Carrot Cake Protein Balls

Some weeks call for food that works hard behind the scenes, quick to make, easy to grab, and genuinely satisfying. These Carrot Cake Protein Balls are exactly that.

They’re nut-free, oil-free, no-bake, and built around simple, affordable ingredients. A whole banana for sweetness, prunes for natural binding, carrot for texture, and protein powder to keep you full. No waste, no fancy extras, just smart, functional food that still tastes like a treat.

This is the kind of recipe I rely on during busy weeks: prep once, eat all week, and still have energy left for proper baking on the weekend.

Nut-free | No oil | No baking | Zero-waste energy
Makes: 14–16 balls

Ingredients

• 150 g rolled oats

• 3 scoops vanilla protein powder

• 2 tsp mixed spice

• Pinch of salt

• 120 g finely grated carrot (about 1 large carrot)

• 120 g dried prunes, pitted (dates also work)

• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

To coat

• Shredded coconut (approximately 2 tbsp per ball)

Method

1. Blitz the dry

Add the oats, protein powder, mixed spice, and salt to a food processor.
Pulse until finely ground.

2. Add the good stuff

Add the grated carrot, prunes, banana, and vanilla.
Blitz until the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

3. Check the texture

If the mixture feels too soft, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra oats and pulse again.
If it’s only slightly sticky, chill for 20–30 minutes before rolling.

4. Roll and chill

Roll into bite-sized balls, coat in shredded coconut, and refrigerate until firm.

Storage

Fridge: Up to 7 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months

These are ideal for batch prep — grab one straight from the fridge or pack into lunchboxes for an easy protein boost.

Elliot’s Tips

• The whole banana adds sweetness and moisture without needing any oil or syrups.

• Prunes act as a natural binder and bring a subtle caramel-like depth to the flavour.

• If you prefer a firmer bite, keep them in the freezer and thaw for a few minutes before eating.

• Great for pre-workout, mid-afternoon slumps, or those moments when you want something sweet that still feels good.