Vegan | Gluten Free

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

These carrot cake inspired bliss balls are the springtime snack you need to try! Sweetened with cinnamon, roasted pineapple and raisins, this recipe ditches unnecessary syrups and refined sugars. Paired with traditional carrot cake flavors like coconut, ginger, and, of course, plenty of carrots!

Flavor Notes

coconut | roasted pineapple | cinnamon

Pairing Suggestions

piña colada | post-workout | vanilla nice cream

Jump to Recipe

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About these Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

  • Plant-Based Fuel: these bliss balls contain 10 different plants! The latest research supports the consumption of at least 30 plants per week to optimize gut health. 
  • Naturally Sweetened: no need for sugars or syrups – these bliss balls get all the sweetness they need from fruits. Raisins, pineapple, and orange juice all contribute to the flavor, making these carrot cake bliss balls the perfect antidote to stave off sugar cravings. 
  • Meal Prep Friendly: make these at the beginning of the week so you have a healthy snack to reach for whenever you’re craving something sweet!
container of carrot cake bliss balls on a brown serving tray

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

Oats: old fashioned rolled oats form the base of these carrot cake inspired bliss balls.

Walnuts: raw walnuts are nutrient powerhouses and part of a 

Coconut: unsweetened desiccated coconut flakes go into the bliss ball dough and get used as a fun coating.

Raisins: instead of dates, sugars, or syrups, these carrot cake bliss balls rely on raisins as a natural source of sweetness.

Pineapple: roasting the pineapple is optional, but highly recommended! Oven roasted pineapple brings a bright, delicately sweet flavor to these bliss balls.

Carrots: the star of the show – plenty of shredded carrot gets tossed to give these carrot cake bliss balls their bright, orange hue and classic flavor.

Orange: using the zest and juice from a fresh orange brightens the flavor profile and adds depth and complexity along with plenty of nutrients stored in the orange peel!

Flax: flax seeds help bind the dough and provide plenty of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Cinnamon: a classic ingredient for making carrot cake, so it’s a must in these bliss balls!

Ginger: ground ginger is another traditional spice used in carrot cake recipes. 

Salt: just a pinch of salt goes a long way to eliminate any bitterness from oats and walnuts.

ingredients for carrot cake bliss balls in separate glass bowls

How to make Carrot Cake Bliss Balls – step-by-step

Step 1: Start by preheating the oven – we’re roasting the pineapple with cinnamon to transform its flavor into something extra sweet and caramelized.

Step 2: Spread the pineapple on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with cinnamon. No sugar is necessary! *If you’d like, you can add a touch of coconut sugar before roasting for extra sweet bliss balls. 

Step 3: Roast at 400 F for at least 15 minutes. 

Step 4: Add the roasted pineapple to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Pulse until a rough dough forms. 

Step 5: Using your hands, shape the dough into 12 balls.

Step 6: Roll each ball in shredded coconut, and enjoy!

bowl with carrot cake bliss balls on a brown serving tray and a sliced orange in the background

FAQ

How should I store these bliss balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months — just let them thaw for 10 minutes before eating.

Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If 

Do I have to roast the pineapple?
Roasting is optional, but it really enhances the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use raw or canned pineapple (just be sure to drain it well).

Can I use dates instead of raisins?
Totally! Dates will make the bliss balls sweeter and softer. Use about 4-6 dates, depending on their size.

What can I use instead of flax seeds?
Chia seeds or hemp hearts are great alternatives. You can also skip the seeds entirely, but you’ll miss out on some of the protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

bite shot carrot cake bliss balls

Recipe Card

bite shot carrot cake bliss balls

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

A cozy, carrot cake-inspired snack made with roasted pineapple, oats, and spices. These vegan bliss balls are meal prep friendly, nutrient-dense, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 balls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 121

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup oats
  • ¾ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup carrots, shredded
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks, roasted
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp orange juice
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ½ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut + extra for rolling
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tbsp ground flax seeds

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor
  • 1 cookie sheet
  • 1 Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Spread the pineapple chunks evenly over a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Roast at 400 for at least 15 minutes and up to 25 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.*
  2. Thinly shred the carrots using a cheese grater or mandolin.
  3. Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor and pulse to form a sticky dough.
  4. Shape the dough into 12 evenly sized balls using your hands.
  5. Roll each bliss ball in a shallow bowl with shredded coconut to coat.
  6. Store covered in the fridge for up to 6 days.

Notes

*Optional step to roast the pineapple – but highly recommended! Your kitchen will smell lovely, too. 🙂
bowl of carrot cake bliss balls with coconut scattered in the background

Micronutrient Highlights

These Carrot Cake Bliss Balls are more than just a snack — they’re packed with micronutrients that support your overall health:

  • Copper (24%) – Supports energy production and brain health.¹
  • Manganese (39%) – Essential for metabolism and antioxidant function.²
  • Vitamin A (17%) – Thanks to the carrots, these bliss balls help support vision and immune function.³
  • Magnesium (8%) – Important for muscle function and blood sugar regulation.⁴
  • Vitamin C (9%) – Boosts immunity and supports collagen production.⁵
  • Omega-3s – From flax and walnuts, great for heart and brain health.⁶

Low in sodium, refined sugar-free, and full of gut-loving fiber from whole plant foods.

Recommended Products

product image for bob's red mill coconut flour in yellow bag
Coconut Flour

I love Bob’s Red Mill for their high quality, high variety of gluten free flours. This coconut flour smells and tastes incredible!

product image of a cuisinart 14 cup food processor
Cuisinart Food Processor

I swear by this food processor. I use it for the smoothest nut butters, whipped toppings, crusts, doughs, and savory dishes, too. It’s super durable and powerful – a kitchen staple!

References

  1. Scheiber I, Dringen R, Mercer JFB. Copper: effects of deficiency and overload. Metallomics. 2013;5(3):357-367. doi:10.1039/c3mt20242a. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36430330
  2. Chen P, Bornhorst J, Aschner M. Manganese metabolism in humans. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2018;23:1655-1679. doi:10.2741/4668. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5907490
  3. Tanumihardjo SA. Vitamin A: biomarkers of nutrition for development. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(2):658S-665S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.110.005777. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230968
  4. Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ. Magnesium and type 2 diabetes. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(10):1152-1157. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i10.1152. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4549665
  5. Czajka A, Kania M, Radosz A, et al. The role of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Metab. 2020;38(6):701-709. doi:10.1007/s00774-020-01104-w. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628
  6. Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:938822. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.938822. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9641984

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