Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Fluffy Delight for Any Occasion
When it comes to vegan baking, few things are as enticing as the sight of a warm batch of cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. But what if we told you that these cinnamon rolls could be pink, bursting with fruity flavors, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting? Yes, you read that right! These vegan pink cinnamon rolls are not only visually stunning but also an absolute treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special on Valentine’s Day or treat your family to a fun and festive breakfast, this recipe is perfect for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re wondering why these vegan pink cinnamon rolls are worth baking, let us tell you—there are plenty of reasons!
- They’re PINK – Not just any cinnamon rolls, these are beautifully pink, making them perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or any event that deserves a bit of extra color.
- Soft and Fluffy – These rolls are incredibly soft, buttery, and light, creating the ideal melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Juicy, Fruity Flavor – The combination of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries provides a delightful contrast of sweetness and tartness that will leave you craving more.
- Vegan Friendly – Made without any animal-derived ingredients, these pink cinnamon rolls are fully vegan and accessible to everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
- Easy to Make – You don’t need to be a professional baker to master this recipe. With common kitchen ingredients and simple techniques, you can bake a batch of these stunning rolls.
- Perfect for Sharing – These rolls are an ideal treat to share with loved ones. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they make any occasion feel extra special.
Ingredients of Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls 🛒
Before you get started, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful vegan pink cinnamon rolls:
- Dairy-Free Butter – Use a vegan block butter like Naturli Vegan Block or Flora Plant Butter. Margarine may make the dough too soft.
- Dairy-Free Milk – Choose any dairy-free milk, such as almond, oat, or soy. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Caster Sugar – White caster sugar is preferred for its fine texture, helping activate the yeast and adding sweetness.
- Active Dry Yeast – This is what will make your cinnamon rolls fluffy and light.
- Plain Flour – You’ll need all-purpose flour to make the dough.
- Pink Food Gel – A high-pigment pink food gel will give your dough that lovely color. We recommend Rainbow Dust ProGel for a vibrant result.
- Raspberries – Fresh or frozen raspberries work equally well for the compote.
- Water – Use room temperature water to create your compote.
- Corn Flour (Corn Starch) – Helps thicken the compote for the perfect filling texture.
- Jam – Raspberry or strawberry jam to complement the compote and enhance the flavor.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries, washed, dried, and chopped, will go inside the filling of the rolls.
- Vegan Cream Cheese – Use any vegan-friendly cream cheese (such as Violife) for the frosting.
- Icing Sugar – Sift the icing sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor to the frosting.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (Optional) – For a decorative touch, add freeze-dried strawberries on top of the rolls.
Necessary Tools of Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls🧰
To make these pink cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few basic tools from your kitchen:
- Mixing bowls – For preparing the dough and compote.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Flour-dusted surface – For rolling the dough.
- Cotton or unflavored dental floss – To cut the rolls neatly.
- Ceramic or glass baking dish – To bake the cinnamon rolls.
- Whisk – For making the frosting.
- Spatula – For spreading the filling and frosting.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions 🧑🍳
This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your preferences:
- Food Coloring: If you want a more natural option, try using beetroot powder instead of food gel to dye the dough. It will provide a subtle, earthy flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- Flour: You can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free version. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary.
- Berries: While raspberries are used in the compote, feel free to swap them out for blackberries, blueberries, or even a mix of different berries for a unique twist.
- Frosting: For a fruitier frosting, blend some compote into the cream cheese frosting to give it a pink color and extra flavor.
Additionally, you can check out this recipe for the best cinnamon rolls on Ambitious Kitchen for more inspiration: Best Cinnamon Rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions of Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls 📝
Making these vegan pink cinnamon rolls is straightforward, but here’s a detailed guide to ensure your rolls come out perfect every time.
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your dairy-free milk to room temperature. Add the milk, sugar, and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
In another bowl, mix your flour and salt. Then, add the dairy-free butter and pink food gel (or beetroot powder) to the milk mixture. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Raspberry Compote
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, water, and corn flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a compote. Remove from heat and stir in the jam. Allow it to cool before using it in the rolls.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, place it on a flour-dusted surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
Then, spread the cooled raspberry compote evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Thereafter, sprinkle chopped strawberries over the compote for added flavor.
4. Roll Up the Dough
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. After that, use the cotton or dental floss to slice the roll into individual cinnamon rolls. Thereafter, arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving some space between them for expansion.
5. Let the Rolls Rise
Then, cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
6. Bake the Rolls
After that, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thereafter, bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.
7. Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, make the vegan cream cheese frosting. Then, whisk together the vegan cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of plant-based milk until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Rolls
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the rolls.
Pro Tips for Success of Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t rush the rising times – Allow the dough enough time to rise, as this is what gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
- Use floss for perfect slices – This simple trick helps cut through the dough without smooshing the rolls.
- Cool the rolls before frosting – Moreover, let the rolls cool slightly to prevent the frosting from melting off.
- Chill the compote – Ensure your raspberry compote is cool enough to handle before spreading it over the dough to avoid making a mess.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These vegan pink cinnamon rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few creative ways to serve them:
- Valentine’s Day Breakfast: Serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit, a cup of vegan hot chocolate, or a smoothie for a romantic and delicious breakfast.
- Brunch: Moreover, pair them with a savory dish like avocado toast or a tofu scramble to balance out the sweetness.
- Dessert: These rolls make an indulgent dessert for any special occasion. Try serving them with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a real treat.
Storing and Reheating 🍞
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator. Moreover, to reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their soft, warm texture.
Nutritional Information of Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional value per serving (one cinnamon roll):
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
FAQs
1. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan! No dairy, eggs, or other animal products are used in the ingredients.
2. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls! After slicing, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw for about 30 minutes and follow the baking instructions.
3. Can I use other fruits in the filling?
Absolutely! Try swapping the raspberries for blackberries, blueberries, or even a mix of your favorite fruits for a personalized twist.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these stunning pink cinnamon rolls as much as we do! Whether for a special occasion or just because, these vegan pink cinnamon rolls will surely brighten up any moment with their beauty and flavor. Happy baking! 🎉🍓
Moreover, if you’re looking for another delicious twist on cinnamon rolls, be sure to try these Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls from Savory Splash: Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls.
Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Fluffy Delight for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dairy-free milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter and pink food gel to the milk mixture, then slowly add the dry ingredients, stirring to form a dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Raspberry Compote:
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, water, and corn flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in jam. Allow to cool.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once dough has risen, roll it out on a flour-dusted surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled raspberry compote over the dough and sprinkle with chopped strawberries.
- Roll Up the Dough:
- Carefully roll the dough into a log from one long edge. Use dental floss or cotton thread to slice the log into rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Let the Rolls Rise:
- Cover the rolls and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting:
- Whisk together vegan cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a little dairy-free milk until smooth.
- Frost the Rolls:
- Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting them with the vegan cream cheese frosting.
Notes
Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-free version.
Feel free to swap raspberries for other berries like blackberries or blueberries.
Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing, and bake them later after thawing.
