Craving the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but trying to maintain a healthy diet? This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience without the guilt! These protein-packed cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special weekday treat. They're a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic, offering a healthier alternative to traditional recipes without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful and surprisingly nutritious homemade creation.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored recommended)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (mixed with 3 tbsp water to create a chia egg)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 8x8 inch baking pan.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chia egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, applesauce, and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar-free maple syrup and cinnamon. Add nuts, if desired.
Assemble the rolls: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, sugar-free maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Finish and enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting them with the Greek yogurt icing. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein powder: Experiment with different protein powder flavors to change up the taste. Chocolate or peanut butter would be delicious!
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking. You can also use other sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the dough, such as blueberries, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- Make it vegan: Use a vegan protein powder, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs instead of chia eggs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for a single serving from an 8x8 inch pan:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 5-10g
These delicious protein cinnamon rolls are a fantastic healthy alternative to traditional recipes. They are easy to make, full of flavor and a great source of protein to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence! They're perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful addition to your next brunch gathering. These easy recipes, healthy meals and quick dinner ideas are sure to become a family favorite!