These protein carrot cake balls taste like dessert but are packed with protein and healthy fats. No baking, no dates—just simple ingredients like peanut butter, walnuts, shredded carrot, and warm spices for that classic carrot cake flavour. Perfect for a quick snack, meal prep, or post-workout bite.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Sweet Recipe With Vegetables. If you love sneaking extra veggies into your treats, these protein carrot cake balls are a must-try. Just like Pumpkin Baked Oats and Single Serve Zucchini Bread, they deliver that perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.
Carrot Cake. These no-bake bliss balls pack all the warm, spiced goodness of Carrot Banana Muffins, Carrot Cake Baked Oats and Single Serve Carrot Cake, but in an easy, grab-and-go format.
Bite-Sized Snack. Perfect for meal prep or a quick energy boost, these protein balls are just like Bacon Spinach Egg Bites or Pumpkin Protein Balls—portable, satisfying, and full of flavour.
Sweet Snack Fix. When you need something a little sweet but still balanced, these carrot cake bliss balls hit the spot, just like Pumpkin Chia Pudding or Eggless Blueberry Muffins.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Shredded Carrots. You want to use a thin grater for the carrots. No need to remove the excess moisture as this helps bring together the balls. I would recommend removing the skin though, as this will give a "tart" taste.
Walnuts. Chopped walnuts provide a nutty crunch and healthy fats, but pecans or almonds can be used as an alternative.
Peanut Butter. Nut butter helps bind it all together. Most carrot cake balls use almond butter, but I used peanut butter as this is my personal preference.
Vanilla Protein. Enhances the protein content while complementing the warm spices; a cinnamon or unflavoured protein powder can be substituted.
Maple Syrup. A natural sweetener that helps balance flavours. You can also use honey or agave syrup (don't use a dry sweetener as the texture will be too dry)
Cinnamon and Ginger. Adjust these spices to your preference, I'm a huge fan of cinnamon so I'll add in a bit more. You could also use nutmeg or cloves for a different twist. key spice that brings warmth and depth to the carrot cake flavor, just like in classic baked versions.
Raisins. Instead of dates, I use raisins (sultanas in Australia) to pull the mixture together.
Desiccated Coconut. Rolling the bliss balls in coconut adds texture and a hint of natural sweetness, but crushed nuts or cocoa powder are also great alternatives.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity.
How to make bliss balls
Step 1: Finely shred the carrot. Then, in a food processor, combine shredded carrots, walnuts, almond or peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and raisins. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
You can do this step by hand, but the texture of the overall balls will be difference.
Step 2: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. If too sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
Step 3: Roll each ball in desiccated coconut, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before eating. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for an easy protein snack.
Top Tip
Adjust the Consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a little extra nut butter or a splash of maple syrup. If too sticky, refrigerate before rolling or add a touch more protein powder or coconut.
Boost the Flavour. Toasting the walnuts for a few minutes before blending enhances their nuttiness, adding extra depth to the carrot cake taste.
Recommended Equipment
I used a Food Processor with the grater attachment for the grated carrot. But you could also use a good old fashion grater and elbow grease. If you don't have a food processor, the texture of the balls won't be as smooth when mixing it all together, but they'll still taste pretty good.
Snack Meal Prep
Meal prepping snacks helps ensure you always have something quick and satisfying on hand, making healthy eating easier throughout the week. These protein carrot cake balls are a great meal prep-friendly snack, perfect for adding to your weekly meal plan. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months—just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
Yes! They freeze well for up to three months. Place in an airtight container, or even wrap each one up individually in a bit of plastic wrap. Let them thaw for a few minutes before eating.
Yes! You can mix everything by hand, but make sure to finely grate the carrots and stir well to evenly combine the ingredients. You might want to "mash" up the raisins to help form the balls.
Lightly dampen your hands with water or coat them in a bit of coconut oil before rolling to prevent sticking.
Other snack recipes
Or, you can have a browse through my Snacks Recipes for more delicious eats.
Recipe
Protein Carrot Cake Bliss Balls without Dates
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 50 g (½ cup) carrot, shredded
- 60 g (½ cup) walnuts
- 30 g (2 tbsp) peanut butter, subs note 1
- 60 g (2 scoops) protein powder, vanilla, cinnamon or plain
- 15 g (1 tbsp) maple syrup, subs note 2
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, adjust to preferences
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger, adjust to preferences
- 40 g (¼ cup) raisins, subs note 3
- 40 g (½ cup) desiccated coconut, for rolling
Instructions
- Finely shred the 50 g (½ cup) carrot. Then, in a food processor, combine shredded carrots, 60 g (½ cup) walnuts, 30 g (2 tbsp) peanut butter, 60 g (2 scoops) protein powder, 15 g (1 tbsp) maple syrup, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 40 g (¼ cup) raisins. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.You can do this step by hand, but the texture of the overall balls will be difference. If doing by hand, I would definitely recommend "squishing" the raisins so they can
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. If too sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
- Roll each ball in desiccated coconut, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before eating. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for an easy protein snack.
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