Low Fat Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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.
- 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
- Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly.
- Add applesauce: Pour in the applesauce to the dry mixture.
- Initial kneading: Knead on low speed (speed 2) for about one minute until ingredients just begin to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon powder and set aside.
- 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.
- Moisten dough surface: Lightly spray, brush, or sprinkle water or almond milk over the dough surface to help the filling stick.
- Apply filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the moistened dough.
- Roll up dough: Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal.
- 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.
- Prepare baking pan: Line the pan with parchment paper and arrange the individual rolls swirl side up, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Second rise: Let rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make frosting: At room temperature, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Frost rolls: Once rolls have cooled to room temperature, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.
- 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.
