No-Bake Carrot Cake Recovery Bars

I'm constantly on the hunt for post workout snacks that are not over-sweetened, over-processed, or overly dense in calories and ingredients. Ideally they also have a 3:1 ratio of carbs and protein for recovery. I've been creating my own energy / recovery bars the past few months and came up with the idea to try one with  a carrot cake twist. 

NO-BAKE CARROT CAKE RECOVERY BARS
Makes 12 
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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup large flake oats
• 1 cup almond meal (I freeze the dried almond meal left from making almond milk to use later)
• 1 cup pitted dates (approximately 15)
• 2-3 cups shredded carrot (approximately 5 medium carrots)
• 1 cup shelled walnuts 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Shred carrots in food processor, then switch blades to further chop.  Set aside in a bowl. Ensure dates have no hidden pits (best not to find them with your food processor blade like I've done!) and place in food processor with oats, almond meal, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Mix until combined / crumbly. Mix together with carrots. Line muffin tray with silicone liners. Fill each cup with mixture. Store in fridge.

TIPS:

• For my first try of the recipe I used 6 medium carrots which was a bit too much. I also didn't chop them finely enough. Will change this up  next time.
• I find the sweetness from the dates and zing from the spices to be tasty, but you could add a little honey or banana if you are looking for additional sweetness.
• After my run I crumble one bar into a small bowl, add a tablespoon of water and stir. I pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds and enjoy! 
• I've frozen half my batch for next week, we'll see how they turn out defrosted!