Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins combine the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the nutritional benefits of protein-packed ingredients. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or post-workout snack, they are soft, moist, and topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused frosting made from light cream cheese and sweeteners. Easy to make and customizable with your choice of protein powder and milk, these muffins offer a delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with added health benefits.
- Author: Caleb
- 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 Swirl
- 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, egg whites (or whole eggs), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Make Muffin Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sweetener and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl layer.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Then sprinkle a small pinch of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and add a final sprinkle of the cinnamon mixture on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While muffins bake, in a medium bowl, beat together the softened light cream cheese, powdered sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Cool and Frost: Once muffins are done, remove from oven and allow to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled muffins before serving.
Notes
- Use any vanilla protein powder you prefer, either whey or plant-based options work well.
- Egg whites can be substituted with whole eggs for richer texture.
- Sweeteners such as erythritol, stevia, or regular sugar can be used depending on your preference and dietary needs.
- For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These muffins can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting and serving.
Keywords: protein muffins, cinnamon roll muffins, healthy breakfast, protein powder muffins, low sugar muffins, easy muffin recipe, gym snack, cinnamon swirl