Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a wholesome snack I can whip up in minutes. Packed with rolled oats, shredded carrots, warm spices, and medjool dates, they taste just like carrot cake—but without the baking, added sugars, or guilt.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded carrots (packed)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1–2 teaspoons water, if needed
Directions
I start by adding the pitted medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until they form small bits or a sticky paste.
Then I add the rolled oats, shredded carrots, shredded coconut, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
I blend everything together until it forms a well-mixed dough. If the mixture feels dry, I add a teaspoon or two of water to help it come together.
Using my hands, I scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into balls.
I place the bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes so they firm up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 bites.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Calories per bite: 90 kcal
Variations
I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans or almonds depending on what I have on hand.
For extra protein, I add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
A handful of raisins or chopped dried pineapple gives it more of a classic carrot cake vibe.
If I want a little indulgence, I roll the bites in extra shredded coconut or drizzle them with a bit of melted dark chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
I store these energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—I just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. No reheating needed—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if frozen.
FAQs
How do I make sure the bites stick together?
If the mixture feels too crumbly, I add a teaspoon of water at a time and pulse again. The natural stickiness of the dates usually helps everything bind well.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely—I just replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Do I need to peel the carrots first?
Yes, I prefer peeling the carrots before shredding to remove any bitterness and dirt. It makes the texture smoother too.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
I recommend using a food processor for best results, but a high-powered blender could work if I pause and stir frequently.
Are these energy bites kid-friendly?
Definitely. They’re sweet, soft, and packed with good-for-you ingredients—great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites are one of my favorite snacks to prep ahead. They’re fast, nourishing, and taste like dessert in every bite. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or just need a quick treat, these bites never let me down.
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No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a wholesome snack made with dates, oats, carrots, and warm spices—no baking required!
Ingredients
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded carrots (packed)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1–2 teaspoons water, if needed
Instructions
- Add pitted medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until they form small bits or a sticky paste.
- Add rolled oats, shredded carrots, shredded coconut, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt to the processor.
- Blend until a well-mixed dough forms. Add 1–2 teaspoons of water if the mixture is too dry.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
- Place bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Notes
Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for variation.
Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
Include raisins or dried pineapple for a classic carrot cake flavor.
Roll in extra coconut or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for indulgence.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
