These Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins are a tasty treat filled with sweet cinnamon flavor! They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack on-the-go.
I love how they make my mornings feel special, even when I’m busy. Plus, they pack a protein punch, so I feel good enjoying them! Who knew muffins could be so fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oat Flour: This gives the muffins a wholesome and nutty flavor. You can easily substitute it with whole wheat flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to slightly adjust the liquid amounts as needed.
Vanilla Protein Powder: It’s essential for adding protein to the muffins. If you don’t have any, you can use an unflavored variety or skip it and add an extra half cup of flour, but it will change the texture a bit.
Greek Yogurt: It keeps the muffins moist while boosting protein. If you’re lactose intolerant, opt for dairy-free yogurt or use applesauce instead for a softer texture.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener enhances flavor. Honey can be a great substitute. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can try using stevia or a sugar substitute you prefer.
Cinnamon: This is key for that delicious cinnamon roll flavor. Instead of ground cinnamon, you could experiment with cinnamon sugar for a sweeter twist in the swirl mixture!
How Can I Create a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
Swirling cinnamon into the batter is a fun part of making these muffins, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter well to create a thick paste. This will ensure evenly distributed and rich flavor.
- Fill muffin cups halfway to allow room for the swirl to rise without spilling over.
- After adding the swirl mixture, don’t overmix—just gently fold or use a toothpick to lightly swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
- Keep it subtle to avoid a full mixing, aiming for that marbled look.
With a little patience, you’ll create delightful muffins that look and taste amazing! Enjoy! 🍥
Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla protein powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for the cinnamon swirl)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (for the cinnamon swirl)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (for the cinnamon swirl)
For the Icing:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1½ tbsp milk (or as needed)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 18-22 minutes to bake. After that, let the muffins cool a bit before icing, so you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in about 45 minutes total. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or you can grease the cups lightly with a little cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well combined for even flavor.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs. Then add the applesauce, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and milk. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a delicious cinnamon swirl mixture that you’ll drop into the muffins.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Next, drop a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture into the center of each muffin. Then, top off with more batter until the cups are almost full.
7. Create the Swirl Effect:
Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for a pretty marbled effect. Be light-handed so you don’t completely mix it in!
8. Bake the Muffins:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the lovely smell wafting through your kitchen!
9. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:
While the muffins are baking, grab a bowl and whisk together the softened cream cheese, maple syrup (or honey), milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
10. Cool and Ice the Muffins:
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing them. Drizzle the cream cheese icing on top while they’re still warm for extra deliciousness!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a tasty treat later on.
Enjoy your deliciously soft and protein-packed Cinnamon Roll Muffins with that irresistible sweet cinnamon swirl and a creamy glaze on top! They’re a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Happy baking! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Flours in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute oat flour with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or even all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly. If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend, ensure it has a binding agent for the best results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for a quick warmth!
Can I Make These Muffins Vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg), use non-dairy yogurt and milk, and replace honey with maple syrup. This way, you can enjoy plant-based cinnamon roll muffins too!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey to ¼ cup. You can also replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to lower the sugar content without losing flavor.