I adore anything with a carrot cake flavor, and these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are no exception. They embody my perfect idea of a snack. Initially, their taste is incredible; the spices of carrot cake, blended with carrots and naturally sweetened with dates, are divine in every bite. You could easily forget they contain veggies. They offer a convenient energy boost when needed and are crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients that focus on healthy fats, including omega-3s and minerals. Each ball provides 2 g of fiber and 3 g of protein. Perhaps the best part is their preparation time: they take less than 15 minutes to make. With all ingredients combined in a food processor, they are the most delicious and fuss-free snack to include in your meal prep. For more wholesome snacks and treats, try my healthy seeded crackers or my 1-ingredient gluten-free buckwheat bread.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy to make with pantry ingredients, and just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Nutritious ingredients that offer both flavor and nourishment.
- Perfect for a snack on the go, providing a good energy boost.
- Nut-free option available for those with allergies. They are also gluten-free and vegan.
- They’re delicious and the perfect sweet snack to meal prep ahead of time!
Ingredient Notes
- Rolled Oats: A great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, perfect for energy. If necessary, use gluten-free oats.
- Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and sticky, they help to bind the balls.
- Hemp seeds: Packed with protein and omega 3’s, they add a nutritional punch.
- Carrots: Delicious and budget-friendly, carrots provide vitamins A and C to support the immune system and are also great for eye health.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger offer the classic carrot cake flavor, and antioxidant properties.
Step-By-Step Instructions
To a food processor, add the oats, carrots, hemp seeds, Medjool dates, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and almond butter. Process until everything is finely chopped. Divide the mixture into portions and roll each into a ball. If using, roll each ball in desiccated coconut. Allow the bliss balls to set in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up, and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- For a nut-free version, replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Replace ¼ cup of oats with protein powder for a protein boost.
- Sesame seeds can be used instead of hemp seeds.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for five days.
- For balls that are all the same size, the trick is to weigh them before rolling.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
- Yummy
- Nutritious
- Easy
- Quick
- Healthy
Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are a delightful, easy-to-make afternoon snack. Made with wholesome ingredients, they provide an energy boost and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup (120 g) rolled oats
- 2 (250 g) raw carrots- about 9 oz - peeled, and roughly chopped
- ½ cup (100 g) hemp seeds
- 5 (75 g) Medjool dates - pited
- 3 tbsp (27 g) raisins
- 1.5 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp (1 g) ground ginger
- 2 tbsp (32 g) almond butter
- ⅓ cup (25 g) finely shredded coconut - optional, for rolling
Instructions
- To a food processor, add the rolled oats, carrots, hemp seeds, Medjool dates, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and almond butter. Process for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is finely chopped (refer to video for visual cue).
- Divide the mixture into 22 portions and roll each into a ball shape. If using, roll each ball in desiccated coconut.
- Allow the bliss balls to set in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition Information
Per Serving/Portion
Calories: 82 kcalCarbohydrates: 11 gProtein: 3 gFat: 4 gSodium: 9 mgFiber: 2 gVitamin A: 95 IUVitamin C: 1 mgCalcium: 23 mgIron: 1 mg
FAQ
How long do these bliss balls last in the fridge?
These bliss balls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these?
I haven’t tried freezing them myself, but a few readers have mentioned in the comments that they freeze really well. A reader, Ro, said they froze beautifully, so it’s worth a try if you’d like to make a bigger batch.
Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates?
Regular dates can be used, but if they are not as soft, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before using.
Can I use dried apricots instead of dates?
Yes, dried apricots make a lovely swap if you don’t enjoy dates. They also lower the sugar content from 5 g to about 3 g per ball.
What can I use instead of oats?
Buckwheat flakes or quinoa flakes both work great in this recipe.
What can I use instead of hemp seeds?
Sesame seeds are an excellent alternative to hemp seeds and will still provide a calcium boost.
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes, peanut butter or any nut butter works well here. It might change the taste slightly as almond butter is a little more neutral. Tahini also works if you’d like a nut-free option.
Are these bliss balls gluten-free?
Yes, they are; use gluten-free certified oats if necessary.
Are these bliss balls vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients used in these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein powder to these bliss balls?
Yes! You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the mixture before rolling them into balls.
Are these bliss balls suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a great, healthy snack for kids, but always check for potential allergens. To make them school-friendly (aka nut-free), swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
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Do I need to substitute the raisins if I leave them out? Not a fan!
You could add a couple more dates instead 🙂
What can I substitute Hemp seeds with?
Someone mentioned using sesame seeds in the comments 🙂
Made this recipe 2 times so far and enjoy them very much.
I store them in the freezer.
I might try replacing with apricots and buckwheat flakes next time. Just for Fun!
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Hi Jennifer, so happy you love this one! Apricots would be delicious, let us know how the next batch turns out x
Can chia seeds be used in place of hemp seeds
Sesame seeds would be a better swap here. Hope you love it x
So yummy! Loved by kids and adults alike 🥕🧡🥕
Wow Winnie, you made them look so pretty. We might need to get you in for our next photo shoot!! I’m so happy you loved it. Thank you for sharing 💚
I want to try these but need to replace the dates and raisins du to them being high fodmap any suggestions
These were AWESOME! Easy to make, delicious, healthy, and they freeze really well….thank you Sarah for creating and sharing this yummy, nutricious recipe xxx 🙂
I’m so glad to hear they freeze well. Thank you for sharing; that’s so helpful! And thank you so much for your kind words, you made my day x
Can we freeze these ?
I have not personally tried, but some people have mentioned doing it in the comments 🙂
What could I use instead of oats
Buckwheat flakes or quinoa flakes would work great with this recipe 🙂