Cinnamon Bun Bliss Balls

While it’s no question as to whether or not I have a sweet tooth, there are a few desserts that call my name more than any other. And cinnamon rolls easily make it onto that list.

These decadent, gooey and soft treats take me back to my childhood when cinnamon buns often made it onto the menu at our school’s cafeteria. Even today, whenever I spy them on display at any bakery or grocery store, a craving is sure to come on strong.

Though I’m not one to say no to the real deal every now and then, I wanted to incorporate a healthy version of this favorite baked good into my daily diet. Thus, these Cinnamon Bun Bliss Balls were born!

And oh, are they truly blissful. Tested by my boyfriend and cinnamon roll-aficionado sister, these balls of heaven got two thumbs up across the board. With their help, this simple recipe quickly became a new favorite of everyone involved.

The first key to this recipe? Leftover nut milk pulp from my Cinnamon Almond Hazelnut Milk. Because nuts make the base of so many of my protein ball recipes anyway, this pulp (which is simply soaked and ground up nuts with the liquid removed) makes the perfect substitute.

Plus, this reduces any waste that’s left after making your own nut milk! While the pulp gives these bites incredible texture, you can easily substitute with almond meal for a similar result.

Another one of my favorite additions to this recipe is cashew butter. Georgia Grinders makes some of the best, but I also often stock up from the bulk section at Whole Foods.

While cashews are one of my favorite nuts because of their creamy texture, they’re also incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, cashews promote heart, blood and eye health.

In addition to these key ingredients, only a few other staples are needed to create that “real” cinnamon bun feel. Dates and maple syrup provide natural sweetness, while cinnamon brings that subtle warmth and spice these treats call for. Plus, cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to boost circulation and lower blood sugar.

For more cinnamon-packed goodness, check out another favorite, my Cinnamon Raisin Grain-Free Granola.

While these blissful protein balls make the perfect post-dinner sweet treat, they’re also filled with nourishing ingredients to fuel you through your afternoon workout or morning meeting.

Though we don’t all have the luxury of getting our hands on a bakery-style cinnamon roll daily, this delicious recipe can turn that dream into a reality. Put that leftover nut milk pulp to good use and discover how blissful and tasty clean eating can truly be!