Preparation Time & Ingredients

⏱ Makes 12 balls | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 20 minutes

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of finely shredded carrot (peel it first)
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup of raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A little bit of salt

🍴 Tools Needed

• A medium-sized mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula made of silicone
• Grater (for carrot)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Container that won’t let air in for storing

How to Make Protein Balls with Carrot Cake

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a mixing bowl, add rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until combined.
2. Add the wet ingredients
   Add almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until a thick dough starts forming.
3. Fold in carrots, raisins, and walnuts
   Put the chopped walnuts, shredded carrots, and raisins in the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s all the same color.

4. Make balls out of the dough.
   Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll into bite-sized balls. Put them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill and enjoy
   Put the balls in the fridge for 20 minutes to make them firmer. Then they’re ready to eat!

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use fine shreds – Grate carrots with the smallest holes so they blend in better.
• Wet your hands. This helps items not stick when you roll them.
• Taste as you go – Add a pinch more cinnamon or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
• Don’t skip chilling – It helps them firm up and improves the texture.
• Make a double batch – You’ll be glad you did!

⚠️ Mistakes that happen a lot

• Skipping the chill: Makes them too soft and sticky.
• Using big carrots makes the balls fall apart.
• Too dry? Add a little more nut butter or maple syrup.
• Too wet? Add extra oats or protein powder.

🔁 Substitutions and Variations

• Use peanut or cashew butter instead of almond butter.
• If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave.
• Raisins: Use dried cranberries or chopped dates.
• Walnuts: Try pecans or leave out for nut-free.
• You can use any form of protein powder, whether it’s whey or plant-based.

Tips for Making Ahead

• Mix and roll them ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
• Let frozen balls sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before eating.

❄️ Leftovers and how to store them

• Refrigerate in a container that won’t let air in for up to a week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw a few minutes before eating.

🍽 What to Serve With

• A matcha or iced latte
• Greek yogurt for a quick breakfast
• Apple slices and nut butter for a full snack plate

📅 Meal Plan Ideas

• Breakfast: Give 2 people a smoothie or yogurt
• After a workout, grab one or two for protein on the fly.
• Dessert: End dinner with a sweet little bite
• Meal prep: Keep in a snack container all week

🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

• Protein Powder = Structure: It absorbs moisture and gives the balls their shape.
• Nut Butter = Binder: Acts like glue to hold everything together, plus healthy fats.
• Oats = Texture: Keeps them chewy and satisfying.
• Shredded Carrots = Sweet & Moist: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made these for the first time when I wanted something sweet that wouldn’t ruin my day. And wow—they hit that cozy carrot cake flavor perfectly, but with a protein boost. It’s great to have in the fridge and grab whenever you want.

• No oven, no mess.
• Takes just 15 minutes!
• Packed with nutrients and protein.
• Naturally sweet, super satisfying.
• Freezer-friendly for future snacks!

❓ FAQ

• Is it okay to use carrots that have already been shredded? Not really; they’re too thick and dry. Freshly grated works best!
• Is this gluten-free? Yes, just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• What type of protein powder is best? Vanilla flavor works best. Depending on your diet, you can use either whey or plant-based.
• Can I skip the protein powder? Yes! Just replace it with extra oats and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Try these!

These Carrot Cake Protein Balls are the perfect quick, healthy snack that tastes like dessert and gives you energy for the day. Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments! Got questions? Leave them below; I’ve got you.

Let’s roll! 💪✨

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