Carrot Cake Energy Balls Recipe

Snacking can be great: Sometimes we miss meals or need to eat on the go, and quick food that provides nutrients and energy can be a lifesaver. But snacking can also upset your stomach or hurt your effort to give yourself a little boost of nutrients during the day if you dont eat the right food. These carrot cake energy balls are just the thing. Theyre chewy, sweet, and share the flavors of carrot cake. The best part? This snack leaves you feeling better after eating them. The recipe uses great ingredients: Deglet Noor dates, dried apricots, carrots, walnuts, almond butter, and flax meal as well as plenty of seasonings and shredded coconut. Its a no-bake recipe too, so it's low-lift to make and store for the week ahead when you crave a bite of food.

After youve combined all the ingredients together in a food processor, spoon out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and form them with your hands. Some oil or cooking spray will help shape the dough. When youve formed the dough balls, place them in an airtight and store in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until set. These can be stored in the fridge for about 1 week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Ingredients (for 14 servings)

• 15 pitted Deglet Noor dates
• 5 dried apricots
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• cup toasted almond butter
• 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
• 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• teaspoon ground ginger
• teaspoon ground nutmeg
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Directions

Step 1: Combine dates and apricots in a small measuring cup or bowl. Add enough hot water to cover the fruit and allow it to soak for 15 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Drain the dates and apricots, then add them to the bowl of a food processor.

Step 3: Add chopped carrots, walnuts, coconut flakes, almond butter, flax meal, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor.

Step 4: Pulse the mixture, scraping down the sides frequently, until it comes together to form a mostly smooth, sticky dough. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough using a lightly greased tablespoon measure. Roll them into balls with lightly greased hands.

Step 6: Place the dough balls into an airtight and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until set.

Step 7: Store the finished energy balls in the freezer. They can be kept for up to 3 months or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Cook's Notes

• You can process the dough for a shorter time if you prefer a chunkier texture, or for a longer time if you want a smoother consistency. Be sure to scrape the sides of the processor bowl frequently to combine everything well.
• If the dough isnt coming together easily, try adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to help it form a dough.
• If the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, chill it in the freezer for a little while before rolling.
• Sweetened coconut can be used instead of unsweetened coconut flakes, and pecans can be substituted for walnuts if desired.
• For an extra touch, you can roll each energy ball in additional unsweetened coconut flakes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	133
Total Fat	10g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat	2g (10% DV)
Cholesterol	0mg (0% DV)
Sodium	18mg (1% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	11g (4% DV)
Dietary Fiber	3g (10% DV)
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	3g (6% DV)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% DV)
Calcium	37mg (3% DV)
Iron	1mg (4% DV)
Potassium	187mg (4% DV)

History and Origin

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that has its roots in the medieval European tradition of using vegetables in sweets. The modern version, however, can be traced to the 1960s in the United States, when the popularity of carrot cake soared as part of a health-conscious baking movement. The Carrot Cake Energy Balls, a healthy and convenient alternative to the traditional cake, were born from the desire to capture the flavors of carrot cake in a portable, nutrient-dense snack. These energy bites are perfect for those on-the-go who crave something both nutritious and indulgent, without the guilt of a full dessert.

Regional Features

Though carrot cake is a widely recognized treat in Western cuisines, it holds particular popularity in North America and parts of Europe. The Carrot Cake Energy Balls are an American creation, inspired by the flavors of traditional carrot cake but reimagined as a health-conscious, no-bake snack. The inclusion of walnuts, coconut flakes, and a medley of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives the energy balls their distinct flavor, which mirrors that of the classic carrot cake, while being more portable and suitable for various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free diets.

Difference from Similar Dishes

While energy balls are a growing trend in health-conscious snacking, the Carrot Cake Energy Balls stand out due to their specific flavor profile. Many energy balls are made with chocolate, peanut butter, or fruits, but these are distinctly flavored to resemble carrot cakea dessert that combines sweet carrots, spices, and a rich texture. Unlike granola bars or protein bars, which can often be dense and heavy, these energy balls are lighter, thanks to their fruit base (dates and apricots) and coconut. The lack of baking also differentiates them from traditional desserts or baked snacks, making them a quick, no-fuss option for those craving a healthy, carrot-cake-inspired treat.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Carrot Cake Energy Balls are perfect for a variety of occasions. They're commonly served as a snack at health-conscious gatherings, post-workout fuel, or even as a midday pick-me-up in the office. Due to their no-bake nature, they are easy to prepare in advance and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, making them an ideal addition to meal prep routines. They are also great for family picnics, road trips, or as a treat for kids in lunchboxes, offering a healthier alternative to sugary snacks.

Interesting Facts

• The Carrot Cake Energy Balls are completely vegan and contain no added sugar, relying instead on natural sweetness from dates and dried apricots.
• Flax seed meal, a key ingredient in this recipe, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which are believed to have various health benefits.
• Carrots, one of the main ingredients, are known for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin Aa nutrient essential for maintaining healthy vision and skin.
• Walnuts are a heart-healthy addition to this snack, as they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
• Carrot cake as a dessert is believed to have been inspired by medieval carrot puddings, where carrots were used as a substitute for sugar due to their natural sweetness.

FAQ about Carrot Cake Energy Balls Recipe