Had to make the LAST of my yeast really count...I'm so glad that these Cinnamon Rolls I made for FATHER'S DAY turned out amazing!!!! 🎉😍🎉
Yeast has been soooo difficult to find throughout this pandemic. Literally EVERYTHING in the supermarket has been fully replenished EXCEPT for the yeast!! 😭 But enough about my first-world problems, and back to my guilt-free Cinammon Rolls.. 😅😅😅
But how are they GUILT-FREE???
Traditional Cinnamon Rolls are usually high in fat and and full of empty calories. Meanwhile, this healthy version is completely OIL-FREE, making them exponentially lower in fat and calorie content in comparison to your conventional cinnamon roll. And that's not even the best part...
These babies are also naturally sweetened by DATES!!! 😲😍😲
What better way to celebrate the fathers in your life than by serving them foods that are rich and indulgent but are HEALTHY and nutrient-dense, like this heavenly treat!!
Simple recipes like this make it more feasible to stay compliant and eat well even on holidays and special occasions when temptations to cheat are at peak.
The way I see it is, if we want our loved ones (like our dads and husbands) to be around for as long as possible, then wouldn't serving them unhealthy foods be counter-productive? 🤔
Like most bread recipes, this dessert requires quite a bit of time. However, it does not require too many ingredients and is not at all labor-intensive -- especially if using a stand mixer. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and fun for kids!
Make these for parties and potlucks, or give them as gifts to friends and family! On the rare occasion that you have leftovers, just store them in the fridge. When you're ready to snack on another one, warm up a roll in the microwave for 30-45 secs. They'll taste just like they did when they first came out of the oven!
Cinnamon Rolls
Yield: 8 rolls
Prep Time: 30-40 mins
Cook Time: 30-40 mins
Total Time: 120 mins
INGREDIENTS:
Dough:
2-2.5 packed cups of flour (I used bread flour and whole wheat flour; see notes*)
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
1 tsp pink salt
Optional: 3 tbsp aquafaba
Filling:
1 overripe banana
12 dates
pinch of salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon; plus more for sprinkling
Glaze: (Optional)
1/2 cup date water (may sub with plain water + 1 tbsp maple syrup)
2/3 cup unsweetened soymilk (may sub with other unsweetened nondairy milk)
1 tbsp tahini (may sub with cashew butter)
1/4 cup almond flour (may sub with other flour)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla powder (may sub with 1.5 tsp vanilla extract)
(Want frosting on your cinnamon rolls instead of a glaze? Try this Vanilla Frosting)
DIRECTIONS:
Cinnamon Rolls:
Stir to combine applesauce and soymilk in a microwave-safe bowl. (I used a glass stand mixer bowl)
Microwave x 1 min. Mix in yeast, then set aside for about 10 mins.
Slowly add in the flour and salt, while kneading the dough with the hook attachment on.
Stop kneading when the dough forms into a ball, then coat it with 1 tbsp aquafaba. Cover the bowl with a towel and allow to rise x 1 hr.
While waiting for the dough to rise, process all filling ingredients in a blender. (You can also use this time to clean and dry the surface you will be rolling the dough on.)
Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it onto a generously floured surface, and roll out into a rectangular shape about 1/4 of an inch thick.
Spread the filling evenly on the dough, then sprinkle generously with more ground cinnamon.
Cut the dough into 8 equal columns/strips, then roll up each strip and transfer onto a 9in round baking dish.
Brush the tops with remaining aquafaba (if using); cover with a towel and set aside for another 20-30mins.
Bake at 350 x 30-35 mins. Allow to sit for at least 15 mins before adding the glaze.
Glaze (Optional):
Whisk well to combine all ingredients in a sauce pot.
Allow mixture to simmer until it thickens. Turn off heat.
Optional step: Process sauce in a blender to achieve a smoother consistency, as seen on the photos.
Pour as generously as you'd like on the Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy!
Notes:
* Feel free to experiment with different flours except for nut flours and coconut flour because they tend to be too heavy and will most likely prevent the dough from rising.
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