These Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the flavors of classic apple pie and cinnamon rolls into one delicious treat. Below is a detailed recipe to guide you through making these soft, gooey rolls filled with apple pie goodness.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water)
• ¾ cup soy milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ¼ cup vegan butter (melted)
• 2 ¾ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (1 packet)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup vegan butter (softened)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons soy milk (or other plant-based milk)

Instructions

Prepare the Flax Egg:

• Mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

Make the Dough:

• In a bowl, combine the warm soy milk, melted vegan butter, and flax egg.
• In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
• Cook until apples are soft and mixture is bubbly. 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 (about 12×18 inches).
• Spread softened vegan butter over the dough.
• Sprinkle with additional brown sugar and cinnamon if desired.
• Evenly distribute the apple filling over the dough.
• Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
• Cut into slices (about 1.5 inches thick) and place in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise:

• Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

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

Make the Icing:

• While rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, softened vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and soy milk in a bowl until smooth.

Serve:

• Drizzle icing over warm rolls before serving.

Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling separately a day before. Assemble and bake when ready.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

Creative Variations for Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

What Are Some Creative Variations for the Apple Filling?

1. Mixed Fruit Filling: Combine apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a unique flavor profile. A mix of tart and sweet fruits can add complexity to the filling.
2. Spiced Pumpkin: For a fall twist, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the apple filling. This combination creates a warm, cozy flavor perfect for autumn.
3. Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added crunch and richness.
4. Caramel Drizzle: Mix in some vegan caramel sauce with the apples before filling the dough to create a gooey, decadent treat.
5. Cranberry Apple: Add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to the apple mixture for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness.

How Can I Make the Cinnamon Rolls Extra Gooey?

1. Increase Butter: Use more vegan butter in both the dough and filling to enhance moisture and create a richer texture.
2. Add More Sugar: Incorporate additional brown sugar or even a splash of maple syrup into the filling to create a sticky, gooey consistency.
3. Use a Higher Hydration Dough: Increase the liquid content slightly in your dough recipe to make it softer and more pliable, resulting in a gooier roll.
4. Cover While Baking: Cover the rolls with foil during the first half of baking to trap steam, which helps keep them moist and gooey.

What’s the Best Way to Knead the Dough for the Perfect Texture?

1. French Fold Technique: Start by placing your dough on a clean surface without flour. Use both hands to lift one side of the dough, stretch it upwards, and fold it over itself. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat this process for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
2. Windowpane Test: To check if your dough is kneaded enough, take a small piece and stretch it between your fingers. If it forms a thin membrane without tearing, it’s ready; if it breaks easily, continue kneading.
3. Resting Periods: If your dough feels tight while kneading, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing. This allows gluten to relax and makes kneading easier.

Can I Use a Different Type of Milk in the Dough?

Yes! You can substitute any plant-based milk in place of soy milk:

• Almond Milk: Offers a slightly nutty flavor.
• Oat Milk: Provides creaminess and sweetness.
• Coconut Milk: Adds richness; use full-fat for extra creaminess.

Make sure to use unsweetened varieties unless you want to add sweetness to your rolls.

How Can I Make the Cinnamon Rolls More Visually Appealing?

1. Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the rolls before baking for added texture and visual interest.
2. Icing Designs: Use a piping bag to drizzle icing over the rolls in decorative patterns instead of just drizzling it randomly.
3. Fruit Garnish: Top with thin slices of fresh fruit (like apples or pears) after icing for an elegant touch.
4. Colorful Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing for a fun and festive look, especially for special occasions.

These tips will help you elevate your Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning!

These vegan apple pie cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth! Enjoy your baking!