Cinnamon rolls made healthy? Dreams do come true, and we’ve got a batch of freshly-baked, fluffy, protein-rich cinnamon rolls to prove it to you. Our Protein Cinnamon Roll Buns made with Lifeway Kefir feature a dreamy, protein-enhanced frosting on top of a spiced protein-rich pastry that couldn’t be easier to bake up in a flash. If you’ve never made your own cinnamon rolls at home, then you’ll love this easy recipe since it doesn’t require baking yeast in the recipe, meaning there’s no proofing beforehand needed!
To make this recipe, we used an all-purpose gluten-free flour, vanilla whey protein powder (or you could use a cinnamon or snickerdoodle flavor), spices, and Lifeway Kefir. Our kefir’s probiotics creates a similar texture to traditional cinnamon rolls by creating a lovely, fluffy texture that prevents the dough from turning tough and dry. It also elevates this recipe with natural protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Gotta love that!
Maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut sugar are used as the sweeteners for unrefined options, while a generous dose of cinnamon gives these the cozy, nostalgic flavor you know and love found in cinnamon-flavored pastries. When you’re craving a warm breakfast made for chilly mornings at home with a cup of coffee or tea, look no further than our Protein Cinnamon Roll Buns made with Lifeway Kefir.
Tip: If you want a richer flavor, try our whole milk kefir varieties as another option instead of our lowfat plain kefir!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese,a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 30 mins Servings: 5-6Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 50g (1/3 cup ) gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 50 grams (1/3 cup) vanilla whey protein powder (or try a cinnamon or snickerdoodle flavor)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 - 1 cup Lowfat Plain Kefir
- *or use our whole milk kefir for a richer flavor
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. organic coconut sugar (or coarse brown sugar)
- 1 1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
For the Protein Frosting:
- 3-4 tbsp. additional vanilla protein powder
- 1-2 tbsp. additional Lifeway Kefir
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a clean counter, a cutting board, or a large pan with a light layer of coconut oil or butter. While you're at it, take a large baking pan, and grease it with coconut oil or a light coating of butter. Set the pan aside (you'll use this to bake the cinnamon roll buns on).
- Combine the all-purpose flour, protein powder, baking soda, salt, kefir, and vanilla extract until dough is formed. Place the dough onto the greased surface.
- Roll out the dough thinly until about 5 inches wide and 12 inches long to make the base of the pastry sheet.
- On top of this pastry sheet, spread out the syrup, then sprinkle on coconut sugar/brown sugar, and cinnamon evenly. Spread again with a spatula to fully coat.
- Roll the dough up with floured hands to create a long cylinder.
- Cut the dough into 5-6 even pieces.
- Place the dough, spiral side up, onto the prepared greased pan from step 2.
- Bake the cinnamon roll buns for 18-20 minutes, until the middle of the dough bounces back with a touch.
- While they're baking, prepare the protein frosting. Combine the 3-4 tbsp. protein powder with the 1-2 tbsp. Lifeway Kefir to create the protein frosting.
- Once rolls are finished baking, spread on the protein frosting, then serve and enjoy!
- If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge where they'll keep for 1 week.
