10 minutes and 5 ingredients are all you need to make these carrot balls! Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, they are the perfect portable snack and a great way to get extra veggies into your child.
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Carrot Cake Balls
They are basically raw carrot cake shaped into bite-sized balls. Except unlike traditional carrot cake, these energy balls contain no added sugar and don’t need to be baked!
Psst...if you are looking for a healthy carrot cake recipe, you have to try this eggless carrot walnut cake!!
The texture is soft, making them perfect for babies and toddlers!
Make a batch of these healthy energy bites and enjoy whenever you or your child need an energy boost. They are also perfect for any spring or Easter celebration too.
And if you have extra carrots, try these carrot pancakes and carrot banana muffins.
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Ingredients
- Carrot - you will need about 1 medium carrot, or about 110 grams. Roughly chop before adding to the food processor.
- Walnuts - I personally love the carrot and walnuts combination but you can also use almonds, pecans, or cashews.
- Medjool dates - adds natural sweetness and provides carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I like to purchase in bulk from Costco as it's more cost-effective and freeze so I always have some on hand.
- Oats - Rolled oats works best but you can also use quick oats. Steel cut oats will not work.
- Cinnamon - adds warmth and depth of flavor
- Chia seeds - this is optional but a great way to add extra fiber, protein, and omega-3s. Hemp seeds are great too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add chopped carrots to the food processor and blitz until finely chopped.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until the dough clumps up and is sticky.
- Use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into bite-sized balls.
- Roll in some unsweetened coconut, if desired.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate if you desire firm balls.
Tips for Success
- Dates - if they are not soft, be sure to soak in hot water for at least 5 minutes, drain and pat dry. Reserve the soaked water to help moisten the balls, if necessary. And don't forget to remove the pit!!
- For more flavor and texture, roll the carrot balls in unsweetened shredded coconut.
- If the dough isn't coming together, blend a little longer until all the ingredients break down and become sticky.
- If the dough is too sticky, blend in more oats.
- If the dough seems too dry, pulse in more water or reserved date water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Variations
- Nut-free? swap nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- Gluten-free? Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats
- Desire more texture? add some raisins or even chocolate chips!
Serving Suggestions
These carrot cake bliss balls are great for an easy breakfast with some yogurt and fruits or snack or whenever you or your child need a little pick-me-up. They are also perfect for school lunch boxes!
Equipment
I highly recommend using a food processor if you have one. My husband got me this food processor for Christmas because I want to start making more bliss balls and energy bars for snacks. So far I am LOVING it!
You can make this in a high-speed blender, but the texture tuns out differently and the mixture will be really hard to get out of a blender jar.
Storage
These energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator as they will get a bit soft if it's warm. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight out of the freezer or thaw in the refrigerator or room temperature.
More Energy Balls
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Carrot Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot (110g), roughly chopped
- 1 cup walnuts (105g
- 8 medjool dates (130g)
- ½ cup rolled oats (50g)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp seeds
- Optional: shredded coconut for coating
Instructions
- Add chopped carrots to the food processor and blitz until finely chopped.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until the dough clumps up and is sticky.
- Use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into bite-sized balls.
- Roll in some unsweetened coconut, if desired. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for firm balls.
Notes
- Dates - if not soft, be sure to soak in hot water for at least 5 minutes, drain and pat dry. Reserve the soaked water to help moisten the balls, if necessary. And don't forget to remove the pit!!
- For more flavor and texture, roll the carrot balls in unsweetened shredded coconut.
- If the dough isn't coming together, blend a little longer until all the ingredients break down and become sticky.
- If the dough is too sticky, blend in more oats.
- If the dough seems too dry, pulse in more water or reserved date water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
RJ says
I just made this for my 13mo boy and he loved it!!! Thank you for this amazing yet simple recipe!
Min says
I'm so glad!! You're welcome!!
Chi Chi says
My 2 year old loves them! Made two batches in one week! Thanks for the recipe!
Min says
And it's so easy to make, right? Enjoy!!
Moh says
Love how easy it is to make. It makes a decent amount of mini balls so I froze them without the coconut and take a couple out when I feel like it and roll them in coconut once thawed. They are delicious! I personally love them with or without the coconut. I thought my toddler would likes them too since he eat everything that is in the balls but he doesn’t, he’s not fan of mushy food in general.
Min says
I'm so glad you enjoyed these! They shouldn't be that mushy. If so, I would try adding some oats next time!
Samantha says
Can I use oat flour?
Min says
Yup!
Rikki says
Could you omit or substitute the nuts? We have an nut allergy in the house.
Min says
I would add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Ellie says
My 2yo and I love this! Added a tbsp of both hemp and chia and the extra crunch is surprisingly nice.
Min says
I agree!!
Lauren says
I don’t have walnuts at home! Could I use cashews? Thank you!
Min says
Sure!