Healthy Cinnamon Bun Squares

So before I talk about these AMAZING treats (and trust me...my family and I ate 3 batches in a row...they were unbelievable) I have some even more fantastic news!

Remember in this post when I was so incredibly excited that Sorted Food featured a recipe of mine? Well imagine my shock and happiness at them writing a FULL FEATURE about me which you can (and should) read over here.  It is so flattering and made my heart grow at least three sizes Grinch style. It also is written very similar to how I write and speak which made it even better!


I have said it before and said it again -- I absolutely adore the Sorted Food crew (find their facebook page here) and I find them so hilarious, charming and inspiring. I promise you will learn SO much from them it will blow your mind. So thank you, thank you, thank YOU Sorted. I love you long time.






AND NOW....




Pumpkin is comforting. But for for those suffering from pumpkin fatigue this Fall...don`t worry boo, I got you.


Cinnamon is the ultimate comfort for me. But hours of slaving for a home made cinnamon roll? Ehh....No thanks.


Maybe I will healthify a legitimate cinnamon roll recipe one day -- but for today I just want you to relax and brew a pot of tea and know that you can create this recipe without baking, elbow grease or long waiting periods.


Oh and it's like gluten free and healthy and STUFF.

Healthy is great. But if it doesn't taste good then there's just no point, right?! Thankfully these are moist, soft, warming and delicious. The crunch from the pecans and creamy frosting make your brain say "CINNABON" but your tummy say "THANK YOU FOR NOT ACTUALLY EATING A CINNABON".

I think this recipe is perfect for the Fall -- and if you are a cinnamon roll fan then you can check our my Cinnamon Roll Protein Cake with Healthy Frosting!




If you are short on time. Or if you just want something DELICIOUS. Then YOU BETTER BE ON THESE SQUARES, YOU SQUARES.

Because it's hip to be square.

And bringing delicious treats to share with other people is also hip.



Wait, actually maybe it's not. I don't get out much. But regardless -- you will want to make these, I assure you!

Guilt Free 'Cinnamon Bun' Squares

Yields 16 Squares

Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, High Protein, Vegan Option

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups oat flour
• 1/3 cup peanut flour (or more oat flour)
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 1 cup vanilla brown rice protein (SunWarrior)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans 
• 1/2 cup natural nut butter spread (any brand/kind you choose)
• 1/2 cup liquid sweetener (agave, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, coconut nectar, honey, etc)
• 5 drops NOW Foods English Toffee Stevia Drops (optional) 
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup almond milk 
• For Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Layer
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 cream cheese/cream cheese substitute or 'cashew cheese' 
• 1-2 tablespoon white chocolate chips 
• Optional: Caramel topping, Caramel Bits, White Chocolate Chips, Pecans, etc. For Topping

Directions:

1. Line an 8x8 pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap for easy clean up
2. Mix all dry ingredients (except those for the ganache) in a large mixing bowl and stir until combined
3. In a small sauce pan heat the nut butter, sweetener and stevia (if using) until thoroughly combined, stirring occasionally 
4. Pour liquid mixture onto dry mixture using almond milk to add to mixture only until it forms a large ball (you may need less or more almond milk depending on the ingredients you use!)
5. Press into lined pan until flat and even and place in the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes
6. For Frosting: Melt the coconut oil and microwave until softened/melted 
7. Add in chocolate chips cream cheese/substitute and stir until fully combined 
8. Spread over bar layer using the back of a spoon until evenly spread
9. If desired add in extra toppings at this stage while frosting layer is still wet
10. Place in fridge to set for 30-60 minutes
11. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
12. Keep refrigerated if your climate is hot! 

Chop 'em up and serve 'em and eat them with tea!

Or whichever drink you prefer. They are an amazing accompaniment to coffee, too!

Soft, creamy, satisfying. But without processed weirdness. 

And if you want to be fancy drizzle some caramel on there and drag the design with a toothpick! (And PSST. I have a healthy caramel recipe!) 

There you have it. All the proof you need that these are simple and gorgeous! Plus delicious. Can you tell they are delicious through the screen?

Does that come across?

How about now?!

Oh good. I was worried!

Hope you make these -- you can always tweet, facebook, pinterest, instagram or whichever other way ME to let me know how it goes!

Happy Cinnamon Bunning!

XO