NO-BAKE CARROT CAKE BITES (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
Try these tasty No-Bake Vegan Carrot Cake Bites - a healthy snack or dessert option made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened with dates. Enjoy the nutrients and flavor in each bite anytime!
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots (grated, about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup dates (pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 1 cup rolled oats (Gluten-Free if needed)
- ½ cup raw pecans ( walnuts or any nuts of your choice)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional for added nutrition)
- Optional for coating: additional shredded coconut (1/3 cup should be enough)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the carrots and soften the dates in warm water.
- Blend Dry Ingredients: Blend the rolled oats and pecans in a food processor until they form a fine meal.
- Add Dates, Carrots, and Coconut: Drain the dates and add them to the food processor, the grated carrots and the ¼ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Blend until the mixture starts to stick together.
- Add Spices and Flaxseed: Include the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and flaxseed (if using). Blend again until well combined and the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into balls, about a tablespoon size or as preferred.
- Coat the Balls (Optional): Optionally, roll the balls in shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the carrot cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Store the carrot cake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For more extended storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, but remember to separate each ball with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- If you're allergic to nuts, substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds or increase the amount of oats. Experiment with these ingredients and proportions. For a gluten-free version, ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free.
- If your mixture is too dry, add more soaked dates or a splash of water. If it's too wet, add more oats or ground nuts/seeds to achieve the desired consistency.
- Feel free to add additional spices like allspice or clove for different flavor profiles. Adding a bit of orange zest can also give a refreshing twist. You can also adjust the proportion of the suggested spices.
- Besides shredded coconut, you can roll the bites in crushed nuts, seeds, or even cocoa powder for different coatings.