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Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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4 from 14 reviews

Deliciously soft and fluffy vegan apple cinnamon rolls made with a tender dough, spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, juicy apple pieces, and topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat that’s entirely plant-based and comforting.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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 (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Making the dough: Add all the dough ingredients to a large bowl or stand mixer and mix until combined. Knead for at least 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and tacky. If kneading by hand, transfer to a lightly floured surface. Adjust with milk or flour if too dry or sticky.
  2. First Rise: Place 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 doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
  4. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a 14×17-inch (35x45cm) rectangle with a rolling pin.
  5. Assemble the rolls: Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough leaving a small edge. Sprinkle the finely chopped apples on top.
  6. Form the rolls: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a tube. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut into individual rolls.
  7. Second Rise: Grease or line a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) cake pan with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in the pan, cover with a tea towel, and let them rise again for at least 1 hour until puffy.
  8. Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and springy to touch. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare frosting: Combine vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. Chill until needed.
  10. Frost and serve: Once rolls are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top evenly. Enjoy fresh or store as directed.
  11. Storage tips: Store apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm before serving.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour if unavailable.
  • Instant dry yeast is used here, but active dry yeast can be substituted by proofing it first in warm milk.
  • Ensure the dough is tacky but manageable; adjust moisture with milk or flour as needed during kneading.
  • Optional: For extra gooey rolls, bake covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown.
  • Store rolls properly to maintain freshness and rewarm gently before serving for best texture.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/vegan-apple-cinnamon-rolls/