These No Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls are a quick and easy snack naturally sweetened with dates and carrots, full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they’re small, portable, and super delicious!
I make these and also my Soy Sauce Eggs on repeat. They’re both great to have on hand when you need some fuel fast!
High Protein Energy Bites
Energy Balls are a fantastic pre or post workout boost or afternoon snack to tide you over until dinner. They’re a great alternative to crackers or chips, since a couple leave you satisfied without self-loathing. HA.
Energy balls are also referred to as energy bites, protein balls, power balls, and vegan truffles to name a few. No matter what you call them, though, they’re a breeze to make and very versatile.
If you struggle with snacking like I do, you’re going to love this Energy Balls recipe that we’re sharing today. They are:
- Quick and easy to make
- No Bake
- Sturdy, but tender
- Portable
- Naturally sweetened
- Filled with nutrients
- Grain free, dairy free, and gluten free
- Easily digestible
- Satisfying
- Taste fantastic!
Energy Balls Recipe
To make this no bake energy balls recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Almond butter: This helps bind the balls together. I have used both traditional creamy almond butter and natural creamy almond butter in this recipe, and I do prefer traditional. There’s more flavor and less oil, which helps the balls hold their shape. However, natural does work. If using natural, make sure you mix it very well and also add in a pinch of salt. If your almond butter is runny, use a little less or add more almond flour.
- Almond flour: This adds natural sweetness and also helps the balls form, while keeping the energy bites gluten free.
- Soft pitted medjool dates: Dates are sweet with a rich, almost caramel taste. They are high in several nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, plus they naturally sweeten the balls, so there is no added sugar.
- Carrots: This vegetable is naturally sweet, but so good for you packed with fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin A, so it’s a perfect addition in energy bites.
- Coconut flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes may be used, but sweetened will give you the best flavor for this recipe and my preference for optimal results.
- Vanilla: For added flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: We add in a pinch of our homemade pumpkin pie spice for that quintessential carrot cake flavor.
Recipe Variations
Energy balls are very versatile, so you can customize them depending on your taste.
NOTE: Keep in mind that you want the ratios to be the same, so they don’t crumble. If making an even swap, no problem. If including more mix-ins, you’ll want to also add in extra nut butter and/or almond flour. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap in raisins or prunes: If you don’t like dates, raisins or prunes are a great substitution, since they have a similar texture and sweetness.
- Use a different nut butter: We love almond butter, but peanut butter or cashew butter are great alternatives. Or for nut allergies, try sunflower butter. (See important note under Tips.)
- Omit the coconut: The coconut flakes on the outside provide sweetness and another level of flavor, but if you don’t like coconut, just leave it off.
- Chocolate lover? Mix in a couple tablespoons of mini chocolate chips.
- Include some nuts: Very finely chopped up walnuts or pecans would add a lovely nutty flavor.
- Add in some honey or maple syrup: A little bit of either of these ingredients are great for additional sweetness without adding sugar.
How to Make Energy Balls
Simply combine all the ingredients, scoop and form into balls, roll in the coconut flakes and then chill to firm up a bit. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later. To make this energy ball recipe, follow the steps below included in the printable recipe card. Make sure to refer back to the article for all the helpful tips.
Tips for Success
- The type of nut butter can make a difference: Nut butter is what binds the balls together. Not all nut butters will have the same results, though. Natural nut butters have extra oil and tend to be more runny, so if using a natural kind, you will likely need less of it or will need extra almond flour. I would also recommend adding in a touch of salt, since they don’t have as much flavor as traditional brands.
- Use soft dates: Soft dates provide necessary moisture to the dough. Dry dates won’t bind the dough properly. If all you have are dry dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
- Chop everything very fine: You want the dates and carrots to be chopped very fine, so they are evenly incorporated into the dough, without any air pockets which can create crumbling. Use a sharp Chef’s knife or a food processor works amazing.
How to Store Energy Bites
Store energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They also freeze well in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
More Healthy Snack Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup finely chopped soft pitted medjool dates
- 1/3 cup finely shredded and chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the almond flour, almond butter, dates, and carrots. (Alternatively, you can use a food processor and pulse several times until combined.)
- Using a cookie scoop, shape into 1 1/2-inch balls, making sure they're compact so they don't crumble. (Depending on the size of your scoop, you should end up with 14 balls.)
- Pour coconut flakes into a shallow dish and gently roll balls so the coating sticks.
- Transfer to the refrigerator in a single layer to hold their shape, then you can transfer them all to an airtight container.
- Keep stored in the fridge and enjoy whenever you need a quick boost of fuel!
- NOTE: For recipe variations, tips for optimal results, and storage, please refer to the full article.
Nutrition
Other Notes
