As the warm aroma of cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, I felt an irresistible pull towards the oven. These Soft & Fluffy Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns are my go-to comfort food, perfect for those cozy mornings when you just want to indulge without the guilt. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also make a delightful addition to brunch or an afternoon snack that everyone will cherish, vegan or not. The combination of tender dough and spiced apple filling is truly heavenly, and the best part? You can make them in under an hour! Are you ready to fill your home with this comforting scent and impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Buns Irresistible?
Soft, Fluffy Perfection: Each bite of these buns offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, showcasing the remarkable lightness achieved through careful kneading and proving.
Flavorful Delight: The warm combination of cinnamon and sweet apples guarantees an explosion of flavor, making them the ultimate comfort treat whether for brunch or dessert.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to get creative! You can easily substitute the apple filling with other fruits or even add nuts for a delightful crunch.
Time-Saving Treat: Quick to prepare, these buns can be whipped up in under an hour, helping you spend more time enjoying the delicious results rather than laboring in the kitchen.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, these buns are sure to impress everyone—vegan or not—with their irresistible aroma and delightful taste!
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns Ingredients
For the Dough
- Strong White Flour – Essential for a fluffy texture; gluten content helps in dough elasticity.
- Dried Yeast – Ensure it’s active for proper rising; can substitute with instant yeast.
- Soft Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; for a deeper flavor, maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; use sea salt, but avoid iodized to maintain yeast activity.
- Plant-Based Milk – Provides moisture; warm to activate yeast; any unsweetened variety (almond, oat, soy) works well.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness; can substitute with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
For the Filling
- Cinnamon – Essential for that warm, comforting taste; feel free to add nutmeg for an extra twist.
- Apple Fruit Filling – Provides sweetness and moisture; fresh apples or any other fruit filling can be used.
Feel excited to create these Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns? Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the warmth of homemade goodness into your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by warming the plant-based milk in a small pot until it’s just warm to the touch—about 110°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the strong white flour, dried yeast, soft brown sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the warm milk and olive oil, mixing until a cohesive dough forms, ready for kneading.
Step 2: Kneading
On a floured surface, transfer the dough and knead for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and pliable, not sticky. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it prove in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Filling Preparation
While the dough is rising, prepare your apple filling. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking tin with baking paper. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread an even layer of brown sugar, cinnamon, and your apple filling across the dough, ensuring it covers all edges.
Step 4: Rolling and Proving
Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the rolled dough into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces and neatly arrange them in the prepared baking tin. Cover the tin again and allow the buns to prove for another 45 minutes, until they puff up nicely.
Step 5: Baking
Once the second proving is complete, brush the tops of the Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns with melted vegan butter for extra richness. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen fills with that cozy cinnamon aroma.
Step 6: Cooling
After baking, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This short cooling period ensures they hold their shape while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cool, they’re ready to be devoured!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and cut the rolls up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful buns, simply allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before the second proving, and then proceed with the baking instructions. If you prefer, you can also bake them completely and store the finished buns at room temperature for up to 3 days; just warm them briefly in the oven before serving to maintain their fluffy texture. This strategy saves precious time on busy mornings while still guaranteeing delicious, homemade results!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns
Room Temperature: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate the buns for up to a week. Ensure they are wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: For the best taste, reheat the buns in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns!
What to Serve with Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns
Imagine a charming brunch spread that beckons you to indulge in warm, flavorful delights—perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
-
Maple Syrup: A rich drizzle adds sweetness that beautifully complements the cinnamon and apple filling, enhancing every bite.
-
Coconut Yogurt: A dollop of creamy, plant-based yogurt provides a tangy contrast, balancing the sweetness of the buns, making for the perfect brunch pairing.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like berries and oranges offer freshness and a burst of color, elevating the overall experience of these decadent buns.
-
Chai Tea: Cozy up with a warm cup of chai, as its spiced notes harmonize perfectly with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon.
-
Coffee or Latte: A steaming mug of coffee or a frothy latte pairs beautifully with these buns, making for a delightful morning ritual.
-
Vegan Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve these buns warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream—an irresistible combination of warm and cold.
-
Nut Butter: A spread of almond or cashew butter adds creaminess and a nutty flavor that enhances the bun’s overall appeal.
-
Spiced Almond Milk: For an added touch, warm some almond milk spiced with vanilla or cinnamon to sip alongside the buns, creating a comforting, cozy scene.
Expert Tips for Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns
- Active Yeast Check: Before starting, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If in doubt, proof it by mixing with warm water and a pinch of sugar.
- Temperature Matters: The warmth of your environment plays a crucial role in dough rising. Aim for a cozy spot, away from drafts, to help the Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns achieve their lofty height.
- Knead Gently: Overworking the dough can lead to tough buns. Knead just until smooth and elastic, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy.
- Perfect Timing: Allowing the buns to cool slightly after baking enhances their flavor. Patience will reward you with a more delicious bite!
- Storage Savvy: For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring that each bun maintains its delightful texture.
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful buns to your taste!
-
Fruit Swap: Replace apple filling with fresh pears or mixed berries for a refreshing twist. Each variation brings its unique flavor profile, adding a special touch.
-
Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a delicious crunch, making each bite even more satisfying.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of strong white flour for a suitable option without sacrificing texture.
-
Choco-Apple Delight: Add chocolate chips to the apple filling for a decadent sweet surprise. The blend of cocoa and cinnamon is truly heavenly!
-
Sp iced Up: Enhance the flavor by incorporating a dash of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a more complex warm spice experience.
-
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple syrup glaze over the cooled buns for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the warm spices beautifully.
-
Butter Cocoa: For a richer flavor, swap olive oil with melted vegan butter in the dough for even more indulgence. The aroma as it bakes will draw everyone to the kitchen!
-
Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a surprising sweet-heat combination that will keep everyone guessing.
By trying out these variations, you can create a new version each time you bake, keeping the excitement alive with every batch. And don’t forget, balancing those sweet and spicy notes—like with Art Balancing Cinnamon—is key to perfection. Enjoy exploring!
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns Recipe FAQs
Can I use unripe apples for the filling?
Absolutely! While ripe apples are preferred for their sweetness and moisture, unripe apples can still work. Just remember that the texture might be a bit firmer. To enhance their flavor, you could add a touch of extra sweetener to the filling.
How do I store leftovers, and for how long will they last?
You can store the Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Enjoying them fresh will provide the best experience!
Can I freeze the buns for later enjoyment?
Yes! To freeze, individually wrap each Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bun tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my yeast doesn’t activate?
If your yeast doesn’t activate, it’s possible that it’s expired or that the water temperature was too hot or too cold. For best results, proof the yeast first: dissolve it in warm water (about 110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Wait for about 5-10 minutes. If it bubbles and foams, it’s active and ready to use. If not, I recommend getting fresh yeast for your buns.
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
Certainly! Just be mindful of the plant-based milk you choose. Instead of almond milk, you can use oat, soy, or rice milk, which are all great alternatives. Always double-check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens. The buns are naturally vegan and can easily be adapted to ensure your loved ones can enjoy them safely!
Irresistible Vegan Apple Cinnamon Buns That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the plant-based milk until it’s just warm to the touch—about 110°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the strong white flour, dried yeast, soft brown sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the warm milk and olive oil, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it prove in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking tin with baking paper. Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread an even layer of brown sugar, cinnamon, and your apple filling across the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from one edge and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces and arrange in the prepared baking tin. Cover and allow to prove for another 45 minutes.
- Brush the tops with melted vegan butter. Place the tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
