All this talk about all of my clients’ delicious desserts they are planning to make for Easter has my mouth watering! Ricotta pies, carrot cakes, pistachio cakes, sweet breads, and the list goes on. In our family, we make sure to have a lot of the traditional foods; ham, au gratin potatoes, etc. However, sometimes I like to through in some healthy treats here and there.
Did you know where the Easter bunny tradition originated? Legend has it that the Easter bunny became the face of Easter because of their reputation of fertility! The fact that they are know for their breeding symbolizes new life.
As carrots are most well known as bunny food, I feel it is only fitting that we get ready for Easter with a “carrot cake” treat. My Carrot Cake Energy Bites are a delicious snack that does not require any baking. So easy!
The Recipe
Energy Bites
The opportunities are endless when it comes to energy bites. You need to make sure to include the 3 main components. Those components are protein, fiber, and a sweetener. Energy bites could go from healthy to high calorie bombs very fast, so be careful with the amounts of ingredients you include. Below you will find some of my favorite options.
Protein
- Nut butters
- Nuts
- Protein powder
Fiber
- Ground flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried fruit
- Oats
- Nuts
Sweetener
- Dates
- Pure maple syrup
- Honey (make sure not to use if giving to children under age 1 to avoid risk of botulism)
- Agave
- Stevia
This recipe uses vanilla almond butter and walnuts for the protein, ground flaxseed and oats for the fiber and pure maple syrup for the sweetener.
Bonus additions are carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Preparation
Using a boxed grater, shred 2 medium carrots (it should make about 1 cup).
In a medium bowl, add carrots, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup vanilla almond butter (if you don’t have vanilla flavored almond butter okay add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract), and 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts. Mix until well combined.
Place the mixture in refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the fridge and roll into 2 inch balls.
Storage
Store in a air tight storage container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. You may also freeze these bites for up to a month.
What You May Need
Nutrition Scoop
These bites are packed full of awesome nutrition. The oats, flaxseed, veggies, and nuts boosts the fiber content in this recipe. Fiber is important for energy, blood sugar control, GI health, and inflammation. The nuts and almond butter gives these bites a good source of protein. I used maple syrup for a sweetener to avoid using refined sugars.
Enjoy!
-Hungry Momma
Hungry Momma Nutrition
Yields 18
Serves 18
These energy bites have the flavors of carrot cake without all the guilt. Theses simple little treats are a delicious snack for all ages!
10 minPrep Time
10 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond butter (I used vanilla flavored)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Using a box grater, shred carrots.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the carrots, oats, ground flaxseed, nuts, maple syrup, almond butter, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Refrigerate mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to make is easier to form.
- Remove mixture from the refrigerator and roll into 2 inch balls.
- Place back into the refrigerator in an air tight container until ready to serve.
- Store up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer.
Notes
If you do not have vanilla flavored almond butter, add an additional 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
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