Healthy Carrot Cake Bites
Learn how to make delicious and healthy Carrot Cake Bites using a food processor. This no-bake carrot cake recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup grated carrots about 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 cup medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Additional shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts optional coating
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a box grater or the grating attachment on your food processor.
- Make sure your dates are pitted. If they're a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften, then drain.
Blend the Dry Ingredients
- In your food processor, add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and walnuts (or pecans).
- Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Add the grated carrots, pitted dates, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture starts to come together. It should be sticky enough to roll into balls. If it's too dry, add a little more honey or a splash of water. If it's too wet, add a bit more oats.
Form the Bites
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture.
- Roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls.
- If desired, roll each ball in additional shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Chill and Enjoy
- Place the Carrot Cake Bites on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.
Notes
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking, or add a pinch of ground ginger for a little zing.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you have nut allergies.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make them a perfect post-workout snack.
- Consistency Matters: If the mixture is too sticky, add more oats. If it's too dry, add a bit more honey or a splash of water.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup or dates according to your preference.
- Storage Tip: For longer shelf life, store the bites in the freezer and thaw them for a few minutes before eating.