If you’re a fan of carrot cake (who isn’t?), then get ready to fall head over heels for these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls. They’re like little bites of carrot cake heaven—packed with all the warm, spiced flavors of the classic dessert but in a healthy, bite-sized form. Think tender, sweet carrots, cozy cinnamon, and a touch of creamy nut butter, all rolled up into a snack that’s perfect for anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
These bliss balls are no-bake, simple to make, and ideal for meal prep. Pop one (or two!) in your bag, and you’ve got a sweet, nutritious treat ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Whether you’re craving something sweet, need a quick snack to fuel your day, or are just looking to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake without the hassle of baking, these little beauties have you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love them!
Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
Here’s why these bliss balls will quickly become your new favorite snack:
- Carrot Cake Flavors: These balls are full of the warm spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg) that make carrot cake so irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: No baking required! These are perfect for when you want a homemade snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, carrots, and nuts, these bliss balls are packed with fiber and nutrients, making them a great choice for a pick-me-up.
- Perfectly Sweet: Just the right amount of sweetness from natural sources like maple syrup or dates, no refined sugars needed.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them in the fridge for a week of healthy, grab-and-go snacks!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these carrot cake-inspired treats:
For the Bliss Balls:
- Carrots: Grated carrots add natural sweetness and a dose of vitamins. They’re the star of the show, bringing the carrot cake flavor to life.
- Rolled Oats: These provide the perfect base and texture. They help hold the balls together while adding fiber to keep you feeling full.
- Almonds or Walnuts: Nuts add a nice crunch and healthy fats. You can choose your favorite or go with a combination of both.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a hint of tropical sweetness and a chewy texture to each bite.
- Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that gives these bliss balls that comforting carrot cake flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg: A little goes a long way to round out the flavor profile and make these taste like carrot cake without the fuss.
- Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the balls and helps bind everything together.
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: This creamy nut butter brings everything together, adding richness and making the bliss balls easy to roll into perfect bites.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla to enhance all the flavors.
- Chia Seeds: Optional, but they add a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Time to make these deliciously easy bliss balls! Follow these simple steps to get your snack on:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Grate the carrots finely and set them aside. You’ll need about 1 cup of grated carrots for this recipe. If you have a food processor, this step will be even quicker!
2. Pulse the Nuts
In a food processor, pulse the almonds or walnuts until they’re finely chopped but not completely ground into flour. You want a bit of texture in the balls!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined and the oats are broken down just a little. This helps everything stick together.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the grated carrots, almond butter (or cashew butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together into a dough-like consistency.
5. Roll Into Balls
Once everything is mixed, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
6. Chill & Enjoy
Place the bliss balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Once chilled, they’re ready to eat! Enjoy them as a quick snack or a satisfying dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12-15 bliss balls
Calories per serving: 120-150 (depending on size and ingredients)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
These bliss balls are already a perfect snack on their own, but if you want to get fancy, here are a few ideas:
- With a Cup of Tea: Enjoy a bliss ball with your favorite cup of tea for a cozy, afternoon snack.
- For Breakfast: Pair them with a smoothie or a piece of fruit for a quick, balanced breakfast.
- As a Dessert: Serve them as a healthier alternative to cookies or cakes when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the calories.
- Topped with Yogurt: Dip them in some Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the spice and sweetness of the bliss balls.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh carrots will provide the best flavor and moisture. Don’t skip the grating step—shredded carrots work best for the texture.
- Blend the Ingredients Well: Make sure to blend the ingredients in the food processor until the mixture holds together. If it’s too dry, add a bit more maple syrup or nut butter; if it’s too wet, add a little more oats.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to make a big batch and store some for later, these bliss balls freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add Protein: To make these bliss balls a bit more filling, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the mix. Just make sure to pulse it in well.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these bliss balls without nuts?
A1: Yes, you can skip the nuts if you prefer! You could substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
Q2: How do I store these?
A2: Store the bliss balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Q3: Can I use something other than maple syrup?
A3: You can swap maple syrup for honey, agave, or even dates if you want to keep them refined sugar-free.
Q4: What other spices can I add to these?
A4: If you love spices, you can try adding a little ground ginger, cloves, or allspice for extra warmth.
Q5: Can I add raisins or other dried fruit?
A5: Absolutely! Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots would make great additions for some extra chewiness.
Q6: Do I need a food processor to make these?
A6: A food processor makes it easy to blend everything together, but you can also use a blender or simply chop the ingredients by hand and mix them in a bowl.
Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.
Q8: How many bliss balls can I eat in one sitting?
A8: They’re small but mighty! I’d recommend having 1-2 for a snack. They’re nutrient-dense, so a little goes a long way.
Q9: Can I make these vegan?
A9: Yes, these are already vegan as long as you use maple syrup (instead of honey) and a plant-based nut butter.
Q10: Can I make a bigger batch?
A10: Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re making them for a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are a game-changer when it comes to healthy, indulgent snacks. They’ve got all the flavors of carrot cake you love—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness—packed into bite-sized balls that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. So, whether you need a quick snack or a sweet treat to curb your cravings, these little balls of bliss will not disappoint. Go ahead and whip up a batch; they’ll be gone before you know it!
PrintCarrot Cake Bliss Balls
These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are a healthy, no-bake treat packed with warm spices, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients—perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 bliss balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp almond butter or cashew butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a food processor, add the grated carrots, oats, shredded coconut, walnuts, and dates. Pulse until the mixture starts to break down.
- Add the Flavor: Add maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and almond butter. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more almond butter or a teaspoon of water.
- Shape the Bliss Balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll each bliss ball in extra shredded coconut for a classic carrot cake look and texture.
- Chill and Serve: Place the bliss balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
These bliss balls are customizable! You can swap the nuts for your favorite variety or use other sweeteners like agave syrup if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bliss ball (assuming 15 balls)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg