By now, you’ve probably seen the viral Erewhon cinnamon roll all over social media – or better yet, you may have tried it in person. This delicious, gooey treat is difficult to resist. After all, cinnamon rolls are one of the most widely consumed breakfast pastries. But if you’re a wellness enthusiast, you may be wondering how you can enjoy cinnamon rolls without compromising your health goals.
If so, look no further – below is our spin on a healthy cinnamon roll recipe that we know you’ll love. Plus, it’s dietitian-approved and fits seamlessly into a variety of diets.
What Makes This Cinnamon Roll Recipe Healthier?
We all know that cinnamon rolls are irresistibly delicious, but usually, they’re heavy on less-than-healthy ingredients like butter and refined sugar.
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging occasionally, you might want to consider ‘healthifying’ your cinnamon roll recipe, especially if you’re looking to incorporate it into your weekly menu rotation. Our version calls for simple swaps that make for a tasty, yet balanced breakfast pastry.
Here are the swaps we made:
- Almond Flour: A nutrient-dense alternative to refined flour, almond flour provides protein, healthy fats, and a naturally gluten-free option.
- Coconut Sugar: With a lower glycemic index, coconut sugar helps prevent sharp blood sugar spikes while delivering a caramel-like sweetness.
- Low-Glycemic Sweeteners: Ingredients like monk fruit or stevia keep the sugar content low without compromising on flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Replacing some of the butter with yogurt adds creaminess while boosting protein.
These swaps maintain the fluffy texture and sweet taste that you crave, while providing ingredients that are healthier so that you can indulge with confidence.
If you need other ideas for healthy ingredient swaps, consider these options:
- Plant-Based Milk: For a dairy-free alternative that’s creamy and nutritious.
- Coconut Oil: A healthier fat option that contributes to a rich texture.
- Chopped Nuts: For a boost of healthy fats and satisfying crunch.
Healthy Cinnamon Roll Recipe
What You’ll Need:
For the dough:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
For the frosting:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener
How To Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut sugar. Stir in almond milk, yogurt, and the egg until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough: Place the dough on parchment paper and roll it into a rectangle.
- Add the filling: Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread melted coconut oil over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Slice into rolls and arrange in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the frosting: Whisk the frosting ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the frosting on top.
How to Enjoy Cinnamon Rolls Mindfully
Indulgent treats like cinnamon rolls can fit into a balanced lifestyle with a few mindful strategies:
- Eat Slowly: Take your time enjoying each bite. This helps you feel satisfied and avoid overeating.
- Pair with Protein: Balance the sweetness with a high-protein snack, like a handful of nuts or a yogurt parfait.
- Balance Your Day: If you enjoy a cinnamon roll in the morning, focus on fiber-rich, nutrient-dense that provide adequate amounts of protein the rest of the day.
Pro tip: Pairing HUM’s Best of Berberine with this treat can help balance blood sugar responses, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
The Cinnamon Roll Recipe Conclusion
HUM’s healthy cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for wellness enthusiasts seeking balance in their diet. This recipe provides all the sweet flavors of this breakfast pastry while supporting your wellness goals. At the same time, supplements like HUM’s Best of Berberine make it even easier to support blood sugar balance. Try our favorite cinnamon roll recipe today and see how simple it is to turn your favorite treat into a healthy snack.