Cinnabon who? This pillowy, comforting 5-minute single-serve cinnamon roll in a bowl is delicious and good for you. At around 350 calories, just 8 grams of added sugar (including the frosting), 5 grams of fiber and over 25 grams of protein, this easy cinnamon roll is excellent as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack or a high protein dessert.
My mom is the queen of desserts, and she makes the most delicious whole wheat cinnamon rolls. Obviously my protein cinnamon roll is not the same thing, but the texture and flavor are remarkably similar for being so low in calories and sugar (not to mention time and effort). Hopefully this recipe brings you back to a cozy kitchen where you savored some homemade rolls. And then crush whatever you have ahead, staying full and satisfied for hours!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- High protein
- Macro-friendly
- Low sugar
- Filling + satisfying
- Quick and easy
- Just 5 ingredients
This recipe contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love!
Products used in this recipe:
- Kodiak Cakes pancake mix (If you just want one box, try this link. It is temporarily unavailable as I write this, but keep your eye out. You can also check Walmart, Costco, or your local grocery store.)
- Stevia Extract Powder (this stuff lasts me forever, and I don’t notice any funky aftertaste.)
- Cream Cheese Frosting (clean ingredients, lower sugar)
- Cream Cheese Frosting value/bulk option (clean ingredients, lower sugar)
- Vanilla Frosting (clean ingredients, lower sugar)
- My favorite measuring spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup protein pancake mix (or regular)
- ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- Sweetener to taste (I use a tiny scoop of this stevia powder, but you can use whatever sweetener you like or even leave it out)
- 1 tbsp vanilla or cream cheese frosting*
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Optional 1-2 tbsp applesauce for added moisture
Directions
- Thoroughly combine the pancake mix, Greek yogurt, and sweetener in a microwave-safe bowl or container. The batter will be very thick — mix it until it becomes a thick, grabbable dough.
- Microwave for about 3 minutes or until no wet dough remains.
- Yes, I know it just looks like a lump of cooked dough. But top with your frosting, then a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and experience the magic! Enjoy warm. Optional: Add a side of berries for a boost of micronutrients!
*The Miss Jones frosting I use (linked in ingredients and intro), is delicious, uses clean ingredients, and has just 5 grams of sugar per tablespoon. A typical store-bought cream cheese frosting has about twice that amount or more. If for any reason the Miss Jones one doesn’t work for you, you can try a whipped cream cheese frosting, which has closer to 8 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
The prices on Amazon are always changing, so if the ones I linked are unreasonable you can always check your local Walmart or grocery store. It is often cheaper there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just try a gluten-free pancake mix. I have had good results with the King Arthur Protein Gluten-Free pancake mix.
Q: Can I make this dairy free?
A: Yes, just swap the yogurt for a dairy free one, or even applesauce.
Q: The edges of mine were a little dry. What can I do to prevent that?
A: You can try adding a tablespoon or two of unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture.
