These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic favourite, shaped like little Easter eggs for an extra festive touch! Made with fresh carrots, crunchy nuts, and a hint of warm spices, these energy-packed treats are naturally sweetened with dates and drizzled with rich dark chocolate for a little indulgence. Perfect for a healthy snack, Easter celebration, or a quick pick-me-up throughout the day, these bliss balls are as delicious as they are adorable. Let’s get rolling!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds, pecans, or cashews)
• 1 cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften)
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for added nutrition)
• Desiccated coconut (for rolling)
• Dark chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for drizzling or dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients: If the dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to make them easier to blend.
Shred the carrots using a fine grater or food processor.
2. Process the Base: In a food processor, combine the walnuts (or other nuts), shredded carrots, soaked dates, coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). Pulse until the mixture comes together and is sticky enough to hold shape when pressed.
If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or additional maple syrup to help it bind. You can also add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
3. Shape into Easter Eggs: Once the mixture is well combined, scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into oval or egg shapes using your hands, then roll in desiccated coconut to coat.
4. Dehydrate: Arrange the carrot cake egg shapes on your dehydrator trays.
Set your dehydrator to 50°C and dehydrate for 4-6 hours, or until they are firm to the touch but still slightly chewy. Check them every few hours, as the dehydration time can vary depending on the size of the bliss balls.
5. Add Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): If you want to add a little extra indulgence, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bliss balls, or dip the top of each egg into the chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving.
6. Store: Once the bliss balls are fully dehydrated, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Why Dehydrate Bliss Balls?
Dehydrating your bliss balls can serve a few purposes depending on your preferences, though it's optional. Here’s why you might consider dehydrating them:
- Firming Up the Texture
• Dehydrating bliss balls can help firm them up, giving them a denser and more solid texture. This makes them easier to store, transport, and enjoy without them becoming overly sticky or soft.
2. Longer Shelf Life
• Dehydration helps remove moisture from the bliss balls, which can extend their shelf life. When stored properly in an airtight container, dehydrated bliss balls last longer in the fridge (1-2 weeks) or freezer (up to 3 months). This can be helpful if you’re batch-prepping your snacks.
3. Enhanced Flavour Concentration
• Dehydrating can concentrate the flavours a bit, giving your bliss balls a deeper taste, especially for ingredients like nuts, spices, and dried fruits. It’s a good way to intensify the carrot cake flavour profile.
4. Chewy, Crispy Exterior
• If you prefer a slightly chewy or even crispy exterior, dehydrating can create that texture, which contrasts nicely with the smooth interior of the bliss balls.
5. Convenience for Storing and Carrying
• If you plan to take your bliss balls on the go or need them to hold up better during transport (like for travel or outdoor activities), dehydrating can make them sturdier without compromising the flavour.
