It appears that I’ve been on a bit of a sweet/smoothie/snack kick! If you’re awaiting some savory recipes, hold tight; there will be plenty of those in the upcoming weeks. For now, just kick back and enjoy these ooey, gooey, sweet, and slightly spicy carrot cake energy bites. You’ll be lucky if you can form this mixture into balls before devouring every ounce.
Medjool dates are tossed into a food processor with carrots, walnuts, oats, hemp seeds, and a mouthwatering combination of sweet spices. The mixture is sticky, dense, and bursting with all the necessary carrot cake flavors (cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg). It normally takes me a couple of tries to get a recipe right, but this was one of those recipe-miracle moments when the food processors align and this deliciousness came to be on the first try. I actually squealed with excitement when I tasted the mixture. It’s just so carrot cake-y, healthy, and flavorful. I highly recommend that you spoon some straight into your mouth prior to rolling the mixture into balls because why wouldn’t you? There is no good reason to let that moment of carrot cake indulgence pass you by unappreciated.
- 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool Dates
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots (tip: you can quickly shred carrots by tossing them in a food processor and pulsing)
- 1/2 cup raw walnut pieces
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Pulse 5-7 times and then process until a thick mixture forms and begins to roll into a large ball. (tip: if the mixture is too wet from the carrots, add more dates until the mixture is sticky enough to form into balls).
- Form into 14-16 balls and pop in freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Enjoy and store leftovers in freezer.
Made these yesterday. They are perfect! Taste so delicious :) xx
Hi Agnes! I’m so happy that you had the chance to make them and that you enjoyed them! Thanks for taking the time to comment with feedback :)
These look absolutely delicious and so colourful! Great recipe!
Thanks, Monika! They are so simple and super carrot-cakey. One of my go-to energy bites!
These are amazing and very easy to make!
Glad you enjoyed them, Danielle! Thanks for taking the time to come back and share your kind words. Xo
What can I replace hemp seeds with?
Hi, Shadin! You can use hulled sesame seeds instead. Enjoy!
Beautiful recipe! Thanks for sharing. I didn’t have any hemp seeds either, just added a few extra walnuts! Was delightful :)
Please what are other cheaper ingredient to replace pitted Medjool Dates with in a dessert receipe. I will like to make this receipe but I am only missing dates.Thanks
Hi, Elizabeth! You can try raisins as a substitute to the Medjool Dates (just FYI, I haven’t tried this sub myself in this recipe, so can’t say with absolute certainty how it will turn out, but I think it should work just fine).