How to Make Vegan Refined Sugar-Free Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Don’t let the title fool you; these cinnamon rolls are phenomenal! They taste just as deliciously indulgent as a standard cinnamon roll. That first bite will pleasantly surprise you. So go ahead and enjoy your cinnamon roll without worrying about a sugar crash with these Vegan Refined Sugar-Free Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls!

Why You’ll Love Them

Gut Friendly

These cinnamon rolls are more gut-friendly than your average ones for a few reasons.

Refined sugar-free

First, they contain monk fruit sweetener and maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Refined sugar is a killer when it comes to gut health. It feeds harmful bacteria and yeast like candida, causing them to proliferate and out-compete beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. This results in an overgrowth of the bad guys creating an imbalance in the gut microbiome known as dysbiosis. This can lead to a host of problems including bloating, inflammation, and a weakened immune system.

Monk fruit sweetener, on the other hand, is considered gut-friendly as it is non-fermentable meaning harmful yeast and bacteria cannot feed on it. Monk fruit sweetener can be found in some grocery stores and most health food stores. I use this brand.

Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation in the gut and support overall health; however, it should be consumed in moderation as eating too much can cause harmful gut microbes to proliferate.

spelt flour

Second, these rolls are better for gut health because they’re made with spelt flour rather than all-purpose flour. In some of my other blog posts, I’ve discussed why modern wheat is problematic for many people. The short explanation is that it has been hybridized multiple times resulting in a starch and gluten structure that is difficult for many people to digest. For more information on why modern wheat can be problematic, visit my post Simple & Delicious Whole Grain Sourdough Spelt Bread.

While not gluten-free, spelt has a weaker gluten structure making it easier to digest. It may not be suitable for those with high gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, but those who are less sensitive may find that they can tolerate spelt. This is not true for everyone, so it is important to test with small amounts of spelt before consuming larger amounts.

optional long fermentation

Finally, while this recipe is for quick-made cinnamon rolls, there is the option of allowing the dough to long-ferment. Long fermentation (at least 8 hours) benefits gut health in several ways. First, the fermentation process creates prebiotics which feed beneficial gut flora, creating a healthier, more balanced microbiome. Second, natural fermentation breaks down gluten making sourdough easier to digest. Third, phytic acid, an anti-nutrient found in grains that hinders the absorption of nutrients, is reduced through the fermentation process. This means sourdough is gentler on the gut.

Easy to Make

These cinnamon rolls are easy to make, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 – 30 minutes to bake. If you can roll dough into a rough rectangle, spread it with filling, and then roll it up, you got this.

Delicious

While these rolls are healthier than the average dessert, they certainly don’t taste like it. They bake up light and fluffy with that classic cinnamon roll texture and flavour. The monk fruit and maple syrup make these rolls so sweet, gooey, and delicious. That first bite will surprise you!

The vegan cream cheese icing provides just the right tangy sweetness that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible. Nobody will be asking if they are vegan!

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 9 x 13 baking dish

Ingredients

Dough

• Light spelt flour – all-purpose can be substituted (see notes)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder – aluminum-free
• Salt
• Water
• Plant-based butter – melted
• Honey – agave or maple syrup can be substituted

Cinnamon Filling

• Plant-based butter – softened
• Monk fruit sweetener
• Maple syrup – 100% pure
• Cinnamon

Icing

• Plant-based cream cheese
• Coconut milk or cream – canned
• Honey – substitute with agave or maple syrup
• Vanilla Extract – pure

How to Make Vegan Refined Sugar-Free Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375 F.

Whisk spelt flour, baking soda and powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Add sourdough starter, water, melted butter, and honey to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Knead the dough for a couple of minutes and shape it into a ball.

Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. It should be roughly a 1/4 inch thick.

Make the Cinnamon Filling

Stir the softened butter, monk fruit sweetener, maple syrup, and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

Using a spatula, spread the filling over the dough.

Make the Rolls

Tightly roll up the dough beginning at the long edge of the rectangle. Seal the other edge by pressing it against the roll to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Use a sharp knife to divide the roll into 12 equal pieces.

Bake

Place the rolls swirl-side-up into the greased baking dish, leaving a little room between them.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. The dough should be cooked and the rolls should be a golden colour.

Make the Icing

In a small/medium saucepan, combine plant-based cream cheese, coconut milk/cream, honey and vanilla extract.

Warm over medium heat, stirring until well combined.

Pour over warm (not hot!) cinnamon rolls.

Serve warm.

Notes

• Spelt flour has a more delicate gluten structure, so it is important to not over-handle the dough to avoid dense cinnamon rolls.
• For more gut-friendly benefits, these rolls can be long-fermented. Leave out the baking soda and powder and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for a few hours. Transfer it to the fridge to cold-proof for 4 or more hours. Knead in the baking soda and powder right before rolling it out. This is optional but will result in lighter, fluffier rolls.
• All-purpose can be used instead of spelt flour. Reduce the amount of all-purpose by 30 – 60 grams (1/4 – 1/2 a cup).