Description
Soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with swirls of spiced apples and cinnamon, topped with a creamy plant-based caramel icing that melts into every bite. This comforting recipe balances sweet and spice perfectly, ideal for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (preferably Fuji or Gala)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter, softened
Caramel Icing
- ½ cup plant-based caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Activate the active dry yeast by combining it with warm plant-based milk and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, applesauce, vegetable oil, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer using a dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Making the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped apples, cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and softened plant-based butter until combined evenly, creating a luscious sweet-spice mixture.
- Rolling and Filling the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the apple-cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge toward the other to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place each roll in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for rising.
- Second Rise and Baking: Cover the arranged rolls and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls until golden brown and cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Preparing and Applying the Caramel Icing: While the rolls bake, gently warm the plant-based caramel sauce with the natural gelling agent and vanilla extract over low heat, stirring frequently until silky and slightly thickened. Drizzle the warm caramel icing generously over the rolls once they have cooled enough to hold the glaze without melting it off.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate better for a fluffier dough.
- Knead adequately to create a soft texture and strong dough structure.
- Choose sweet and crisp apples like Fuji or Gala for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid over-baking; remove rolls when golden but still soft to prevent dryness.
- Warm the icing slightly before applying for perfect drizzle consistency.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, plant-based caramel icing, vegan cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon pastry
