fun flavours with a hint of spice. A super healthy mix of dried fruit, seeds and an optional pinch of cinnamon. They actually feel quite festive!
Additive free. Made with whole foods, these energy balls are packed with nutritious ingredients yet feel like such a treat. Kids will love them too!
No bake. We don't need any oven time, and there are just a few steps to make these carrot balls.
Ingredients
Just a few pantry staples to make these energy balls. A few notes on some of the ingredients will need:
- Dates - I use mostly use medjool dates, but have also tried hadrawi dates which worked well too. These are the sticky element of the recipe that hold the balls together.
- Carrot - don't worry the balls don't taste of vegetables as carrots have a natural sweetness!
- Pumpkin and chia seeds - for crunch and flavour (and healthy too!). You want whole seeds rather than milled.
- Desiccated coconut - optional, to roll the balls in. You need the more fine coconut rather than larger coconut flakes.
Variations to the recipe
Traditionally, carrot cake uses walnuts as a key ingredient. I've swapped out for pumpkin seeds to keep the balls nut free and also more suitable for those on a low histamine diet. But if walnuts work for you then feel free to use those instead!
My low histamine readers may wish to use a pinch of cardamom rather than cinnamon for flavour.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Add all the ingredients, except the desiccated coconut, to a food processor.
Step 2
Blend until the mixture turns into a sticky 'dough'. It will first go more grainy as the pumpkin seeds get chopped, but keep blending and it will form a dough.
Step 3
Spoon the dough into a bowl or container. Cover and set aside in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. Then take small pieces of the dough and roll into 8-9 small bliss balls. Wet your hands first to help prevent the mixture from sticking!
Step 4 (optional)
If you wish, scatter some desiccated coconut on a plate and roll the balls in the coconut to coat.
Recipe tips and notes
- If your dates seem on the dry side, soak in warm water for ten minutes before blending.
- You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times. Use a wooden spoon or spatula.
- If the dough seems overly wet, you can add a teaspoon of oats to the mixture.
- Use slightly wet hands to form the balls. This helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
Equipment needed
Food processor - to blend the energy balls.
Wooden spoon or spatula - to scrape down the sides of the food processor, if required.
More energy balls ideas to enjoy
From my oatmeal bliss balls to my coconut energy balls there are lots of fun treats to enjoy. Some recent recipes:
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Recipe
Carrot cake bliss balls (nut free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted
- ½ cup carrot grated
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon desiccated coconut
- 1 teaspoon oats optional, if required
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except the desiccated coconut and oats to a food processor and blend until the mixture becomes a thick dough-like consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times. If the dough seems too wet, add a little oats.
- Add the dough to a bowl or container, and cover. Set aside in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- Divide the mixture up into eight, and roll it into the energy balls.
- Sprinkle the desiccated coconut on a plate or in a bowl and roll the energy balls so that they are evenly coated (optional step).
Notes
- If your dates seem a little on the dry side, then soak in warm water for 5-10 minutes before blending with the other ingredients.
- You will likely need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times.
- If your dough seems a little too wet, add a pinch of oats to the mixture and blend for another minute.
Katie Clark says
These look wonderful! I'm looking for some delicious (yet semi healthy) treats this Christmas. I'm revamping my usuals. These are being added!
Alison Hayes says
These look absolutely scrumptious! I need to give them a try!!
Mo says
Aren't dates full of histamine?
throughthefibrofog says
Well it seems as though dates are rather contentious in terms of histamine. The SIGHI list has them as low histamine, while other lists rate them as higher. So if you think you have any issues with them, then it would be best to avoid.
Shruti Chopra says
O my! I have to save this and try 🙂
throughthefibrofog says
Hope you like them! I've been making these a lot for those mid-afternoon munchies lately 🙂
Shruti Chopra says
O' my I have to save this and try!