Description
Soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with warm cinnamon, juicy apple pieces, and luscious plant-based caramel icing. This comforting spiced treat is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon delight, combining cozy flavors and textures everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 cups fresh diced apple chunks (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter, softened (for spreading)
Caramel Icing
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate yeast by mixing it with warm plant-based milk and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar; wait until bubbles form. In a large bowl, combine flour, the activated yeast mixture, plant-based butter, apple cider vinegar, salt, and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional smoked turkey bacon in a bowl until apples are evenly coated with the sugar-cinnamon blend.
- Roll Out and Assemble: Roll risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened plant-based butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple filling uniformly on top. Press gently to adhere, then roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into equal sections to form rolls.
- Second Rise and Bake: Place rolls on a lined baking tray with space between them. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Make the Caramel Icing: While baking, combine plant-based butter, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a pan over low heat. Cook gently until thickened slightly, then whisk in natural gelling agent until smooth. Cool until thick but pourable.
- Ice and Serve: Drizzle warm caramel icing generously over freshly baked rolls so it seeps into every crevice. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure plant-based milk is warm, not hot, for perfect yeast activation.
- Spread filling evenly for consistent moisture and flavor in every roll.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for ideal texture.
- Do not skip the second rise to achieve maximum fluffiness.
- Let caramel icing cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the rolls too quickly.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, caramel icing, plant-based dessert, cinnamon rolls, breakfast treat, vegan caramel icing, spiced rolls