Name: Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Ingredients: Rolled Oats: 2 cups – The base of our energy bites, rolled oats provide a fantastic source of fiber for sustained energy and help to bind the ingredients together. They offer a chewy texture and a subtly nutty flavor.; Medjool Dates: 1 cup, pitted – Nature’s candy! Medjool dates are soft, caramel-like, and incredibly sweet, acting as a natural sweetener and binder in this recipe. They are also packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.; Shredded Carrots: 1 cup, packed – The star of the show, shredded carrots bring that classic carrot cake flavor, vibrant color, and a boost of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber. Make sure they are finely shredded for the best texture.; Walnuts or Pecans: 1 cup – Choose your favorite nut! Walnuts offer a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, while pecans are sweeter and buttery. Either way, they add healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch to the energy bites. Toasting them lightly beforehand enhances their flavor even more.; Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: ½ cup, plus extra for rolling (optional) – Shredded coconut adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful tropical flavor. It also contributes to the texture and healthy fats. Using unsweetened coconut helps control the overall sugar content.; Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: 2 tablespoons – These little seeds are nutritional powerhouses! Flaxseed and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They also help to bind the ingredients and add a slight nutty flavor.; Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons – Warming and aromatic, cinnamon is the quintessential carrot cake spice. It adds depth of flavor and has potential health benefits like blood sugar regulation.; Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and spice that complements the cinnamon and enhances the overall carrot cake flavor profile. Just a little goes a long way!; Ginger: ½ teaspoon, ground – Ground ginger provides a subtle zing and warmth, adding another layer of complexity to the spice blend. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.; Salt: ¼ teaspoon – A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors in the energy bites, preventing them from tasting flat.; Optional additions: Raisins, chopped pineapple, cream cheese frosting drizzle (for extra indulgence) – Feel free to customize these energy bites with your favorite carrot cake additions! Raisins and pineapple add extra sweetness and chewiness, while a cream cheese drizzle takes them to dessert territory.

Ingredients

Rolled Oats: 2 cups – The base of our energy bites, rolled oats provide a fantastic source of fiber for sustained energy and help to bind the ingredients together. They offer a chewy texture and a subtly nutty flavor.
Medjool Dates: 1 cup, pitted – Nature’s candy! Medjool dates are soft, caramel-like, and incredibly sweet, acting as a natural sweetener and binder in this recipe. They are also packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Shredded Carrots: 1 cup, packed – The star of the show, shredded carrots bring that classic carrot cake flavor, vibrant color, and a boost of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber. Make sure they are finely shredded for the best texture.
Walnuts or Pecans: 1 cup – Choose your favorite nut! Walnuts offer a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, while pecans are sweeter and buttery. Either way, they add healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch to the energy bites. Toasting them lightly beforehand enhances their flavor even more.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: ½ cup, plus extra for rolling (optional) – Shredded coconut adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful tropical flavor. It also contributes to the texture and healthy fats. Using unsweetened coconut helps control the overall sugar content.
Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: 2 tablespoons – These little seeds are nutritional powerhouses! Flaxseed and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They also help to bind the ingredients and add a slight nutty flavor.
Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons – Warming and aromatic, cinnamon is the quintessential carrot cake spice. It adds depth of flavor and has potential health benefits like blood sugar regulation.
Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and spice that complements the cinnamon and enhances the overall carrot cake flavor profile. Just a little goes a long way!
Ginger: ½ teaspoon, ground – Ground ginger provides a subtle zing and warmth, adding another layer of complexity to the spice blend. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon – A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors in the energy bites, preventing them from tasting flat.
Optional additions: Raisins, chopped pineapple, cream cheese frosting drizzle (for extra indulgence) – Feel free to customize these energy bites with your favorite carrot cake additions! Raisins and pineapple add extra sweetness and chewiness, while a cream cheese drizzle takes them to dessert territory.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain them well before using. This will make them easier to blend and create a smoother texture for your energy bites. Pitting the dates is crucial – nobody wants to bite into a date pit!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, ground flaxseed or chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, resulting in a balanced flavor in every bite.
Process Dates and Nuts: In a food processor, add the pitted Medjool dates and walnuts or pecans. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and starts to clump together. You want the nuts to be finely ground but not turned into nut butter. The dates should break down and become sticky, which will act as a binder for the energy bites. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure even processing.
Add Carrots and Wet Ingredients to Food Processor: Add the shredded carrots to the food processor with the date and nut mixture. Pulse again until the carrots are finely chopped and incorporated. The mixture should become slightly sticky and start to come together. Don’t over-process at this stage; you still want some texture from the carrots.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Transfer the date, nut, and carrot mixture from the food processor to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to thoroughly combine everything. Initially, it might seem a bit dry, but as you mix, the moisture from the dates and carrots will help to bring it all together. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and you can easily form a ball with the mixture.
Roll into Bites: Take approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. The size is up to you, but about 1.5 inches in diameter is a good size for energy bites. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. If you find the mixture is too sticky to roll easily, lightly dampen your hands with water.
Optional Coating: If desired, roll the energy bites in extra shredded coconut, finely chopped nuts, or cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal. This step is optional, but it can enhance the presentation and add a little extra texture.
Chill and Set: Place the rolled energy bites on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Chilling helps the energy bites to solidify and become less sticky, making them easier to handle and enjoy. They will also taste even better once they are cold.
Store and Enjoy: Once chilled, store the Carrot Cake Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. They are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Grab one or two whenever you need a healthy and delicious energy boost!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12
Fat: 10
Fiber: 4
Protein: 4