Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These energy balls come together in minutes and require no baking, making them ideal for meal prep or quick snacking. They’re loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness for sustained energy. The combination of carrots, spices, dates, and coconut recreates the classic carrot cake flavor—but in a much healthier, portable form. They’re also easy to customize and free from refined sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium carrots)
½ cup walnuts
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
⅔ cup desiccated coconut
1 cup oats (instant or rolled oats)
¼ teaspoon fresh ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ cup soft pitted dates (Deglet or Medjool)
¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions
- Process the carrots: Add the chopped carrots to a food processor and pulse until finely broken down. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Grind the dry ingredients: Without cleaning the processor, add walnuts, flaxseed meal, desiccated coconut, oats, ginger, and cinnamon. Blend until the mixture resembles a fine flour.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add the almond or peanut butter, vanilla extract, optional maple syrup, processed carrots, and soft dates. If dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
- Form the dough: Blend on high until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the balls: Scoop and roll the dough into golf ball–sized portions, about 16 total.
- Coat with coconut: Roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat.
- Chill and serve: Place on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up, or enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
Makes approximately 16 energy balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper spice.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Use cashew butter for a milder, creamier flavor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- Stir in a handful of raisins after blending for a classic carrot cake touch.
- Skip the coconut coating and roll in ground oats for a less sweet option.
Storage/Reheating
Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. No reheating is needed—simply thaw for a few minutes at room temperature or enjoy chilled.
FAQs
Can I make these without a food processor?
A food processor works best, but a high-powered blender may also work if you pulse in small batches.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, though chopping them smaller helps the mixture blend more evenly.
Are these energy balls gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use fresh grated ginger instead of minced?
Yes, any form of fresh ginger works fine.
Do I need to soak the dates?
Only if they’re dry or hard. Soft dates blend easily without soaking.
Can I omit the nuts?
Yes. Replace walnuts with more oats or coconut to maintain texture.
How sweet are these energy balls?
They are naturally sweet from dates. Add maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
Can I roll them in something other than coconut?
Crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or finely ground oats are great alternatives.
How do I stop the dough from sticking to my hands?
Lightly dampen your hands or coat them with a tiny bit of coconut oil while rolling.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, add 1–2 tablespoons and increase nut butter slightly if needed to maintain stickiness.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Energy Balls are a quick, wholesome, and flavorful snack that captures all the goodness of carrot cake without any baking. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for healthy snacking, these bites are great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or anytime you need a nutritious boost. Enjoy them fresh from the fridge or on the go for a satisfying treat.
PrintCarrot Cake Energy Balls
Carrot Cake Energy Balls deliver all the cozy flavors of carrot cake in a healthy, no-bake snack packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, oats, dates, and walnuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 energy balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- ⅔ cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup oats (instant or rolled oats)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup soft pitted dates (Deglet or Medjool)
- ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Add the chopped carrots to a food processor and pulse until finely broken down. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Without cleaning the processor, add walnuts, flaxseed meal, desiccated coconut, oats, ginger, and cinnamon. Blend until the mixture resembles a fine flour.
- Add the almond or peanut butter, vanilla extract, optional maple syrup, processed carrots, and soft dates. If dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
- Blend on high until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
- Scoop and roll the dough into golf ball–sized portions, about 16 total.
- Roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat.
- Place on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up, or enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes if they are dry.
- Lightly dampen your hands or coat with a bit of coconut oil to prevent sticking when rolling the balls.
- Add protein powder or chia seeds for an extra nutrition boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
