Why the Cinnamon Wheel Isn't Vegan
At first glance, a cinnamon dessert on a pizza crust might seem like a potentially vegan option, especially since Papa Murphy's offers several vegan-friendly crusts. However, the inclusion of cream cheese frosting is the definitive dealbreaker. Traditional cream cheese is a dairy product made from milk, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. While some companies offer vegan versions of cream cheese, Papa Murphy's uses a standard version with dairy ingredients for this dessert.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
To understand why the Papa Murphy's Cinnamon Wheel is not vegan, it helps to examine its components. The dessert is a culmination of a few key elements, some of which are clearly non-vegan, and others that might be. Here is a breakdown of the typical ingredients and why they don't align with a plant-based lifestyle:
- The Frosting: As the primary culprit, the cream cheese frosting contains dairy products. This includes milk and possibly other animal-derived ingredients, making the dessert non-vegan by default.
- The Crust: Papa Murphy's does offer several vegan-friendly crusts, including their original, thin, and pan crusts. However, even if the base is vegan, the final product is not due to the toppings.
- The Topping: The cinnamon spread and oatmeal crisp topping might also contain hidden dairy or other animal by-products. Without access to a complete and verified vegan ingredient list for these specific components, it's safer for vegans to assume they are not plant-based.
Vegan Alternatives to the Cinnamon Wheel
Just because the Papa Murphy's Cinnamon Wheel is off-limits doesn't mean vegans can't satisfy their sweet tooth. Many other delicious plant-based desserts exist, both store-bought and homemade.
Commercial Vegan Dessert Options
Many grocery stores now offer a wide array of vegan dessert products. Options include:
- Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Brands like Immaculate Baking Co. and Annie's make vegan cinnamon rolls that can be baked at home.
- Dairy-Free Cheesecakes: Vegan cheesecakes are available in the frozen dessert aisle from brands like Daiya.
- Ice Cream Alternatives: An abundance of non-dairy ice creams made from almond, coconut, or soy milk are widely available.
Homemade Vegan Cinnamon Wheel Recipe
For those who prefer a DIY approach, a homemade vegan cinnamon wheel is simple to create. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
- For the Dough: Use a vegan-friendly pizza dough, which typically includes flour, water, yeast, and a little sugar and oil. Most ready-made doughs are already vegan, but always check the ingredients.
- For the Filling: Combine softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- For the Frosting: Create a simple vegan cream cheese frosting by blending softened vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of non-dairy milk until smooth and creamy.
Can You Customize a Vegan Version at Papa Murphy's?
Customizing a dessert at a pizza chain can be tricky. While Papa Murphy's allows for many customizations on its pizzas, creating a vegan Cinnamon Wheel is essentially impossible. You would need to purchase a plain pizza crust (like their original or thin options) with no toppings and bring it home. Then, you'd have to prepare your own vegan cinnamon spread and frosting at home to finish the dessert. This process is far more involved than simply omitting a non-vegan ingredient, and it's not a standard ordering procedure. It’s much more efficient to either choose one of the numerous pre-packaged vegan dessert options or bake a fully homemade version from scratch.
Comparison: Papa Murphy's Cinnamon Wheel vs. Homemade Vegan Version
| Feature | Papa Murphy's Cinnamon Wheel | Homemade Vegan Cinnamon Wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Not vegan; contains dairy in the frosting. | Fully vegan, using plant-based ingredients. |
| Convenience | Take-and-bake convenience, but not suitable for vegans. | Requires gathering multiple ingredients and preparation time. |
| Ingredients | Standard dairy cream cheese frosting and potentially non-vegan toppings. | Vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based sugars. |
| Customization | Not customizable into a vegan version at the restaurant level. | Complete control over ingredients, sweetness, and flavor. |
| Effort | Low effort if not vegan; no effort for vegans who must avoid it. | Higher effort due to preparation steps. |
Other Considerations for Vegans
When dining out or ordering from a chain like Papa Murphy's, it's always best to be cautious. While a menu item might appear plant-based, a closer look at the ingredients or allergens can reveal hidden animal products. The simplest and safest approach is to stick with explicitly labeled vegan options or create your own dishes at home. For those committed to a vegan diet, checking for official ingredient lists on a company's website is the most reliable method. For example, Papa Murphy's makes their nutrition and ingredient information available on their website, which clearly indicates the presence of dairy in their cream cheese frosting.
Conclusion: A Clear Verdict
In summary, the presence of dairy-based cream cheese frosting confirms that the Papa Murphy's Cinnamon Wheel is not vegan. While the pizza chain offers vegan-friendly crusts and a dairy-free cheese option for pizzas, this specific dessert is unsuitable for those following a plant-based diet. Fortunately, the rise in plant-based eating has led to a variety of commercial and homemade alternatives that can satisfy a craving for a sweet, cinnamon treat. By being mindful of ingredients, vegans can still find delicious dessert options without compromising their dietary principles.
