Tasty Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of apple pie and cinnamon rolls with this Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls recipe. These rolls feature a soft, fluffy dough filled with a gooey apple pie filling and topped with a creamy icing, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm dairy-free milk (such as oat or almond)
• ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra softness)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons dairy-free milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm dairy-free milk and melted vegan butter. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Rolls:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
• Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the dough.
• Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch to seal the edge.
• Cut the log into about 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Second Rise:

• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a cloth, and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:

• In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, vegan cream cheese, softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, and enough dairy-free milk to achieve desired consistency. Mix until smooth.

Serve:

• Drizzle the cream cheese icing over warm rolls before serving.

Tips for Success

• Finely Dice Apples: For an even distribution of apple filling and maximum gooeyness, dice apples into small pieces.
• Make Ahead: Prepare rolls up to the second rise stage and refrigerate overnight; allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for Making Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Tips for Making the Dough Rise Faster

1. Warm Environment: Yeast thrives in warmth. Preheat your oven to about 90°F (32°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place your covered dough inside to create a warm, draft-free environment for rising.
2. Add Acid: Incorporating a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into your dough can boost yeast activity, helping it rise faster while adding a subtle tangy flavor.
3. Use Boiling Water: Place a bowl of boiling water in the oven with your dough to create steam, which helps maintain moisture and warmth, promoting quicker rising.
4. Check Yeast Freshness: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If it’s expired, it may not rise effectively.

Can I Use a Different Type of Flour Instead of Bread Flour?

Yes, you can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, bread flour contains more protein, which contributes to a chewier texture and better gluten development. If using all-purpose flour, the rolls may be slightly softer but still delicious. You might also consider using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients, but this may require adjusting the liquid content slightly.

How Can I Make the Icing Creamier?

To achieve a creamier icing:

• Add More Vegan Cream Cheese: Increase the amount of vegan cream cheese in the icing mixture to enhance creaminess.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Cream: Substitute part of the vegan butter with full-fat coconut cream for a richer texture.
• Adjust Liquid Gradually: When adding dairy-free milk to the icing, do so gradually until you reach your desired consistency; this helps maintain creaminess without making it too runny.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Room Temperature: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last up to a week; just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
3. Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven.

Can I Substitute the Apples with Another Fruit?

Absolutely! While apples are traditional for apple pie cinnamon rolls, you can use other fruits such as:

• Pears: They offer a similar texture and sweetness.
• Peaches or Nectarines: These add a juicy sweetness that pairs well with cinnamon.
• Berries (like blueberries or raspberries): These will provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Cherries: Pitted cherries can add a delightful flavor twist.

Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on your taste preferences!

These Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your friends and family with their delicious flavor and soft texture! Enjoy!