Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These healthy apple pie cinnamon rolls have a delightful twist with the addition of apples and a yogurt-based glaze, making them a slightly healthier and equally tasty treat.

How healthy are these cinnamon rolls?

These apple pie cinnamon rolls are certainly a healthier version compared to traditional cinnamon rolls. Here’s a breakdown of some of the health-conscious aspects of your recipe:

The Dough:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds dietary fiber and nutrients, making the dough more wholesome.
• Banana: The mashed ripe banana serves as a natural sweetener and adds moisture to the dough, reducing the need for excess sugar and fat.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides protein and creaminess to the dough without a significant amount of added fat.
• Honey: Honey is used as a sweetener, and while it’s still a source of sugar, it’s a natural alternative to refined sugar.

For the Filling of Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls:

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a healthy spice known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation.
• Apple: Adding finely chopped apple to the filling introduces natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins.
• Olive oil: Olive oil provides a touch of healthy monounsaturated fats.

For Topping:

• Chopped Pecans: Pecans are a nutritious nut, rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They add a pleasing crunch and nutty flavor.
• Yogurt-Based Glaze: Using Greek yogurt mixed with honey or powdered sugar for the glaze is a healthier choice compared to traditional cream cheese frosting, as it provides protein and probiotics.

These cinnamon rolls recipe incorporates ingredients that make it a better choice for those looking to enjoy a treat with a healthier twist. While they are still a sweet indulgence, these cinnamon rolls offer more nutrition compared to their standard counterparts.

What are apple pie cinnamon rolls made of?

Here’s a description of each ingredient used in your Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls recipe:

1. Mashed Ripe Banana: Mashed ripe banana serves as a natural sweetener and moisture source for the dough. It provides a subtle banana flavor and replaces some of the traditional sugar.
2. Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour is a healthier alternative to refined flour. It adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value of the dough with dietary fiber.
3. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt contributes creaminess and a slight tang to the dough. It’s a source of protein and probiotics.
4. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener used in the dough. It imparts a mild sweetness and complements the banana’s flavor.
5. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise. It creates a lighter texture in the cinnamon rolls.
6. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the dough’s flavor, adding a pleasant vanilla aroma and taste to the Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
7. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that creates the signature cinnamon flavor in the rolls. It’s also known for its potential health benefits.
8. Apple: Finely chopped apple pieces serve as the filling. They provide natural sweetness, a fruity taste, and a pleasing texture.
9. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sauteing apples.
10. Chopped Pecans: Chopped pecans are optional but add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. They are a good source of healthy fats and protein.
11. Yogurt-Based Glaze: The yogurt-based glaze is made by mixing Greek yogurt with honey or powdered sugar. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional cream cheese frosting, providing creaminess and sweetness.

Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating these Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, which offer a combination of natural sweetness, whole grains, protein, and wholesome flavors for a satisfying and somewhat healthier treat.

How to make apple pie cinnamon rolls?

In a mixing bowl, blend together the mashed ripe banana, whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, honey, baking powder, and vanilla extract until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels overly sticky, you can incorporate a bit more flour. Set this dough aside.

In a skillet, warm some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced apple to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples and drizzle them with honey. Continue sautéing until the apples become tender and are coated in the honey-cinnamon mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the sautéed apples aside.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick. Evenly distribute the sautéed apple pieces across the dough.

Starting from one of the longer edges, gently roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into individual rolls, each about 1 inch thick. Arrange the Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring some space between each roll. Bake these in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the rolls acquire a golden brown color.

Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes. While they are cooling, prepare the yogurt-based glaze by mixing Greek yogurt with honey or powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls, and for an added layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Serve Healthy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls while they are still warm, and savor their delightful taste!

If you like cinnamon rolls, check out this Healthy Banana Cinnamon Rolls recipe!