There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon and eggnog wafting through the house during the holidays, don’t you think? I’ll never forget the Christmas morning when I first tried combining my grandma’s cinnamon roll recipe with creamy eggnog – it was pure serendipity! That happy accident turned into our family’s most requested holiday treat. This healthier version keeps all that festive flavor while cutting back on sugar and fat. The pull-apart cake style makes it perfect for sharing (though I won’t judge if you sneak an extra piece for yourself). Trust me, one bite of these warm, spiced rolls with their light glaze will have everyone gathering around your kitchen just like mine does.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Cake
This isn’t just another holiday dessert—it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone feel cozy and festive. Here’s why it’s become my absolute must-bake every December:
- So easy! No yeast, no waiting—just mix, roll, and bake. Perfect for when holiday chaos hits and you need something impressive FAST.
- Healthier but still indulgent with whole wheat flour, applesauce instead of butter, and just enough maple syrup to keep it sweet without the sugar crash.
- That eggnog magic gives it the richest holiday flavor—like Christmas morning in every bite!
- Pull-apart style means more fun—great for sharing (or not—I won’t tell if you keep the whole pan for yourself).
Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before diving in!
The Key Players: What Makes These Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls Special
You know what I love about this recipe? Every ingredient pulls its weight to create something magical. Let’s talk about what you’ll need to grab from your pantry – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have!
- Whole wheat flour – 2 cups (I use white whole wheat for a lighter texture)
- Baking powder & soda – 1 tsp and 1/2 tsp (our rising dream team!)
- Pinch of salt – Just 1/4 tsp to balance the sweetness
- Unsweetened applesauce – 1/2 cup (my secret moisture trick instead of oil)
- Pure maple syrup – 1/4 cup (none of that fake pancake syrup, please!)
- Eggnog – 1/2 cup low-fat (the holiday star! Cold from the fridge works best)
- Cinnamon – A full tablespoon (trust me, you’ll want that bold spice flavor)
- Walnuts – 1/4 cup chopped (optional but adds such a nice crunch)
The glaze is just powdered sugar and milk – simple but perfect. Pro tip: Use the same eggnog in the glaze if you want extra holiday cheer! Now let’s get mixing…
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- A large mixing bowl (I use my favorite ceramic one—the bigger, the better for messy mixing!)
- 9-inch round cake pan (or pie dish in a pinch)
- Rolling pin (or an empty wine bottle—we’ve all been there!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula (for scraping every last bit of dough—no waste!)
That’s it! Now let’s make some holiday magic happen.
How to Make Christmas Healthy Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Cake
Okay, friends—let’s get to the fun part! This recipe comes together in no time, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a holiday showstopper before you know it!
Preparing the Dough
First things first—preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your big mixing bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and that pinch of salt. Now here’s where the magic happens—add the applesauce, maple syrup, and cold eggnog all at once. Stir gently until just combined (overmixing makes tough rolls!). The dough should be soft but not sticky—if it clings to your fingers, dust it with a bit more flour. Trust your instincts here—you want it pliable like playdough!
Rolling and Cutting the Rolls
Flour your counter well—this dough loves to stick! Roll it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Now, sprinkle that glorious cinnamon evenly over the whole surface (I use my hands to “rain” it down for perfect coverage). Roll it up tightly from the long side—like you’re making a cozy cinnamon blanket burrito! Use dental floss to cut 1-inch slices (just slide it underneath and pull up—no squished rolls!). Arrange them in your greased pan with the swirls facing up—they’ll puff into each other as they bake, creating that perfect pull-apart magic.
Baking and Glazing
Pop those beauties in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown—your kitchen will smell like Christmas heaven! While they bake, whisk together the glaze: powdered sugar and just enough milk to make it drizzle-able (about 1 tablespoon). Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes—I know it’s hard to wait!—then drizzle that sweet goodness over the top. The glaze will soak in slightly, making every bite moist and delicious. Serve warm and watch them disappear faster than holiday cookies at Santa’s house!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart Cake
After making this recipe more times than I can count (my neighbors keep requesting it!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Flour is your friend! Dust that rolling surface generously—whole wheat dough sticks like holiday tape on presents.
- Cold eggnog works best—it keeps the dough from getting too sticky while mixing.
- Let the rolls rest 5 minutes after baking before glazing—they’ll soak up that sweetness better.
- Store leftovers (if any!) covered at room temp—they stay moist for 2 days, but we all know they won’t last that long!
Bonus tip: Warm individual slices for 10 seconds before serving—it’s like fresh from the oven all over again!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Listen, I know the holidays mean juggling all sorts of dietary needs—that’s why I love how flexible this recipe is! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- Dairy-free? Use coconut or almond milk eggnog—it works like a charm!
- No maple syrup? Honey or agave nectar will do in a pinch (just reduce by 1 tbsp since they’re sweeter).
- Nut allergies? Skip the walnuts or swap in sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Extra festive? Add orange zest to the dough or a splash of rum extract to the glaze (for adults only, of course!).
The best part? Every version still tastes like holiday magic—promise!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love serving these warm cinnamon rolls—it’s practically a holiday ritual in my house! A big mug of spiced coffee or hot chocolate turns this into the coziest breakfast. For brunch, pair with fresh clementines or pomegranate seeds—that sweet-tart contrast is divine. And if you’re feeling fancy? A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side makes it feel almost virtuous (until you go back for seconds, that is!).
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news—these cinnamon rolls stay just as delicious the next day (if they last that long!). Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, my favorite trick is warming individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just until that glaze gets melty again. If you’ve got a crowd to feed, reheat the whole pan covered with foil in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. Either way, they’ll taste like you just pulled them fresh from the oven!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers—because even holiday treats can be a little lighter! This recipe makes about 8 generous servings, with each roll coming in around 180 calories and 12g of sugar (way better than traditional cinnamon buns!). But heads up—nutrition varies based on your exact ingredients. The whole wheat flour gives you 4g of fiber per serving, and that applesauce means you’re getting all that moist deliciousness with just 3g of fat. Not too shabby for something that tastes like Christmas morning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggnog for dairy-free coconut or almond milk eggnog, and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs if needed. For the glaze, just mix powdered sugar with your favorite plant-based milk. Trust me, it’s just as delicious—my vegan sister-in-law requests this version every year!
How long does it last?
These cinnamon rolls stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. But let’s be real—between holiday guests and midnight snackers, they rarely last that long in my house! The glaze keeps them wonderfully moist.
Can I freeze it?
You bet! Freeze them unglazed for up to 1 month—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. When the craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes before adding fresh glaze. Perfect for when unexpected holiday guests show up!
Can I make it ahead?
Oh, I do this all the time! Prepare the rolls up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop them in the oven—the smell will wake everyone up better than any alarm clock!
Share Your Holiday Creation!
I’d love to see your cinnamon roll masterpieces! Snap a photo of your pull-apart cake and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday kitchen adventures. Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below and let’s swap baking stories!
Print
Christmas Healthy Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Cake in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A festive and healthy twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for Christmas. Made with eggnog and topped with a light glaze for a delicious holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup eggnog (low-fat)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add applesauce, maple syrup, and eggnog. Stir until dough forms.
- Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the dough and roll it tightly.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and arrange in the pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use dairy-free eggnog for a vegan version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add raisins for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American