Nutrition & Recipes
5-Minute Carrot Cake Protein Bites (simple and delicious!)
Apr
Anytime I can take a sweet treat and turn it into something healthy, I’m in! The best thing about these Carrot Cake Protein Bites is that they’re just sweet enough – without being over the top. Which makes them perfect for dessert, a post-workout snack or just any-time-of-day treat!
A Quick Note on Ingredients
There are very few ingredients in these Carrot Cake Protein Bites, and what ingredients there are go in raw. I always recommend using quality ingredients but in this case, that’s doubly true! Start with quality ingredients and you’re that much closer to a quality outcome.
Dates
Dates are an easy sugar substitute. They’re low on the Glycemic Index, meaning they are high in sugar but they also have fiber, so your body breaks it down differently than it does processed simple sugars. Dates won’t spike your blood sugar (and then let it crash) like refined sugars.
Plus, dates are packed with nutrients! They’re loaded with essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They also contain vitamin K, vitamin A and niacin.
Protein Powder
I went with my tried and true 1st Phorm protein powder for this recipe. The flavor is perfect – just the right amount of vanilla. And the texture isn’t grainy so you won’t feel like your chewing these bites.
What I like most about this particular protein powder is that it’s low temperature processed, meaning the proteins aren’t denatured or damaged during the making of it. This helps your body recognize, digest and use it more readily!
Gluten Free Flour
I started really paying attention to flour quality when I began baking sourdough a couple of years ago. And as King Arthur claims, “all flour is not created equal”. You don’t have to use gluten free flour for this recipe, but I do highly recommend a really high quality flour!
Carrot Cake Protein Bites
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 6 dates pitted
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use 1st Phorm Vanilla Ice Cream – see notes for link)
- 2 tbsp gluten free all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup+ shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Soak dates in hot water for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add dates and pecans to food processor. Pulse on high for 1 minute until the texture is mealy.
- Add all ingredients to the food processor. Process on high 1-2 minutes until ingredients are fully combined and no chunks remain.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of the mixture out at a time and form into balls. Top with coconut.
- Enjoy!
Notes
If you like these, check out my Peanut Butter Bites recipe! Another no-bake, super simple protein snack for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Pingback: 4 Ways to Sneak More Protein into Your Diet - Julia Hale Fitness