Cinnamon buns, those heavenly swirls of dough with a sweet and spicy core, have a special place in the hearts and ovens of many. Traditionally, brown sugar plays a big role in giving them their signature gooey texture and deep, rich (and sweet) flavor. But the problem is that not everyone can indulge in brown sugar, whether it’s due to dietary restrictions, health concerns, or simply a preference for other sweeteners.
So if this is you and you are looking for a solution, we have a solution for you. If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to enjoy these delicious treats without the classic ingredient, I’m here to tell you that it’s more than possible….it’s downright delightful. By turning to sugar alternatives, we open up a world of possibilities \’not only satisfying that sweet tooth but also offering options for those who are mindful of their sugar intake.
As we explore the art of making cinnamon buns without brown sugar, it’s not just about swapping one sugar for another; it’s about understanding how ingredients interact to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your baking. So let’s get ready to unravel the mystery behind sugar alternatives and prepare for a delightful baking experience \’one that promises all the comfort of a traditional cinnamon bun but with a twist that may just surprise you.
Mastering the Perfect Cinnamon Bun Texture and Flavor without Brown Sugar
You’re going to find out about creating a cinnamon bun that’s just as indulgent and satisfying, minus the brown sugar. It’s all about hitting the right notes of sweetness and keeping that classic fluffy texture.
In my opinion, the key to a delightful cinnamon bun lies in the dough. When making your dough, use milk instead of water for extra richness, and don’t skimp on the butter. These ingredients compensate for the moisture and flavor brown sugar usually provides.
Next up, let’s talk filling. It’s not just about sugar—it’s the cinnamon that’s the star. You can always adjust your approach down the road, but for starters, try mixing your cinnamon with honey or a dash of maple syrup. These alternatives bring a unique depth to the classic flavor you know and love.
If you want to get creative, consider fruit purées like apple or pumpkin. They can offer a subtle natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon. Plus, they add a touch of moisture and texture that can elevate your buns to the next level.
Choose something that resonates with you, whether that’s using a sugar-free sweetener for health reasons or tapping into the rich flavors of molasses or agave nectar. Each option has its unique profile and will affect the overall taste of your buns.
Don’t worry too much about exact sugar-to-sugar substitute ratios right away. A general rule of thumb is to start with a 1:1 substitution and then adjust according to your taste. The beauty of using alternatives is that it gives you control over the level of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cinnamon Buns without Brown Sugar
Now that we’ve explored the hows and whys of making cinnamon buns without brown sugar, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get into the baking. I’m going to walk you through a simple yet, awesome recipe for creating a cinnamon bun without any brown sugar.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk (warm)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or a combination of 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 tablespoon of molasses
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup of butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or a combination for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of milk or as needed
Now for the instructions. Let’s take these ingredients, and make the magic happen.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and your choice of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or white sugar-molasses blend). Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, your choice of sweetener, and ground cinnamon to create the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up. Allow some space between each bun for them to expand.
- Let the buns rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
Step 4: Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the buns have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze:
While the buns are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (add enough milk to achieve your desired consistency) until smooth.
Step 6: Final Touches
Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the slightly cooled buns.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious cinnamon buns without brown sugar are now ready to be served. Enjoy them warm for a heavenly experience.
Bonus Tips:
Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness or cinnamon in both the filling and the glaze according to your taste.
These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container and reheated for later enjoyment.
If you have any feedback or questions about this recipe, I would love to hear it. Please drop them in the comments section below.
Hi Kyle,
After reading a website about weight loss and thinking I need to jump on that bandwagon, I almost feel like I’m already cheating just by reading this!
Seriously though, this looks really good without using brown sugar. This recipe looks really tasty. This could be good for my wife and me, but not for our daughter’s family. Most of her kids are gluten sensitive and one even has celiac disease.
Do you know if you will share any good recipes that are gluten free?
– Scott
Haha, you can eat the cinnamon bun as your rewards. They definitely are not a big item on the weight loss menu, but perhaps you can make your cheat day cinnamon buns! lol
As for a recipe that is gluten free, here is a SIMPLE one:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Brush the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and any optional nuts or raisins.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
8. Place the rolls into the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Allow the cinnamon buns to cool slightly before serving.
I hope this helps you out here Scott!
Thank you for such a lovely and appetizing article. I’ve always had a passion for cooking and baking, especially when it comes to cinnamon rolls. It’s reassuring to learn that they can be prepared without brown sugar, especially since it’s not always available in my kitchen. However, I’m curious, will they still have the same flavor profile as those made with brown sugar?
That is awesome Kiersti, I bet your cinnamon rolls are delicious!
And yes, many people don’t love using white sugar in recipes, and using brown sugar and even coconut sugar are definitely options. The flavor profile will definitely change depending on the type of sugar that you use (brown sugar will be a bit richer in flavor), and it is best to test and try out several buns with different sugar types to see which one you like best.