Description

Flourless Carrot Cake Balls are wholesome, gluten-free bite-sized snacks combining the warm flavors of classic carrot cake with natural sweetness and nourishment. Made without flour or refined sugar, they are quick to prepare, portable, and customizable, perfect for healthy snacking anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup grated fresh carrots (finely shredded)
1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut butter recommended)
3/4 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
3/4 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/3 cup chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts or pecans suggested)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

Optional Variations & Add-ins

1 scoop protein powder or 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (for protein boost)
Sunflower seed butter (as nut-free alternative)
1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for chocolate lovers)
1/4 cup finely chopped dried pineapple or raisins (for extra fruitiness)
Pinch of cardamom or ground cloves (to spice it up)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely grate fresh carrots to maximize moisture and natural sweetness. Soak pitted Medjool dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them, which aids in smooth blending.
Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, nut butter, rolled oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pulse until the mixture becomes sticky and forms a cohesive dough.
Add Carrots and Nuts: Transfer the blended base into a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts or seeds by hand to preserve texture and add a satisfying bite.
Shape the Balls: Using clean hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls about one inch in diameter. If the mixture is sticky, slightly wet your hands to make rolling easier.
Chill and Set: Place the formed balls onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp carrots for the best moisture and sweetness.
Always soak the dates to ensure smooth blending and better texture.
Pulse ingredients in batches if needed to achieve even consistency.
Taste the dough before rolling and adjust sweetness with extra dates or honey if desired.
Store the balls refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within one week.
Freeze for up to three months for longer storage; thaw before eating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 20-24 balls per batch)
Calories: 80 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Fat: 4.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: flourless carrot cake balls, healthy snack, gluten free, no-bake, carrot cake bites, natural sweetener, nut butter snack