• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Clean & Delicious logo

  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Recipes
  • Video
  • Food For Thought
    • Intuitive Eating
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Weight Loss
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work With Me

Home » Recipes » Breakfast » Energy Balls » Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Apr 13, 2017(updated December 17, 2022)

Carrot Cake Energy Balls

4.91 from 21 votes
By Dani Spies
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.

Delicious and easy Carrot Cake Energy Balls that taste like a slice of carrot cake! These no-bake almond butter carrot energy bites are made with creamy almond butter, shredded carrots, heart-healthy walnuts, oats, raisins, coconut and protein powder. Easily vegan & gluten free for the perfect on-the-go snack or breakfast!

carrot cake energy balls on parchment paper

Looking for a healthy treat that tastes like a cross between a slice of carrot cake and a doughy soft cookie? I’ve got the perfect recipe: no-bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls!

They’re loaded with crunchy walnuts, chewy oats, creamy roasted almond butter, cozy spices and an optional scoop of protein powder, if you’d like. Yum!

These protein-packed carrot cake energy balls are perfect for a breakfast on the run or as a late afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea!

carrot cake energy balls made with almond butter and oats

Ingredients Needed:

These carrot cake energy balls are made with simple, nourishing ingredients and taste like carrot cake with plenty of crunchy, yet doughy texture. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these energy bites:

  • Rolled oats – The base of these energy bites is rolled oats. Feel free to use gluten free.
  • Almond butter – These energy balls use creamy, natural roasted almond butter that’s just almonds or almonds and salt. Sub with peanut butter as desired.
  • Protein powder – For an extra boost of protein, feel free to add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder. Tera’s Whey protein is my favorite brand! To keep these dairy free and vegan, either omit the protein powder or use a plant-based protein powder.
  • Extras – For that classic carrot cake flavor, we’re adding in shredded carrots, raisins, walnuts and shredded coconut.
  • Honey – For a little natural sweetness you’ll need just 1 tablespoon honey. Feel free to swap with pure maple syrup, if preferred and to make these vegan.
  • Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are mixed in for a warm cozy flavor.

ingredients for carrot cake energy balls divided into small bowls

How to Make No-Bake Energy Balls

These energy balls are easy to make and also happen to be gluten free and easily dairy free! All you’ll need is a few ingredients, a food processor and a cookie scoop (or you can use your hands). 

Here’s the simple process, but for full, printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until all of the ingredients are fully combined.
  2. Scoop about 1 tablespoon per ball, squeeze it in your palm to get it to stick. Then, roll into a ball. Place on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Chill in the fridge for about 1 hour and then enjoy!

mixing energy ball ingredients in a food processor

Variation Options

Feel free to get creative and use ingredients you have available and truly make these energy bites your own!

  • Nut butter – instead of almond butter, feel free to use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. You can also use a natural, crunchy nut or seed butter instead of creamy, if preferred. 
  • Vegan energy balls – to make these vegan, simply be sure to use pure maple syrup and not honey and also use a plant-based protein powder or omit the protein powder and use an additional 1/4 cup of oats.
  • Gluten-free energy balls – if the oats you’re using are certified gluten free, these energy bites are naturally gluten free.
  • Add-ins – feel free to sub the raisins for dried cranberries or blueberries and the walnuts for pecans. Also, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit the shredded coconut.

energy bites on a baking sheet pan

Everything We Love About Carrot Cake Energy Bites

There’s so much to love about these tasty little bites! They are the perfect healthy snack or breakfast to meal prep! Here’s some of the reasons they’re so great:

  • No bake recipe – There’s no baking needed to make this easy recipe!
  • Kid-friendly – These taste like a sweet dessert and even picky eaters love these snack bites.
  • Portable – If you have these meal prepped in your fridge, you’ve got a ready-to-go snack to grab anytime you need one. 
  • Nutritious – These energy balls are filled with healthy, wholesome, all-natural ingredients with no refined sugar!
  • Customizable – This recipe is easy to change up and experiment with different mix-ins.

How to Store Carrot Cake Energy Balls

In the fridge: No-bake energy balls are great stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

In the freezer: You can also store these energy balls in the freezer for up to 3 months. If they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

carrot cake energy bites on parchment paper

Try adding this energy balls recipe to your weekend meal prep! You’ll have a nutritious snack ready-to-go for a busy week. This recipe is also super easy to double (or triple), and freezes well, so keep that in mind when you are getting your meal prep done. Enjoy!

More Easy Energy Ball Recipes:

Looking for more portable snack options? You’re sure to love our other favorite energy ball recipes!

  • No-Bake Matcha Protein Bites
  • Pumpkin Chip Energy Bites
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Bites
  • No-Bake Chocolate Hemp Brownie Bites
  • Oatmeal Energy Balls

Thanks so much for reading! You can watch the video down below and if you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration.

carrot cake energy balls on parchment paper
Print Recipe
4.91 from 21 votes

Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Delicious and easy Carrot Cake Energy Balls that taste like a slice of carrot cake! These no-bake almond butter carrot energy bites are made with creamy almond butter, shredded carrots, heart-healthy walnuts, oats, raisins, coconut and protein powder. Easily vegan & gluten free for the perfect on-the-go snack or breakfast!
Course: BREAKFAST, DIET, energy balls
Cuisine: American, gluten free, kids
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time15 mins
chill time1 hr
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup creamy roasted almond butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 scoop (30g) vanilla whey protein powder*
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoon raisins
  • 2 tablespoon walnuts
  • 2 tablespoon shredded coconut
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • a pinch each nutmeg + ground ginger

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until everything is mixed together. The consistency will be similar to sand.
    combining ingredients for carrot cake energy balls in a food processor
  • Grab about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and squeeze in your palm to get it to stick. Then, form into a ball. Repeat until you have 10 balls.
    carrot cake energy balls on a baking sheet
  • Place all balls on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for one hour. Transfer to an airtight container and leave in fridge until ready to enjoy!
    bite out of a carrot cake energy ball

Notes

*If you don’t want to use protein powder you can skip it and add an extra 1/4 cup of oats.

STORING ENERGY BALLS:

In the fridge: Energy balls are great stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
In the freezer: You can also store these energy balls in the freezer for up to 3 months. If they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 543IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Energy Balls, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly Lunches, Oatmeal, Recipes, Video

About Dani Spies

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Yum! I love this recipe.

    Leave a review Cancel reply

    If you loved this recipe please leave a comment and star rating below. Questions are also welcome. Cheers!

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Mary Lee Lux says

    June 24, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Dani, Oscar is my food processor, so it is very small. Could this be done in a blender or would it be difficult to get it out of the blades-it is a blender like a vitamix but is Aldi’s brand.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      June 28, 2017 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      It is tricky in the blender because it does get stuck in the blades BUT it could be done with a bit of patience.

      Reply
  2. Sandra says

    November 25, 2017 at 12:27 am

    5 stars
    Dani,
    We made these with my husband and we thought the balls were tinny BUT we were so gladly surprised to see how yummy, filling and perfect snack they are!!! Will post some pictures in Instagram and tag you, so you can see our creation! (P.S. They don’t look as nice as yours 😉 )
    Thanks again for your great recipes!
    Sandra 🙂

    Reply
    • Dani says

      November 28, 2017 at 6:22 am

      5 stars
      Yay!! So glad they were a hit. And just so you know, you can certainly make them bigger if you prefer;)

      Reply
  3. Sweetsavoryme says

    May 19, 2018 at 12:22 pm

    5 stars
    Just curious…would it work if I subbed hemp hearts for rolled oats? These look really fun to make!

    Reply
  4. Jamie Rundle says

    January 17, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    I just wanted to let you know what a blessing you have been in my life. I watch your videos and make your recipes all the time. I am learning to cut out the processed foods and live a healthy nutritious lifestyle. Thank you!!!! X x x jamie

    Reply
    • Dani says

      January 27, 2019 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Thanks so much Jamie! I just love to hear that… I’m so glad the recipes and video have been helpful for you. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply
  5. Ida says

    March 23, 2019 at 9:46 am

    5 stars
    Yes I agree with the previous person who commented. You are a blessing to,know about you and the recipes. I like variety in my food and as a healthy eater, you are giving me healthy options and ideas. Thank you so much. Ida.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      March 24, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Awe, thanks you so much Ida.

      Reply
  6. Lucy says

    January 13, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    Can you add chia seeds into them? Thanks love the recipes!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      January 14, 2020 at 11:14 am

      Sure! that would work.

      Reply
  7. Lorin says

    February 11, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    Hi Dani, Love your recipes!
    If I leave out coconut would I need to substitute it with anything else?
    Also, can I use peanut butter?

    Reply
    • Dani says

      March 10, 2020 at 10:40 am

      Hi, Lorin! If you skip the coconut it would be totally fine. And yes, you can use peanut butter!

      Reply
  8. Marylou Campbell says

    February 16, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Could you replace almond flour for the protein whey.

    Dani, you’re amazing I love to watch your videos and thank you for the variety you provide.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      March 10, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Hi Marylou, thank you! I’m really not sure but if you give it a try I’d be happy to hear how it goes!

      Reply
  9. Monika says

    February 18, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    I put fresh ginger in these because I didn’t have powdered. Wow! I also did not have coconut so I threw some ground flax seed in there to get it the right consistency (also some more oats). They were a big sticky ball. I think that next time, I should mix all the dry stuff together first, to make sure it is all mixed, then add the wet and/or gooey stuff. Amazing snack! Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Gina B. says

    September 18, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    I just made these for the first time and am delighted with how they turned out! We followed the recipe exactly. They were just the right amount of sweet and flavorful without being overwhelming. These are the perfect little sweet (and healthy) treat. Thank you!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Dani.

I’m a Health, Wellness & Weight Loss Coach, Mom of two, and the Founder of Clean & Delicious®. I’ll show you how to make healthy eating CRAZY-easy and insanely DELICIOUS!

Learn more

Stay Connected

Never Miss a Recipe

Sign up for free recipes straight to your inbox.

Reader Faves

shrimp and green beans on small plate with fork

Roasted Shrimp and Green Beans

meatloaf muffins on plate

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Brussels Sprouts + Grapes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes | Healthy Holiday Side Dish

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats - Clean & Delicious®

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

Baked Chicken And Potatoes

apple-protein-muffins

Apple Protein Muffins

Seasonal Picks

spinach frittata in cast iron pan

Spinach Frittata

warm blueberry crisp with vanilla ice-cream

Blueberry Crisp Recipe

open-faced fish taco on white plate

Easy Fish Tacos

healthy foods

10 Healthy Fridge Staples

blueberry oatmeal muffin cup

Baked Blueberry Lemon Oatmeal Muffin Cups

steamed beets in a white bowl

Simply Steamed Beets

My Ebooks

photo of salad and ice cream ebook

Search

As Featured On

Footer

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to get new recipes + tips via email plus my BONUS smoothie making guide!

  • Recipes
  • Food For Thought
  • Shop
  • About
  • Work With Me

© 2023 Clean & Delicious. Privacy Policy

Jump on the Interest List for My New Course:

The Don’t Diet