Carrot Cake Energy Bites (Vegan & Gluten Free)
Greetings, Beloveds!
Spring is arriving, which for me means I start craving fresher, lighter flavors! As someone with sensitivities to dairy, wheat, soy and processed sugar, I’m always looking for quick, cheap & yummy snacks that also make me feel good. I was yearning for carrot cake, and these no-bake carrot cake bites are delicious, quick to make, and packed with nutrients. They are sweetened with dates, which contain a high percentage of carbohydrates, fats, 15 types of salts and minerals, proteins AND vitamins (because nature is brilliant). And for all my childbearing friends out there, some studies have found that eating dates regularly in late pregnancy may support your birth by promoting cervical ripening, lessen the need for medical induction/augmentation with pitocin, and increase the likelihood of a vaginal birth with an induction (Watch Evidence Based Birth’s review on the evidence here)! Wow!
These take 15 min to make (maybe 30 if you opt to roast the carrots first) and are a great sweet treat! Tailor them to your flavor preferences by omitting or changing the flour types, spices or coconut. This recipe makes about 16 bites.
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped carrots (about 2 large carrots)
1 cup walnuts (or you could try pecans)
8-12 chopped dates (I used 8 large Medjool dates)
about 1/2 cup of gluten free flour (I used half almond flour, half coconut flour)
1/2-1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cardamom
1-2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
coconut flakes (optional)
Directions:
Roast your chopped carrots in the oven on 400 for about 15 min. (You can skip this step if you prefer)
In a food processor, combine the nuts, roasted carrots, and dates and pulse to combine into a dough-like consistency (I tried to use a blender which was a challenge…I ended up just mashing everything in a bowl by hand which worked out fine!)
Add the cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, flour and chia seeds and combine. (If the mixture seems to sticky, add more flour. If too dry, you could soften with more dates or add some vanilla for some liquid.) Adjust spices and sweetness as desired.
Roll into balls, roll in coconut flakes and you’re done! These are especially yummy after they’ve been in the fridge for a while. They’ll keep for about a week in the fridge, or try freezing them!
Enjoy & Be Well!