ginger carrot cake energy bites

I think it's safe to say my family officially thinks I'm crazy for making healthy desserts. They eat them every once in awhile and occasionally approve of them, but they really do have a mad love for anything containing butter, sugar, and flour. I do too, but I really enjoy seeing what I can make healthy without having it taste super overly healthy. It's like a challenge and I do love me a good challenge. My blog roll is a good mix of "normal" baking blogs and healthy baking blogs. I'm all for balance! ;) While I was reading a post earlier, I said "OOOH this shake sounds so good. With cocoa and coffee and walnuts and banana." My mom goes "Soph… Do you ever read NORMAL food blogs?" Yeeeeeeeeeeeees. 

One of my brothers' favorite healthy treats I make are those brownie energy bites and the chocolate chip cookie dough energy bites. They'd probably eat a whole batch of those things if I didn't scream and jump on top of them if they eat more than one. Just kiddingggggg… Kinda. They really love their chocolate so it's easy for them to get behind the chocolate variations of my energy bites. Not sure they'll fall for veggies in these though so I think I'll have this batch to myself. {Yusssssss.}

Okay guys. So we're getting fancy smancy up in herrrrrrrrrr. Not only are we making our own energy bites, but we're filling 'em up with spices and veggies. I promise you it's not as weird as it sounds. Dudes and dudettes! These little energy bite thingy ma bobbers give you a little oomph before a workout, satisfy your sweet tooth without busting your pants button, and taste like CAKE. Life is good. 

I seriously can't quit these things. I have SO so so so so many variations I can't wait to try out. I'm making smaller batches lately so that they're gone quicker, thus enabling me to make more quicker. Mhmmmm. Also, ya know that banana "ice cream" that's basically taking over the interwebs these days? Yah, make that and crumble one of these on top. Dessert for breakfast! 'Cuz that's just how we dooooooo. OOH!! Pssssst. I made a energy bite page for your viewing pleasure. Check itttttttttttt. 

ginger carrot cake energy bites

1/4 c. coconut flakes

1/3 c. raw nuts 

2/3 c. oats

1/2 c. chopped dates, tightly packed

2 tbsp. pure maple syrup {or honey}

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

2 tbsp. milk

1/4 c. shredded carrot {about 1 carrot}

1/4 c. raisins

Place coconut flakes, nuts, and oats in a blender or food processor and pulse until a flour forms. Add dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and milk. Blend until combined. Place dough in a large bowl and fold in shredded carrot and raisins. If the dough seems too wet, you may need to add a handful of coconut or oats until it becomes the texture of a cookie dough. Roll into balls; place in a plastic container and refrigerate. Makes about 7-8 large balls.