No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Balls

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If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, high-protein snack that tastes like dessert but fuels your body, these no-bake carrot cake protein balls are a must-try. When I developed this recipe, I wanted to incorporate all of the delicious flavours of carrot cake, while making it a tad more nourishing – which is why this recipe is naturally sweetened and packed with protein. Nothing beats traditional carrot cake, but this comes pretty damn close; plus it keeps you feeling good and energised throughout the day.

These protein balls are soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and refined sugar-free. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and come together in under 10 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, busy weekdays, or that 3 p.m. slump when you’re craving something sweet.

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Why you’ll love these

• Quick and easy: These carrot cake protein balls come together in around 10 minutes and the hardest part is grating the carrot! Just blend all your ingredients together, roll into balls and you’ve just made a delicious high-protein snack.
• Customisable: You can play around with the flavor of your protein powder, use your preferred nut butter, and add in any spices you like. You can also roll your protein balls into desiccated coconut or crushed nuts for a fancier touch.
• Vegan and refined sugar-free: These no-bake energy balls are vegan friendly and naturally sweetened with dates — giving you an energy boost without the unwanted sugar crash.
• Great make ahead snack: I love to make these for the week ahead, so that I’ve always got something to satisfy my sweet tooth.

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Ingredients you’ll need

• pitted dates, ideally Medjool
• grated carrot, squeezed to remove moisture and keep the mixture firm
• rolled oats
• almond butter, or nut butter of choice, just make sure it’s runny
• walnuts, for that classic carrot cake flavor but feel free to sub in pecans, cashews, or other nuts
• cinnamon + ginger, to taste
• vanilla extract
• protein powder, vanilla or caramel both work well here
• salt

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Health benefits

These aren’t just tasty — they’re made with ingredients that support your gut health, maintain your energy levels, and keep you satiated.

Dates: A natural source of sweetness packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These are great for digestion and stable energy.

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (important for our skin and eye health) and natural sweetness.

Oats: Full of soluble fiber and complex carbs – keeping our blood sugar balanced and improving gut health.

Walnuts: Loaded with omega-3s and healthy fats that support brain and heart health.

Nut butter: Adds protein, healthy fats, and keeps you fuller longer.

Protein powder: Boosts protein content to help keep your energy steady and cravings at bay.

Spices like cinnamon and ginger: These don’t just add flavor! They can also help with inflammation and blood sugar regulation.

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FAQs

Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes! Just reduce the dates slightly or add extra oats to compensate for texture.

What kind of protein powder should I use?
Vanilla or caramel flavor work great with this recipe’s flavours, but feel free to experiment. If using unflavoured or lightly sweetened powder, you can add a dash of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.

Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely — pecans or cashews are great swaps for walnuts.

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