Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a healthy twist, packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack, they feature a soft, moist texture and a sweet cinnamon cream cheese swirl.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Muffin Batter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup egg whites (or 2 large eggs)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (erythritol or confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the muffin batter: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and granulated sweetener. In a separate bowl, whisk together unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg whites, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Mix the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This will be used to create the cinnamon roll effect inside the muffins.
- Assemble the muffins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Spoon half of the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Sprinkle a pinch of the cinnamon-sweetener mixture over each filled cup. Then, add the remaining batter on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for the cinnamon roll pattern.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened light cream cheese with powdered sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the muffins: Once the muffins have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops of each muffin. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use your preferred protein powder, whether whey or plant-based, depending on dietary needs.
- You can substitute granulated sweetener with sugar if preferred; adjust sweetness to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, choose non-dairy milk and cream cheese alternatives.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat before serving for a warm, fresh-baked taste.
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll, Protein Muffins, Healthy Muffins, Low Sugar, Breakfast, High Protein, Snack