Are you finding yourself mindlessly snacking away now that you’re home all the time? In the best of times, an apple and peanut butter, a bowl of fruit or hummus and vegetables are great snack ideas. But what about something more exciting that’s still healthy AND easy to make?
Nichole Dandrea at Purely Planted has come up with 15 healthy and plant-based, nutrition-packed snacks that are tasty, fulfilling and nourishing including the one below. Check out her recipe below then click over to her website for more ideas.
Cinnamon Carrot Cake Bites
Servings: Makes about 20 bites
I’m not even a carrot fan and absolutely love these bites, raw or cooked! What’s really awesome is that they only take about 10 minutes to prepare. You have two options here: stick them in the refrigerator for a softer texture with raw ingredients; or, cook them for a crispy outside and cake-like consistency on the inside. Carrots are packed with beta carotene, lutein, and many more phytonutrients that support skin, heart, eye, liver and colon health. These bites are also packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids from the walnuts and chia seeds, as well as the potent nutrients in cinnamon and nutmeg. Nutmeg is abundant in phytonutrients as well as magnesium, manganese, and copper. Enjoy these as a snack or for breakfast!
Ingredients
1 cup raw oats
1/4 cup almond flour
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or 1 tablespoon applesauce for oil-free)
3 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon baking powder*
1 teaspoon baking soda*
3 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Place the chia seeds in a small bowl and add 2 Tbsp water, making sure all of the chia seeds are covered. Set aside and let sit for 5 minutes until the chia is a gel-like consistency.
3. In a food processor, blend 1/2 cup oats (reserve the other half for later), almond flour, carrots, walnuts, coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and baking powder until all ingredients are completely blended.
4. With a spatula, scoop out mixture into a medium size bowl.
5. Into the mixture, add the other 1/2 c oats, coconut flakes and chia seeds. Fold the oats, coconut and chia seeds into the mixture, making sure the chia is evenly distributed.
6. With a tablespoon scoop out the mixture and roll into a ball with your hands. Place on an un-greased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before diving in!
Notes: If you want to enjoy these raw, omit the baking soda and powder. If you want more sweetness you can add a powder sugar glaze to them after the bites are cool. To 1/2 cup powder sugar add 1-2 tablespoon water and mix well until pasty then add on top of the bites.
