01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly. This initial step ensures your Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins (Gluten-Free) bake evenly and don't stick, making for easy removal.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt. Set aside.
03 -
In a separate medium bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until well combined.
04 -
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine for these Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins (Gluten-Free).
05 -
In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil). Mix until a thick paste forms. This will create the signature swirl in your muffins.
06 -
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Dollop small amounts of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
07 -
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins (Gluten-Free) cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 -
While muffins cool, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or powdered sugar), 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, and 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled muffins before serving.