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Carrot Protein Balls With Cashew Frosting

A healthy bite-sized treat that offers the nostalgic flavors of classic carrot cake in a compact, no-bake form. Made with dates, shredded carrots, nuts and protein powder, and will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating
Keyword carrot cake bliss balls, carrot protein balls with cashew frosting, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy carrot cake snack balls, protein carrot cake balls
Servings 16

Ingredients

Snack Balls

  • 2 cups (3 medium) carrots roughly chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts or almonds
  • 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
  • 1/2 cup peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
  • 1/2 cup protein or collagen powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated or ginger powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Cashew Cream Frosting

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+hours and drained
  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
  • 3 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Snack Balls

  • Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.
    Add all snack ball ingredients into a food processer and process until sticky and well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your snack balls.
    Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to scoop out the dough and roll into 16-20 1-inch balls between the palms of your hands. Make balls bigger or smaller if you prefer.
    Chill the balls in the freezer for 30 minutes or longer to firm up.

Cashew Cream Frosting

  • Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.
    Place all cashew cream frosting ingredients, cashews, hardened coconut cream, honey, lime juice, zest and vanilla into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes.
    Blend until you get a smooth creamy icing.If the mixture seems too thick add a little water, a tablespoon at a time until it becomes looser.
    Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until very smooth. Taste test and add more honey or vanilla if you think it needs it.
    Hold the chilled carrot balls on a fork over the icing and spoon on the cashew cream frosting. Then sprinkle with cinnamon and put on a non stick sheet.
    Put the balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes for frosting to set.
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    Note: If you have any frosting left over, its delicious on oats or smoothie bowls or anything yummy. It will make it even yummier! 
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