No Bake Carrot Cake Bites (Printer-friendly)
Wholesome spiced bites with carrots, oats, nuts, and dates. Ready in 20 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free if needed
02 - 1 cup shredded carrots, about 2 medium carrots peeled and finely grated
03 - 1/2 cup raw walnuts
04 - 1/3 cup raw pecans
05 - 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates, about 6 large dates chopped
06 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Spices
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
11 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Add-Ins
13 - 2 tablespoons raisins
14 - 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
15 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ For Rolling
16 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
# How To Make It:
01 - Add rolled oats, raw walnuts, and raw pecans to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground into a coarse meal texture.
02 - Add shredded carrots, chopped Medjool dates, shredded coconut, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt to the processor. Process until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed, scraping down the sides as needed.
03 - Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. If using raisins, mini chocolate chips, or chia seeds, fold them in gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
04 - Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to form smooth, compact balls.
05 - Roll each finished bite in the additional unsweetened shredded coconut if desired for a textured exterior coating.
06 - Refrigerate the carrot cake bites for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They satisfy that cake craving with zero baking time and ingredients you probably already have
- The texture gets better after a day in the fridge, making them perfect for grab and go mornings
02 -
- If your mixture won't hold together, add another date or a teaspoon of water and pulse again
- These taste significantly better after sitting overnight, if you can exercise that much self control
03 -
- Use the finest grater setting for your carrots, large pieces make the balls fall apart
- Let your food processor run an extra 10 seconds after you think the dough is done for the smoothest texture