Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Carrot Cake Bliss Balls:
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if necessary)
- 1 cup pitted dates (about 12–15 dates)
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional for added sweetness)
Ingredient Highlights
- Carrots: Carrots are the base of these bliss balls and provide a subtle sweetness, along with a good amount of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Dates: Dates are naturally sweet and sticky, helping to bind the ingredients together while adding a touch of caramel-like sweetness to the bliss balls.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans provide a delicious crunch, healthy fats, and protein. They also give the bliss balls a richer flavor and texture.
- Oats: Rolled oats offer fiber, iron, and a satisfying texture that helps keep you feeling full longer.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add the signature warm flavors of carrot cake, giving these bliss balls an aromatic and comforting taste.
- Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: These seeds are optional but provide an additional dose of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
Instructions
First Step: Prepare the Carrots and Dates
- Grate the Carrots: Start by grating the carrots using a fine grater or food processor. You should end up with about 1 cup of grated carrots.
- Soak the Dates: If your dates are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. After soaking, drain the water and remove the pits from the dates.
Second Step: Blend the Ingredients
- Blend the Dates: Place the soaked and pitted dates in a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until the dates form a sticky, almost dough-like consistency. This will help bind the ingredients together.
- Add the Carrots, Oats, and Nuts: Add the grated carrots, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts or pecans to the food processor. Pulse again until everything is evenly combined.
- Add the Spices and Sweetener: Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and a pinch of sea salt. If you’d like your bliss balls to be a bit sweeter, you can add maple syrup or honey at this stage. Pulse until all ingredients are well mixed.
Third Step: Form the Bliss Balls
- Form the Balls: Once the mixture is fully blended and has a dough-like texture, use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls. Depending on the size of the balls, you should get around 12-15 bliss balls from this recipe.
- Optional Toppings: If you’d like, you can roll the bliss balls in shredded coconut, extra chopped nuts, or even a little cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
Fourth Step: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Bliss Balls: Place the finished bliss balls on a tray lined with parchment paper or a baking sheet. Refrigerate them for about 15 minutes to firm up before serving. This step is optional but helps the bliss balls hold their shape better.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the bliss balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling: 15 minutes (optional)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 pieces
- Calories: 100-120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g