If you are searching for a delightful treat that delivers a perfect balance of natural sweetness, warm spices, and a tender crumb, then you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe. These rolls come packed with a rich fig filling that’s subtly enhanced by cinnamon and stem ginger, all wrapped in a soft, flaky vegan pastry that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re after a wholesome snack, a cozy dessert, or a fancy addition to your afternoon tea, this recipe offers everything you need to enjoy a truly scrumptious and plant-based indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making your Homemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe. Each component plays a special role: the flours bring structure, the vegan butter adds richness, while the figs and spices create that signature filling with depth and warmth.
- 100 g plain (all-purpose) flour: Provides the base structure for the soft pastry, essential for a tender roll.
- 75 g wholemeal or spelt flour: Adds a lovely nutty flavor and a subtle rustic texture to the dough.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the pastry for a delicate crumb.
- 50 g vegan block butter: This is key for that rich, flaky texture; look for a good quality brand for best results.
- 40 g light brown sugar: Sweetens the dough softly and helps with browning in the oven.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional): Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the dough without overpowering.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor overall.
- 1-2 Tbsp plant or nut milk: Just enough to bind the dough together, oat milk works wonderfully here.
- 200 g soft dried figs: The star of the filling, naturally sweet and chewy, giving a luscious texture.
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and balances the sweetness of the fig filling beautifully.
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup: Adds extra natural sweetness and keeps the filling luxuriously smooth.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Warms the flavor profile with its comforting spice.
- 1 ball stem ginger in syrup: Introduces a subtle zingy warmth and delightful chewiness to the filling.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
Start by making your pastry, which is the foundation of your fig rolls. Combine the flours, baking powder, vegan butter, salt, sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) in a food processor or bowl. Mix until the texture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add your plant milk, just a tablespoon or two, and continue mixing until the dough holds together almost like a ball. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry — rub the cubed vegan butter into the dry ingredients by hand until it looks sandy, then add the wet elements. Once your dough comes together, wrap it and chill for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and allow it to firm up, which makes rolling out smoother.
Step 2: Prepare the Fig Filling
While your dough chills, it’s time to make the delectable filling. In a food processor, blend the dried figs, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and stem ginger until you achieve a smooth, thick paste. This fig mixture is what gives the rolls their signature sweet and spicy flavor, so take a moment to taste and adjust the cinnamon or maple syrup if you want it a little more or less intense.
Step 3: Assemble the Fig Rolls
Preheat your oven to 190C (375F). On a well-floured surface, roll out your dough into a rectangle approximately 25×20 cm (10×8 inches). Cut the rectangle lengthwise into two equal strips. Spoon half the fig filling in a long sausage shape down the center of each dough strip. Gently fold one side of the dough over to cover the filling and roll it into a log. Press gently to seal and flatten the logs slightly. Trim the ends if you want cleaner edges. Finally, slice each log into seven even pieces, and carefully place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your fig rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the pastry turns a lovely golden brown. The warmth unlocks the spicy aroma of the filling, and the crust crisps up just perfectly. Once baked, transfer the rolls onto a wire rack to cool – this helps keep their crispness while the filling sets beautifully inside.
How to Serve Homemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or dust them lightly with cinnamon to add extra visual appeal and a hint of sweetness on top. A thin drizzle of maple syrup or a spread of vegan butter on warm rolls also makes a delightful touch that enhances their flavor.
Side Dishes
These fig rolls are incredible alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or a rich, plant-based coffee. For breakfast or brunch, serve with a bowl of coconut yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. They also make a charming treat with nutty cheeses or vegan cream cheese as a savory-sweet combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your fig rolls into bite-sized party snacks by cutting them smaller and serving on a platter with fresh figs and nuts. Alternatively, slice them thick and toast lightly for an elevated snack experience. Getting creative with presentation can make this vegan classic feel even more special at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, you can store leftover fig rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the pastry from drying out while preserving the soft, sweet filling.
Freezing
To freeze, place the fig rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm your fig rolls in a preheated oven at 160C (320F) for 5-7 minutes, or heat in a toaster oven until just heated through to revive that tender pastry and melty filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?
Fresh figs contain much more moisture than dried ones, which may affect the filling’s consistency. If you want to experiment, reduce added liquids in the filling and consider cooking the fresh figs down to thicken before blending.
Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose and wholemeal flours with a gluten-free baking mix that’s suitable for pastry. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, so using a mix tailored for tender pastries works best.
What other plant milks work well in this recipe?
Oat milk is fantastic due to its mild flavor, but almond, soy, or even cashew milk are great alternatives, depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The fig filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This can actually help meld the flavors beautifully before assembling your rolls.
How can I make the rolls sweeter or less sweet?
Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the filling to match your sweetness preference. Remember, the natural sugars in dried figs add plenty of sweetness already, so only tweak slightly to avoid overpowering the delicate balance.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe is such a rewarding experience, and the result is incredibly delicious. With a perfect balance of tender pastry and luscious fig filling, these rolls bring warmth and comfort in every bite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a beautiful way to brighten your day with a wholesome, plant-based treat that feels both traditional and excitingly fresh.
PrintHomemade Vegan Fig Rolls Recipe
Delicious homemade vegan fig rolls featuring a tender, buttery pastry enveloping a sweet, spiced fig and stem ginger filling. These fig rolls are perfect for a nourishing snack or teatime treat, made with wholesome flours and natural sweeteners.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 14 fig rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan/International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Pastry Ingredients
- 100 g plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for dusting
- 75 g wholemeal or spelt flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 50 g vegan block butter
- 40 g light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 Tbsp plant or nut milk (oat milk recommended), to bind dough
Filling Ingredients
- 200 g soft dried figs
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ball stem ginger in syrup
Instructions
- Make the Pastry: Combine the plain flour, wholemeal or spelt flour, baking powder, vegan butter, salt, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Bring the Dough Together: Continue mixing while gradually adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of your preferred plant or nut milk (such as oat milk) until the dough starts to form into a ball. Add the milk slowly to avoid making the dough too wet.
- Alternative Dough Preparation: If you don’t have a food processor, sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl, rub in the cubed vegan butter with your fingers until breadcrumb-like, then mix in sugar and vanilla extract. Add the plant milk gradually to bring the dough together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in beeswax wrap or a similar covering and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, place the soft dried figs, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and stem ginger with syrup into a food processor and blend until a thick paste forms. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F, Gas Mark 5) to prepare for baking.
- Roll Out the Dough: Dust a work surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle approximately 25 x 20 cm (10 x 8 inches). Cut this rectangle in half lengthwise.
- Assemble the Rolls: Divide the fig paste evenly between the two dough rectangles, laying it out like a long sausage along the center of each strip. Fold one side of each dough strip over the filling to encase it, forming two logs.
- Shape and Slice: Gently flatten the logs slightly and trim the edges for tidiness if desired. Cut each log into 7 equal pieces.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the pieces on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the fig rolls to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use vegan block butter for best texture and flavor in the pastry.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness to the filling; adjust to taste if desired.
- Stem ginger in syrup adds a wonderful spicy note to the filling, balancing the sweetness.
- Oat milk is recommended as a plant milk, but any nut or plant milk can be used.
- The dough can be made without a food processor by hand using the rubbing-in method described in the instructions.