No Bake Carrot Cake Bites (Printable)
Spiced, sweet carrot cake bites with oats, walnuts, and pecans ready in 20 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free if needed
02 - 1 cup shredded carrots from 2 medium peeled carrots
03 - 1/2 cup raw walnuts
04 - 1/3 cup raw pecans
05 - 1/2 cup pitted Medjool 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
# Directions:
01 - Combine rolled oats, raw walnuts, and raw pecans in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches a fine, meal-like consistency.
02 - Add shredded carrots, chopped Medjool dates, unsweetened 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 necessary.
03 - Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in raisins, mini chocolate chips, or chia seeds if using, mixing gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
04 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
05 - Roll each finished ball in the reserved shredded coconut for an optional outer coating, pressing gently to adhere the coconut.
06 - Place the carrot cake bites on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They taste exactly like carrot cake but come together in under 20 minutes with zero baking required
- The spices hit differently after a night in the fridge, somehow deeper and warmer than the day you make them
02 -
- If the mixture feels too dry to hold together, add another teaspoon of maple syrup and pulse again
- Rolling slightly damp hands between every few bites prevents the mixture from sticking to your palms
03 -
- Use really soft Medjool dates because harder ones will not break down properly and leave chunks in the final texture
- Grate the carrots by hand instead of using a food processor to maintain some texture and prevent them from becoming watery