No-bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls are very quick to make and an excellent way to eat more carrots apart from eating a salad. This recipe includes warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger with a hint of lemon and it will definitely remind you of carrot cake. Carrot Cake Energy Balls are perfect for an Easter time treat just when you’re in the mood for carrot cake. Or enjoy them as a snack in the fall with a spiced latte in hand for those cozy fall days.
Carrot Cake Energy Balls are gluten-free and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. They keep well in the fridge and freezer. And good news! You don’t need a food processor to make these healthy treats. Just use a box grater.
I first made these energy balls because Geoff loves carrot cake and I wanted to replicate those flavours in a healthy snack. To be honest, Geoff has the palette of a 90-year-old man. His favourite treats are things like date squares, butter tarts, oatmeal raisin cookies, carrot cake, apple pie, maple and pecan ice cream. See what I mean?
I developed this recipe with Geoff in mind so he could have an easy mid-workday snack. I love a snack that includes nutritious foods like oats, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, warming spices and of course carrots. Here are some frequently asked questions about the healthy ingredients in these carrot cake energy balls:
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Cake Energy Balls
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
-high in fibre (1 oz contains 11 grams of fibre)
-rich source of Omega-3
-source of protein (1 oz contains 4 grams of protein)
-high in antioxidants
-chia means “strength” in the Mayan language
How do you store chia seeds?
It is best to store chia seeds in the fridge in a light-proof container to maintain freshness. This prevents the healthy fats in chia seeds from oxidizing. You can also store chia seeds in the freezer if you use them infrequently.
Are chia seeds gluten-free?
Yes! Chia seeds are gluten-free. Nuts and seeds are naturally gluten-free but if you have a severe gluten allergy it’s a good idea to research to ensure the product was produced in a gluten-free facility.
Are sunflower seeds nuts?
Sunflower seeds are not nuts. If you have a nut allergy you may still be able to enjoy sunflower seeds. They are considered to be the fruit that sunflowers produce.
Are sunflower seeds gluten-free?
Yes, sunflower seeds are gluten-free. Nuts and seeds are naturally gluten-free but if you have a severe gluten allergy it’s a good idea to research to ensure the product was produced in a gluten-free facility.
What are the health benefits of carrots?
-provides a diet with fibre
-rich in beta carotene
-good source of potassium
-good source of biotin
-high in the antioxidants lutein and lycopene
How to Make No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Begin by finely grating carrots into a large bowl. (Using the fine side of the box grater)
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoon of coconut oil in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Combine the remaining ingredients (except the shredded coconut) to the grated carrot and add the coconut oil when it has melted and cooled slightly.
Mix really well and begin to form small 1½ tablespoon sized balls.
Spread about ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut onto a plate. Roll the balls gently in the shredded coconut to coat. Place the balls on a sheet tray so that they are not touching each other. Chill in the fridge for several hours and enjoy!
Tips for making Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- Store your chia seeds and sunflower seeds in the fridge to prolong the shelf life and protect the healthy fats contained in these foods from oxidation.
- Use an organic lemon for the zest.
- Stir your sunflower seed butter or tahini really well. Tahini especially can be too runny if not well stirred.
- I recommend ceylon cinnamon rather than cassia cinnamon. If you enjoy a lot of cinnamon in your oats or baked goods it’s a good idea to invest in ceylon cinnamon which is known as “true cinnamon”. Cassia cinnamon is cheaper and can contain high amounts of a compound called coumarin which has been known to cause liver damage.
- To grate the carrots, I recommend using the fine side of a box grater.
- No need to ring any moisture out of the carrots for this recipe.
More Recipes to Enjoy Around the Table
These no-bake Peanut Butter Powerballs are the perfect yummy treat. Nourishing and energizing, they provide fuel for a busy person. Oats, unsweetened shredded coconut and ground flaxseed are held together with sticky natural peanut butter and coconut oil.
Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies
These peanut butter swirl black bean brownies are so fudgy and so delicious. The texture can’t be beaten! They seriously are like fudge. This recipe is gluten-free and sweetened with only maple syrup. Black Bean Brownies are among my all-time favourite comfort foods. Don’t knock ‘em ‘til you try ‘em!
Healthy Chocolate Haystack Cookies
These “no-bake” cookies are satisfying, chocolatey and the perfect treat to make when you need a snack in a hurry. If you grew up in the 80s or the early 90s, I bet you remember eating these as a kid! Well, this is the new and improved healthy version.
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Carrot Cake Energy Balls Recipe
No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Equipment
- Box grater
Ingredients
- 2 carrots medium (approximately 230g)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup sunflower seed butter well stirred, can replace with tahini
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- zest of one lemon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling use more if needed
Instructions
- Begin by finely grating carrots into a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoon of coconut oil in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
- Combine the remaining ingredients (except the shredded coconut) to the grated carrot and add the coconut oil when it has melted and cooled slightly.
- Mix really well and begin to form small 1½ tbsp-sized balls.
- Spread about ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut onto a plate. Roll the balls gently in the shredded coconut to coat.
- Place the balls on a sheet tray so that they are not touching each other. Chill in the fridge for one to two hours and enjoy!
Notes
- Use an organic lemon for the zest.
- Stir your sunflower seed butter or tahini really well. Tahini especially can be too runny if not well stirred.
- I recommend Ceylon cinnamon rather than cassia cinnamon. If you enjoy a lot of cinnamon in your oats or baked goods it’s a good idea to invest in Ceylon cinnamon which is known as “true cinnamon”. Cassia cinnamon is cheaper and can contain high amounts of a compound called coumarin which has been known to cause liver damage.
- To grate the carrots, I recommend using the fine side of a box grater
- No need to ring any moisture out of the carrots for this recipe
Nutrition
If you make these Carrot Cake Energy Balls, please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Will F. says
I love the flavour combinations so much, as well as the consistency. I like how the maple syrup and carrots bring out a natural sweetness, and the chia seeds add some protein content! Such a great snack idea.
Christy Faber says
Yea! The carrots provide a lot of sweetness on their own so this recipe doesn't need a lot of maple syrup! Glad you enjoyed!