Description
Delightfully soft and fluffy vegan apple cinnamon rolls featuring a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and fresh apples, topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. Perfectly baked until golden and tender, this plant-based treat makes for an irresistible breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 1/4 cups (530g) bread flour (or all-purpose plain flour, plus more if needed)
- 1 1/4 cups (315g) dairy-free milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar (brown sugar or coconut sugar)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)
Filling
- 2/3 cup (125g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1/3 cup (75g) vegan butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 medium-size apples (~360g each), finely chopped
Frosting
- 2/3 cup (160g or 5 ounces) vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup (55g) vegan block butter (room temperature)
- 1–2 cups (100g-200g) powdered sugar / icing sugar (or to taste)
Instructions
- Making the dough: Add all the dough ingredients into a large bowl or stand mixer and mix until combined. Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and tacky. If kneading by hand, transfer to a lightly floured surface. Adjust with a dash of milk if dry, or more flour if too sticky.
- First proof: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for at least 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until a smooth paste forms and set aside.
- Assemble the rolls: Grease or line a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) cake pan with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14×17-inch (35x45cm) rectangle using a rolling pin.
- Add filling: Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough, close to the edges. Then sprinkle the finely chopped apples on top.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a tube shape. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the roll into equal-sized cinnamon rolls.
- Second proof: Place the rolls in the prepared baking tray, cover with a tea towel, and let them rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour until puffy.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30-35 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Combine vegan cream cheese, vegan block butter, and powdered sugar in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Adjust sugar to achieve desired firmness. Chill until ready to use.
- Frost and serve: Once the rolls have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Enjoy fresh on the day of baking or store as directed.
- Storage: Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use vegan butter at room temperature for easier mixing in the dough and filling.
- Instant dry yeast is used for convenience; if using active dry yeast, proof in warm milk before adding.
- Adding vanilla extract is optional but enhances flavor.
- To achieve extra gooey cinnamon rolls, consider slightly underbaking or adding a glaze after baking.
- Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to taste for desired sweetness and consistency.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vegan apple cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls recipe, plant-based cinnamon rolls, dairy-free apple rolls, vegan breakfast pastries
