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Vegan Cinnamon Buns Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

Delight in these Best Vegan Cinnamon Buns, featuring a soft and fluffy whole wheat pastry dough filled with a sweet cinnamon, applesauce, and raisin mixture. These buns are topped with a simple plant-based icing glaze, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat. Easy to follow with thorough steps, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners like date sugar, offering a healthy vegan alternative to traditional cinnamon buns.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
  • 3/4 cup date sugar (or another sweetener)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 2.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour (plus additional flour for kneading)
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup date sugar (or other sweetener)
  • 1.5 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup applesauce
  • 6 tablespoons raisins

Icing Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners sugar, homemade from date sugar recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon plant milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Warm 1 cup of plant milk to about 110°F. Stir in 2 tablespoons of date sugar, then sprinkle the packet of active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 1/2 cup date sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Sifting these is optional but helps keep the mix light.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup applesauce and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract to the activated yeast mixture, whisking well.
  4. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly with a large spoon to create a sticky dough. Sprinkle additional flour as needed while kneading the dough by hand until it forms a cohesive ball. Flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking.
  5. Let the Dough Rise: Lightly flour the bottom of the mixing bowl and place the dough ball inside. Cover loosely with a dishcloth and leave in a warm, dry place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While dough rises, mix 1/4 cup date sugar, 1.5 tablespoons cinnamon, 2/3 cup applesauce, and 6 tablespoons raisins in a medium bowl until combined.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 325°F and line a 9"x13" baking dish with parchment paper.
  8. Knead the Dough: After rising, turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, dusting with flour as needed.
  9. Roll Out the Dough: Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a thin rectangle approximately 1/4" thick.
  10. Apply the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the center of the dough, leaving about a 1/2" border edge clear.
  11. Shape the Buns: Carefully roll the dough into a log, lifting the roll as you go to keep filling inside. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 12 equal buns, using a gentle sawing motion.
  12. Arrange the Buns: Place each bun cut side down in the lined baking dish, shaping gently into rounds.
  13. Bake: Bake the buns at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Do not overbake.
  14. Make the Icing: While buns bake, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon plant milk until smooth and thickened.
  15. Serve: After buns cool slightly, drizzle the icing over the warm buns and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure yeast bubbles during activation to verify it’s alive; if not, reheat milk and try again.
  • Use whole wheat pastry flour for a tender crumb; all-purpose flour can be substituted but texture may vary.
  • Homemade powdered sugar from date sugar maintains the vegan and less refined ingredient profile.
  • Keep a light hand while rolling to avoid squishing out filling.
  • Icing is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet version.
  • For an oil-free recipe, this recipe uses applesauce to keep moisture and tenderness.
  • Store leftover cinnamon buns in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/vegan-cinnamon-buns-recipe/