Author: Karen Biton Cohen for FoodieKid     Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 5 mins     Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 18 ‘bites’.    Category: Dessert      Method for Simple Starters: Steamed    

Looking for an easy (and healthier) way to share a sweet with your sweet before the holidays are over?  Our delicious Carrot Cake Bites are festive, simple to make, and contain natural sugars, making them a perfect dessert to share with little ones who want in on the fun.

In our opinion, one of the best things about the holidays is sharing treats with the ones we love.  After all, this is the stuff that childhood memories and family traditions are made of! But sometimes you want an option that’s slightly healthier than your average sugar cookie, and our recipe for Carrot Cake Bites delivers. Moist and delicious bites of spiced cake, sweetened with natural sugars found in carrots, dates and maple syrup, this treat will satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar crash that comes with most desserts. Bonus: the coating of shredded coconut adds festive flair. We promise this is one dessert that will be happily welcomed at any holiday table!   

Ingredients:

From FoodieKid’s Simple Starters Root Veggie & Squash Pack: Carrots, 1 Packet, defrosted 

Raw Almonds, Pecans or Walnuts: 1 Cup

Medjool Dates: 15, pitted 

Shredded Coconut (unsweetened): 1 Cup (plus more for rolling) 

Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon

Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons (optional)

Instructions:

Steam packet of carrots for 3-5 min. Using a food processor pulse the carrots and nuts together until crumbles form. Add pitted dates (if dates are hard, soak in warm water for a few minutes. Then drain and add to food processor), shredded coconut and 2 tablespoons of water. Pulse until mixture comes together (adding more water, as needed.) If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness, pulse with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, to taste.  Roll the mixture into roughly 18 equal-sized balls. Roll each ball in shredded coconut, to coat. 

To learn more or shop for Simple Starters, click here.