These soft, fluffy cinnamon buns combine almond and coconut flours with melted mozzarella and cream cheese to create a low-carb dough. Sweetened with erythritol and filled with a cinnamon-butter blend, the buns bake to golden perfection. Topped with a creamy icing made from cream cheese, butter, and vanilla, they offer an indulgent yet keto-friendly snack or breakfast option. Ideal for those avoiding gluten and sugars.
The smell of cinnamon wafting through the house on a Sunday morning used to be something I missed terribly after starting keto. That changed when I finally cracked the code for low-carb cinnamon buns that actually taste like the real deal.
I made these for my skeptical sister who swore keto baked goods always tasted like cardboard. Watching her eyes widen at first bite made all the recipe testing worth it. She texted me the next day asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Almond flour: Creates the tender crumb structure and keeps these perfectly keto-friendly
- Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture and prevents the dough from becoming too dense
- Erythritol sweetener: Provides the classic cinnamon bun sweetness without spiking blood sugar
- Baking powder: Gives these buns their rise and fluffiness
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret ingredient that creates the stretchy, gluten-like dough texture
- Cream cheese: Adds richness to the dough and makes the most luscious icing
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the fluffy texture
- Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of any cinnamon bun, use good quality here
- Unsalted butter: Creates that irresistible cinnamon sugar filling we all love
- Powdered erythritol: Dissolves beautifully into the icing for that smooth finish
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with warm, comforting notes
- Unsweetened almond milk: Adjusts the icing consistency without adding carbs
Instructions
- Prep your baking station:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper for easy removal later
- Melt the cheese base:
- Combine shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals while stirring until completely smooth
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined
- Form the dough:
- Add the melted cheese mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a sticky dough forms
- Roll it out:
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick
- Make the cinnamon filling:
- Mix erythritol, cinnamon, and melted butter, then spread evenly over the rolled dough
- Roll and slice:
- Using the parchment paper to guide you, roll the dough into a log from the long side and cut into 8 equal pieces
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Arrange buns cut-side up in your prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden and set
- Whip up the icing:
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla until smooth, adding almond milk as needed
- Finish and serve:
- Let buns cool for 10 minutes, then spread the icing over warm buns and enjoy immediately
These became a Christmas morning tradition after my first attempt turned out surprisingly well. Now my family actually looks forward to keto breakfast instead of mourning their usual cinnamon rolls.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate separately, then assemble and bake fresh in the morning. The buns reheat beautifully at 350°F for about 5 minutes if you need to make them ahead.
Customization Ideas
Chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the filling add wonderful crunch and healthy fats. For extra protein, you can even sprinkle a little vanilla protein powder into the dough mixture.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually develop even more flavor overnight as the cinnamon permeates the dough.
- Reheat individual buns in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds
- The toaster oven works great to recrisp the edges
- Freeze uniced buns for up to a month and add fresh icing later
There is something deeply satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cinnamon bun that fits your lifestyle. These proof that you really can have it all.
Recipe FAQs
- → What flours are used to make these buns?
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Almond flour and coconut flour create a low-carb, gluten-free base that keeps the buns soft and tender.
- → How is sweetness achieved without sugar?
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Erythritol or a preferred sugar-free sweetener provides gentle sweetness without affecting carb counts.
- → Can I substitute the nut-based flour?
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Yes, sunflower seed flour can replace almond flour for a nut-free variation.
- → What gives the dough its elasticity?
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Melted mozzarella and cream cheese combined with eggs help bind and stretch the dough.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
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Keep buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat before enjoying.
- → Is the icing dairy-free?
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No, the icing contains cream cheese and butter for a rich, creamy texture.