Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a vibrant pop of color and a delicious berry-filled surprise. These soft, fluffy rolls are made with a dairy-free dough that’s perfectly infused with a sweet raspberry and strawberry filling. The rolls are then topped with a rich, creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting that ties everything together with a smooth, tangy finish. For the final touch, freeze-dried strawberries and fresh strawberries are used to decorate the rolls, adding texture and a burst of fresh fruit flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these vegan pink cinnamon rolls are a beautiful and flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls combine the indulgence of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the freshness and vibrancy of fruit. The dough is soft, tender, and flavorful, while the raspberry and strawberry filling adds a delicious fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon. What makes these rolls even more special is the creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, which provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet rolls. The pink food gel adds an eye-catching color, making these rolls not just tasty, but visually stunning as well. Plus, since this recipe is completely plant-based, it’s a great option for vegans and those with dairy allergies, allowing everyone to enjoy a comforting and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

For the Pink Cinnamon Rolls:

• Dairy-free butter
• Dairy-free milk (room temperature)
• Caster sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
• Pink food gel

For the Filling:

• Fresh or frozen raspberries
• Caster sugar
• Water
• Cornflour
• Strawberry or raspberry jam
• Chopped fresh strawberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Dairy-free butter
• Dairy-free cream cheese
• Icing sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Dairy-free milk (if needed)

For the Decoration:

• Freeze-dried strawberries or freeze-dried raspberries
• Fresh strawberries

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized in several ways:

• Different Fruit Fillings: You can use blueberries, blackberries, or a combination of fruits instead of raspberries and strawberries for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor the Frosting: You can add different flavor extracts to the cream cheese frosting. Almond extract or lemon extract would be delicious alternatives to vanilla.
• No Pink Color: If you prefer a more traditional look, you can omit the pink food gel and make the cinnamon rolls without coloring.
• Add Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for an extra crunch.

How to Make the Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small saucepan, melt the dairy-free butter over low heat. Add the dairy-free milk and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Heat the mixture until it reaches a lukewarm temperature (about 110°F/43°C), then remove from heat.
2. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour with a pinch of salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, caster sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat until the raspberries begin to break down.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the raspberry mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry or raspberry jam, along with the chopped fresh strawberries. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread the raspberry and strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the longer side, to form a log. Cut the log into 8–10 even slices and place them in the prepared baking pan.
5. Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
2. Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the dairy-free butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of dairy-free milk if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or thickness with more icing sugar or milk as needed.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

1. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
2. Decorate with freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries and fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finish.

Tips for Making the Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls

• Knead Well: Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to ensure it becomes soft and smooth, which will result in tender rolls.
• Let the Dough Rise: Make sure to allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
• Fillings: Feel free to experiment with the filling—adding cinnamon or other spices could be a nice variation if you want a more traditional cinnamon roll taste with a fruity twist.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more dairy-free milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Serve

These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven, for a delicious and indulgent breakfast or dessert. You can also enjoy them as a treat with your favorite coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them as part of a brunch spread or a special occasion like a birthday or celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’re not eaten immediately, they can be reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften and freshen them up.

Freezing

To freeze the cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls by microwaving them for about 20 seconds or by placing them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen raspberries work well for the filling, but make sure to thaw them before using.

2. Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the instructions on the flour package for any adjustments needed.

3. Can I omit the pink food gel?

Absolutely! The pink food gel is used for color, but you can skip it and still enjoy the same delicious taste and texture.

4. Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes, store-bought strawberry or raspberry jam works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s vegan-friendly.

5. How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more dairy-free milk, one tablespoon at a time.

6. Can I freeze the rolls before baking them?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Place them in the freezer, and once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese brands?

Yes, there are several great dairy-free cream cheese brands available, such as Violife, Kite Hill, or Tofutti, that will work perfectly in the frosting.

8. Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit that you like. Blueberries, blackberries, or even a mixed berry filling would all be great options.

9. How long do the rolls take to rise?

The dough should rise for about 1-2 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise after shaping the rolls.

10. How can I make these rolls even more flavorful?

Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a touch of spice or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.

Conclusion

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a beautiful and delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, with a fruity filling and a creamy frosting that will impress everyone. The addition of pink food gel gives these rolls a playful and eye-catching appearance, while the combination of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and vegan ingredients ensures that each bite is as tasty as it is colorful. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, plant-based dessert.

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