Carrot Cake Energy Balls

These energy balls take the flavors of carrot cake and put them in a no-bake snack: rolled oats, shredded carrot, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, walnuts or pecans, and raisins or cranberries. You stir everything in one bowl, roll it into balls about 1 inch across and chill them. The recipe makes 12 balls, with 15 minutes of prep and at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, so 45 minutes in all.

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The almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) hold the mixture together, so there is no flour, no egg and no oven.

What Goes in the Bowl

The amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom.

• Rolled oats (1 cup): the base of the balls.
• Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): natural sweetness and moisture, and the carrot cake link. Grating the carrots yourself gives more flavor and moisture than buying them pre-shredded.
• Almond butter (1/2 cup): creamy, and it gives the balls their texture.
• Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): sweetens the mixture and adds the moisture that holds it together.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) and ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): these make it taste like a dessert.
• Walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, chopped): crunch.
• Raisins or cranberries (1/4 cup): sweetness and chew.

Mixing and Chilling

Mix the oats, carrots, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon in a large bowl until combined, then fold in the nuts and dried fruit. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so they firm up. This is what makes them hold together when you bite into them. Measure the ingredients accurately.

Ways to Change Them

• Add-ins: dark chocolate chips or unsweetened shredded coconut add flavor and texture.
• Other nut butter: peanut butter or cashew butter in place of almond butter changes the flavor completely.
• Other dried fruit: chopped dates or apricots can replace the raisins or cranberries.
• More crunch: extra nuts or seeds.
• Fall: pumpkin puree and nutmeg.
• Summer: fresh berries or a little lemon zest.

Storing and Serving

Keep the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between the layers so they do not stick together.

They travel well. Put a couple in a small container or a zip-lock bag for work, the gym or errands. A cup of green tea or a smoothie goes well with them, and on a snack table they sit nicely on a platter next to fresh fruit and nuts.

Time and Nutrition

Prep takes 15 minutes and chilling takes at least 30, for 45 minutes in total. One ball has about 120 calories, 6 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), 15 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 8 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein and 5 milligrams of sodium.

FAQ

What are carrot cake energy balls?

No-bake snacks that bring the flavors of carrot cake together with oats, nuts and dried fruit.

How long do they keep?

Up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them.

Can I change the ingredients?

Yes. Chocolate chips, coconut flakes, other nuts and other dried fruits all fit.

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the oats you use are certified gluten-free.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us