If you’re following a Paleo diet, finding delicious baked goods can be a challenge. Fortunately, with this Paleo cinnamon rolls recipe, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without straying from your dietary restrictions. These cinnamon rolls are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them a perfect indulgence for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls.
The recipe calls for a combination of almond flour, tapioca flour, and coconut flour, which creates a fluffy and tender texture. The dough is sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla extract, and the filling is a blend of cinnamon and maple sugar. To top it off, there’s a sweet glaze made with coconut cream and honey that perfectly complements the warm, spicy flavors of the cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch treat or a special dessert, these Paleo cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
Paleo Diet Basics
What is Paleo?
The Paleo diet is a way of eating that mimics the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. The diet is based on the idea that our bodies are best suited to the foods that were available to our ancestors during the Paleolithic era. This means that the diet is focused on whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
The Paleo diet excludes processed foods, grains, legumes, dairy, and refined sugars. This is because these foods were not available during the Paleolithic era and are thought to be less compatible with our biology.
Benefits of Paleo Ingredients
The ingredients used in Paleo recipes are chosen not only for their historical relevance but also for their nutritional value. Many of the ingredients used in the Paleo diet are rich in nutrients that are important for overall health.
For example, nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They can help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. Vegetables and fruits provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for maintaining good health.
Meat and fish are excellent sources of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. They also provide important nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, the Paleo diet provides a nutrient-dense way of eating that can help to support overall health and wellbeing.
Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
When it comes to making paleo cinnamon rolls, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some key ingredients to keep in mind when making your own paleo cinnamon rolls.
Choosing Paleo-Friendly Flours
Traditional cinnamon rolls are made with wheat flour, but paleo-friendly flours like almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour can be used as alternatives. Almond flour is a great option for adding a nutty flavor to your cinnamon rolls, while coconut flour provides a light and fluffy texture. Tapioca flour is often used in paleo baking recipes to help bind ingredients together.
Natural Sweeteners
Paleo cinnamon rolls can still be sweet and delicious without using refined sugar. Instead, try using natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. These sweeteners are less processed and contain more nutrients than traditional sugar.
Dairy Substitutes
Traditional cinnamon rolls often contain butter, milk, and cream cheese, but there are plenty of dairy substitutes that can be used in paleo cinnamon rolls. Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter, while coconut milk or almond milk can be used in place of regular milk. For a cream cheese substitute, try using a mixture of coconut cream and lemon juice.
By choosing the right ingredients, you can create a delicious batch of paleo cinnamon rolls that are both healthy and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Making paleo cinnamon rolls may seem daunting, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you can have a delicious and healthy treat in no time. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure success in every batch.
Preparing the Dough
To make the dough, you’ll need almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, melted butter, water, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate measuring cup. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until fully combined.
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll the dough out into a rectangle on a piece of parchment paper.
Filling and Rolling
For the filling, combine softened butter, cinnamon, coconut palm sugar, and xanthan gum in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting at the long edge closest to you.
Use a sharp knife to slice the log into individual pieces, about 9 or 10 rolls. Place the rolls onto a greased baking dish or pie dish.
Baking Tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. While the rolls are baking, make the frosting by mixing palm shortening, coconut milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon with a hand blender.
Once the rolls are finished baking, let them cool for a few minutes before frosting them. Drizzle the frosting over the rolls and enjoy warm.
Remember to be patient and take your time with each step. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at making delicious paleo cinnamon rolls.
Serving and Storage
Best Practices for Serving
Paleo cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. The aroma of cinnamon and the soft, fluffy texture of the rolls make them irresistible. You can serve them as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or even as a snack.
To enhance the flavor and texture, you can add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on top of the rolls. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top for added crunch.
When serving, make sure to have a napkin handy, as the rolls can be a bit messy.
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Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warm.
Alternatively, you can freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them up in the oven.
It is important to note that the texture of the rolls may change slightly after being stored or frozen. They may become a bit denser and less fluffy, but they will still be delicious.
To summarize, to get the most out of your paleo cinnamon rolls, serve them warm and fresh out of the oven. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheat them when you are ready to enjoy them again.