Carrot Cake Bliss Bites

As seen in my article on @YorkRegion and my Metroland / Torstar Column: RENATA’S TABLE: Carrot cake bliss bites are healthy and easy to make

I love having healthy treats on hand for that mid-afternoon or after dinner sweet tooth or when someone drops by unexpectedly. Great with a cup of tea or coffee, these Carrot Cake Bliss Bites are perfect as they are quick and east to make, very satisfying, healthy, and pretty too!

Carrots are a wonderful source of Vit A (beta carotene) and so good for our eyes. They are also a good source of several B vitamins, as well as vitamin K, potassium and lutein all which support eye health. Additional benefits are that carrots are a source of fiber and are low in fat.

Oats are a nutrient dense, gluten free whole grain, high in fiber and higher amounts of protein than other grains. The manganese and vitamin B1 (thiamin) in oats is essential for metabolism, support bone health and provide immune support. The phosphorous supports healthy cells and boosts energy levels.  

Dates are anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and antifungal, a source of protein, fiber, contain no fat and are a natural sweetener. They contain a multitude of health supporting nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes / Bake Time:  No Bake Time! / Makes: 10-12 Bliss Bites – depending on how big you make them!

Ingredients

• 12 Pitted Dates – softened (soak in boiling water for 10 minutes or microwave in water for 90 seconds. Remove the dates with a spoon and keep the water.) 

• 1 Cup Quick Oats

• ½ Cup Pecans – alternate: almonds or another nut of your choice

• ½ Cup Grated Carrots – about 1 small-medium peeled carrot should give a 1/2 cup

• 1 Tablespoon Hemp Hearts – optional

• 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

• 1 Tablespoon Coconut Sugar – alternate: brown sugar

• 1½ teaspoon Vanilla

• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger

• ¼ teaspoon Allspice – optional

• 1-2 Tablespoons Water (from the dates) - if needed 

• ½ Cup Shredded Coconut – for rolling the bliss bites in

How It’s Made

• Add all the ingredients, except the coconut, to your food processor and whirl until the mixture is well mixed together and has come together. A pinch of the mixture should stick together - if it needs a bit more liquid to bind, put the lid on your food processor and while whirling, through the hole at the top, add one tablespoon of the date water, then a second If needed, until it sticks together.  

• Remove the blade from your food processor. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and with clean hands, roll it to form a ball.

• Roll in the shredded coconut to cover.

• Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

• Store the Bliss Bites in the fridge in an airtight container.

Enjoy!