If you have a soft spot for warm, gooey treats that combine cozy spices and fruity sweetness then this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls wrapped around a luscious vegan apple curd filling, enriched with cinnamon and brown sugar, all crowned with a smooth cinnamon-spiced icing – it’s like having your favorite apple pie and cinnamon roll celebrated in perfect harmony. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or an indulgent dessert, these cinnamon rolls deliver the ultimate feel-good experience that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need complexity to create something magical. Every component plays its part, from the vegan buttermilk adding softness and tang to the apple curd bringing that iconic fruity richness.
- Vegan buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang, crucial for tender rolls.
- Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft base of the rolls; measure carefully for perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough lightly and feeds the yeast for rising.
- Instant yeast: Powers the fluffy rise for soft, airy rolls.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- Vegan apple curd: The star filling bringing that classic, spiced apple pie flavor into every bite.
- Brown sugar: Gives a rich caramel note that complements the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice making the filling unforgettable.
- Apple cider vinegar (or apple juice or non-dairy milk): Adds a touch of acidity that brightens the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting to create silky sweetness that melts on top.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk and Melt Vegan Butter
Start by making your vegan buttermilk, which gives the dough that tender crumb and slight tang. Gently melt the vegan butter, making sure it’s warm enough to mix easily but not hot enough to affect the yeast later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Combine your vegan buttermilk with the melted butter and vanilla extract. Meanwhile, whisk together the dry ingredients – the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt – in a separate bowl. Pour your wet mix into the dry ingredients and bring everything together until a shaggy dough forms. The magic of the Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe begins here with this simple yet pivotal step.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Turn out your dough onto a clean, dry surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a little sticky at first but resist the urge to add flour as it will come together beautifully. Frequent scraping makes this process easier and more fun — plus, it’s therapeutic!
Step 4: First Proofing
Lightly grease a clean bowl and tuck your dough inside. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm for 1 to 2 hours. This is where the yeast works its magic, transforming the dough into a doubled and airy ball, promising soft, fluffy rolls ahead.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill
Once your dough is puffed up, punch it down gently to release excess air and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 11 by 16 inches. Spread the vegan apple curd evenly over the dough, right to the edges, then sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon for that deliciously sweet and spiced center.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log, and mark it into nine equal portions. Use unflavored toothfloss or a very sharp knife to cut through the dough without squishing the filling. This step is crucial to keep those beautiful spiral layers intact.
Step 7: Second Proofing
Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined baking dish and cover them again, letting them proof for another 1 to 2 hours until they puff up and nearly double. For a weekend surprise, you can refrigerate them overnight and let them rise at room temperature before baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your rolls into a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for 20 to 24 minutes until they develop gorgeous light golden tops. Let them cool slightly before you add the finishing touch.
Step 9: Frost and Finish
Mix up a smooth glaze using powdered sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar, creating a silky crown that melts on the warm buns. Dust them with a little extra cinnamon for that inviting, aromatic finish.
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of crushed pecans or a few fresh apple slices on top elevates both texture and flavor, you get a delightful crunch and a visual pop that makes these rolls even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your rolls with a cozy cup of spiced chai or your favorite non-dairy latte for the ultimate treat. Fresh fruit or a light green salad creates a pleasant balance if serving these rolls for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties stacked on vintage plates or in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth. Wrapping them individually in parchment and tying with a cinnamon stick makes for a charming gift or party favor that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe tightly or place them in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for three days, perfect for snacking later or sharing with friends.
Freezing
To enjoy these rolls later, freeze them unbaked after the second proofing stage or baked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and they’ll keep fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake them at 175°C (347°F) for 7-10 minutes to revive that freshly baked fluffiness. A quick swirl of frosting afterward will make them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make the apple curd myself for this recipe?
Absolutely! Making vegan apple curd at home is a great way to customize sweetness and spice levels. Prepare it up to three days in advance and keep it chilled until you need it for the filling.
Is it necessary to use vegan buttermilk?
Vegan buttermilk adds tenderness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, but if you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing non-dairy milk with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and letting it rest before using.
Why does the dough feel sticky, and should I add more flour?
The dough is supposed to be a bit sticky to ensure soft rolls. Resist adding extra flour while kneading; use a dough scraper or wet hands to manage stickiness instead to avoid dense rolls.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time for convenience?
Yes! After shaping, you can refrigerate the rolls for up to 24 hours and allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking. This makes morning baking effortless and fresh.
What if I don’t have unflavored toothfloss to cut the rolls?
A very sharp knife will work as long as you cut slowly and steadily. Toothfloss is preferred because it cuts cleanly without squishing the delicate spirals, but a gentle hand with a knife will get you there.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about warming your kitchen with the scent of fresh-baked sweet rolls, and this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe delivers that joy with every bite. It’s a comforting, delightful treat that’s perfect any time you want to indulge yourself or impress guests with wholesome, plant-based baking. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these vegan cinnamon rolls filled with a luscious apple pie filling and topped with a cinnamon-spiced frosting. Perfectly soft, sticky, and flavorful, these rolls are a fantastic treat for breakfast or dessert, combining classic cinnamon roll textures with the comforting taste of spiced apple curd.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 batch vegan buttermilk
- 75 g vegan butter (block-style), melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 460 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Filling
- 250 g vegan apple curd
- 20 g brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Filling
- 50 g vegan apple curd
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or apple juice or non-dairy milk)
Frosting
- 150 g powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Read the Recipe: Carefully read through the entire recipe before starting. For best accuracy, weigh ingredients using a digital kitchen scale. Prepare the apple curd up to 3 days ahead, storing it refrigerated until ready to use.
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk and Melt Butter: Make a batch of vegan buttermilk. Gently melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over low heat or microwaved, warming it enough to melt but not hot.
- Make the Dough: Combine the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract with the vegan buttermilk. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, yeast, and sea salt. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a clean dry surface. Knead by hand for 5-7 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. The dough will be sticky initially; avoid adding extra flour. Use a dough scraper to manage stickiness as needed.
- First Proof: Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough ball inside and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it proof in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Meanwhile, bring apple curd to room temperature to soften for spreading.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an approximately 11 by 16 inch rectangle.
- Fill the Rolls: Spread 250 g of the apple curd in a thin, even layer over the dough, going to the edges. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the curd layer.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Mark the log into 9 equal parts. Cut through the dough using unflavored toothfloss or a sharp knife with slow steady pressure to form individual rolls.
- Second Proof: Place rolls into a parchment-lined 10.5 by 7.5 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and allow to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. For overnight rolls, refrigerate up to 24 hours and bring to room temperature before baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 175°C (347°F). Bake rolls for 20-24 minutes, or until the tops are light golden brown. Remove and cool for 15 minutes.
- Make Frosting and Finish: Whisk together powdered sugar, 50 g vegan apple curd, apple cider vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth. Swirl frosting over warm rolls and dust with additional cinnamon if desired.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls tightly covered or in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate up to 3 days. Allow refrigerated rolls to soften at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- Measure ingredients with a digital kitchen scale for best results.
- Vegan apple curd can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with apple juice or non-dairy milk in the frosting.
- Use unflavored toothfloss to slice rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- For overnight proofing, refrigerate rolls after shaping and proof again at room temperature before baking.
- The dough is sticky initially; resist adding flour to maintain softness.
