Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving that warm, comforting treat without the heaviness, this Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, fluffy cinnamon rolls made lighter with the natural sweetness of applesauce, then topped with a silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and health-conscious baking, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to feel cozy with less guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that soft texture, flavorful warmth, and that inviting golden color we all adore in cinnamon rolls. From the applesauce adding moisture and subtle sweetness, to the cinnamon giving you that classic spicy kick, every ingredient counts.

• 4 cups bread flour (480 g) (sifted and leveled*): Bread flour helps create the chewy, sturdy structure essential for fluffy rolls.
• 2 tsp instant yeast: This is what makes our dough rise beautifully soft and airy.
• 1 tsp salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• 1 1/3 cups applesauce (330g): A low-fat hero that adds moisture and subtle natural sweetness without oil or butter.
• 1 Tbsp light olive oil (or melted coconut or avocado oil): Adds a light richness and keeps the dough tender.
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar: That deep, caramel-like sweetness which pairs flawlessly with cinnamon.
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon powder: For that iconic warm spice flavor beloved in every cinnamon roll.
• 6 oz vegan cream cheese (or regular dairy cream cheese): This is the key to a luscious frosting that’s smooth and tangy, but you can keep it low fat if you prefer.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar of choice: Sweetens the frosting with a soft powdery texture; sugar-free options work great here too.

How to Make Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your bread flour, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. This ensures the dry components are evenly distributed before we add the wet ingredients, giving you a consistent texture in every roll.

Step 2: Add Applesauce

Pour in the applesauce, which brings in moisture and subtle sweetness without the fat of butter, and knead on a low speed until the mixture just starts to come together.

Step 3: Incorporate the Oil and Knead Dough

Add your light olive oil and continue kneading on medium-low speed for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, stretchy dough that pulls from the sides cleanly yet has a slight bumpiness for that perfect texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size. Watching it grow like this is such a satisfying part of the baking process.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This classic combo is the heart of those irresistible swirls inside each roll.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down your risen dough to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface into an 18 by 10-inch rectangle. A generous dusting of flour keeps the dough from sticking and helps create an even thickness.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Lightly moisten the dough’s surface with water or almond milk—just enough to help the cinnamon sugar stick—and sprinkle the filling evenly over the top.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from one of the long edges, sealing the seam. Using string or dental floss, cut into 16 smaller rolls for nice dome shapes or 12 for taller, classic-style cinnamon rolls. Place them on parchment paper-lined baking pans, about an inch apart.

Step 9: Final Rise and Baking

Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up, then bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 10: Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls cool to room temperature, whip together your cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy. Spreading or piping this luscious frosting on warm cinnamon rolls turns them into pure joy.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Now comes the best part: savoring your homemade Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Warm, sweet, tangy, with just the right touch of spice and softness—every bite feels like a gentle hug.

How to Serve Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch and added warmth. Fresh apple slices on the side echo the applesauce flavor beautifully and brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a rustic serving plate, topping each with a dab of extra frosting and a thin cinnamon stick for flair. You can also serve them in individual mini skillets for a charming, cozy look that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Wrap them gently or cover with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and softness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked rolls by arranging them on a tray and placing them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, let rise, then bake as usual. You can also freeze baked rolls without frosting; thaw and reheat before frosting.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Always add the cream cheese frosting just before serving for that fresh, creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Absolutely! While brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like depth, regular granulated sugar will still provide the needed sweetness. Consider adding a touch of molasses if you want to mimic that flavor.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Yes! Using vegan cream cheese and plant-based oils, plus ensuring your sugar and powdered sugar are vegan-friendly, makes this recipe completely plant-based and still delicious.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?

You can, but bread flour gives the rolls their best chewy and airy texture due to higher protein content. Using all-purpose flour might result in softer, slightly less structured rolls.

How do applesauce help keep the rolls low fat?

Applesauce replaces butter or heavy oils in the dough, providing moisture and a touch of sweetness naturally, which keeps these cinnamon rolls tender without adding extra fat.

Can these rolls be made ahead for morning guests?

Definitely! You can prepare and roll out the dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the fridge, then pop them in the oven fresh in the morning for warm, just-baked goodness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for anyone wanting that cozy, sweet treat without feeling weighed down. It’s a wonderful blend of classic comfort and thoughtful nutrition, perfect for family mornings, friendly brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself with a little less guilt and a lot more love. Give it a try and watch it become one of your most treasured homemade delights!

Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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These Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a healthier twist on the classic cinnamon roll by using applesauce instead of butter or oil in the dough. Soft and fluffy with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling, they are topped with a creamy, lightly sweetened frosting made from vegan or regular cream cheese, making them perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Dough

• 4 cups bread flour (480 g), sifted and leveled
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cups applesauce (330 g)
• 1 Tbsp light olive oil (or melted coconut oil or avocado oil)

Filling

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon powder

Frosting

• 6 oz vegan cream cheese (can substitute regular dairy cream cheese, full fat or low fat)
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar (use sugar free confectioner’s sugar for low calorie option)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly.
2. Add applesauce: Pour in the applesauce to the dry mixture.
3. Initial kneading: Knead on low speed (speed 2) for about one minute until ingredients just begin to combine.
4. Add olive oil and knead: Add the olive oil and continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a slightly bumpy but stretchy and supple ball.
5. First rise: Remove dough from mixer and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
6. Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon powder and set aside.
7. Shape dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a generously floured surface. Roll into an 18×10 inch rectangle with a rolling pin.
8. Moisten dough surface: Lightly spray, brush, or sprinkle water or almond milk over the dough surface to help the filling stick.
9. Apply filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the moistened dough.
10. Roll up dough: Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal.
11. Cut rolls: Use string or dental floss to slice the roll into 12 or 16 pieces depending on desired roll size: 16 for wider dome-shaped rolls or 12 for regular tall rolls.
12. Prepare baking pan: Line the pan with parchment paper and arrange the individual rolls swirl side up, spaced about 1 inch apart.
13. Second rise: Let rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
14. Bake: Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
15. Make frosting: At room temperature, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
16. Frost rolls: Once rolls have cooled to room temperature, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
17. Serve: Enjoy these soft, flavorful low-fat cinnamon rolls fresh.

Notes

• Applesauce replaces fat for a lighter dough but still adds moisture and sweetness.
• For a low calorie option, use sugar-free confectioner’s sugar in the frosting.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before making frosting for easier mixing and fluffiness.
• Adjust the number of rolls cut according to preferred shape and size: 12 for tall rolls in a larger pan, 16 for dome-shaped rolls in a smaller pan.
• Dough rising times may vary based on environment; ensure dough doubles in size each rise.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.