Maple Frosted Cinnamon Buns (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN + Recipe by Laura Hearn, CNE

Remember the last time you walked through a shopping mall?  Did you happen to stroll past the popular cinnamon bun chain wafting its aromas of sweet, tantalizing gooey-ness?

Cinnamon buns hold a special place in the tapestry of culinary delights, evoking memories of comfort and warmth. Yet, indulging in such treats might seem like a distant dream for those of us navigating the journey toward clearer skin.

Good news. With these Maple Frosted Cinnamon Buns, we’re sharing a revised classic that retains all the goodness of its traditional counterpart but with a wholesome twist, perfectly aligned with the principles of The Clear Skin Solution.

Sweet Cinnamon

Cinnamon stands out as a vital player in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar levels are foundational in preventing hormonal imbalances that often lead to acne. When blood sugar spikes, the body responds by releasing insulin, aiming to normalize glucose levels.

However, this necessary response can inadvertently trigger a domino effect of hormonal changes, including an increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Elevated levels of IGF-1 can boost sebum production and accelerate skin cell growth, both of which contribute to clogged pores and, ultimately, acne flare-ups.

Incorporating this warming spice into these Cinnamon Buns does more than just satisfy your palate with its delightful flavour; it acts as a natural ally in supporting your skin’s health. 

The Richness of Cashews

Move over shortening-based frostings and say hello to the rich creaminess of cashews. The base of our Cashew Maple Frosting, these nuts are not just a delight to the palate but are also packed with skin-loving nutrients. They bring to the table healthy fats essential for maintaining the elasticity and vibrancy of the skin.

Unlike traditional frosting, which is often laden with dairy—a known trigger for acne and inflammation—cashews offer a lush texture and a profile that’s heart-healthy and kind to your skin, leaving it grateful with every indulgent bite.

Additionally, the inclusion of cashews introduces more blood sugar benefits, courtesy of the hydroethanolic extract known as anacardic acid. This compound is celebrated for its ability to stimulate glucose transport and control, making every creamy mouthful of our Cashew Maple Frosting a treat for your taste buds without compromising your skin goals.

A Sweeter Approach to Sweetening

We all love a bit of sweetness in our treats, but refined sugars can be a nemesis to clear skin. This recipe uses pure maple syrup and coconut sugar, which skip the inflammation and mineral drain from processed sugar. It takes 28 molecules of magnesium to neutralize one molecule of table sugar! No wonder magnesium deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical functions in the body. It’s also a common deficiency we see in our clients’ HTMA (Hair Trace Mineral Analysis) results. Instead, natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and maple syrup lend a richer nutrient profile, including minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These help you maintain a glowing complexion while enjoying a touch of decadence.

Gluten-Free, Glow-Inducing

We can’t overlook the potential impact of gluten on our skin. For many, a gluten-free diet can make a marked difference in the fight against acne, largely due to gluten’s role in inflammation and gut health. By opting for gluten-free flour in this recipe, we’re not just making these buns accessible to those with celiac or gluten intolerance—we’re also choosing a path that is gentle on everyone’s gut, potentially reducing the inflammatory responses that can manifest as acne.

Now, without further ado, here’s how to create these delightful Maple Frosted Cinnamon Buns that are delicious and kind to your skin and body.

Maple Frosted Cinnamon Buns

Indulge in our Maple Frosted Cinnamon Buns: gluten-free, vegan delights with a warm, sweet flavour. Perfect for cozy mornings.

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Servings: 12 servings

Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups gluten-free flour (plus more for dusting)
• 3 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• 5 Tbsp non-dairy butter (see notes)

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1.5 Tbsp cinnamon
• 5 Tbsp dairy-free butter (melted)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
• 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 4 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9” round or square baking dish, or line it with parchment paper.
• Mix the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, mix the filling ingredients and set aside.
• In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, sea salt, maple syrup, non-dairy butter, and the coconut milk mixture to form a dough. You should be able to form it into a ball.
• Transfer the dough onto a floured piece of parchment paper. Knead briefly, adding a little flour if needed.
• Roll the dough into a 9” x 12” rectangle, about 1/4” thick. Spread the filling on top, leaving a ½-inch border.
• Roll the dough from the short end into a log. Slice into 10-12 pieces and place in the prepared dish.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.

To Make the Frosting:

• Drain the soaked cashews. Blend with the other frosting ingredients until smooth.
• Spread over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

• Non-Dairy Butter Recommendations:
  • Nuts for Butter Salted Original Organic & Dairy-Free Butter
  • Miyoko’s Creamy Salted Plant Milk Butter
  • Le Grand Vegan Plant Butter for All
• If the dough log is too soft when slicing, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. A piece of dental floss can also be used to mark and slice the dough.