Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Today
If you have ever dreamed of a warm, irresistibly soft pastry filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a luscious plant-based cream cheese frosting (natural), then this Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe is exactly what you need today. Combining tender dough, fresh apple pieces, and a cozy cinnamon flavor, these rolls are the perfect treat to enjoy any time you want a little comfort. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring that warm, inviting aroma and taste that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously comforting: Soft, fluffy rolls with fragrant cinnamon and sweet apple pieces bring warmth and joy in every bite.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Plant-based frosting: Creamy, tangy frosting (natural) made with plant-based cream cheese adds a rich finish without any dairy.
- Perfectly versatile: Great for a cozy morning, tea time, or a special occasion treat that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients and flavors to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating these Apple Cinnamon Rolls. From the soft dough to the fresh apple filling and the creamy frosting (natural), every element adds to the overall texture, sweetness, and burst of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the soft, tender base for the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Warm almond milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender while activating the yeast.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast bloom.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Naturally sweetens and enriches the dough texture.
- Fresh apples: Chopped to add bursts of juicy, fresh apple flavor in every roll.
- Cinnamon (natural): The star spice that creates the classic swirl flavor.
- Plant-based butter: Used for the dough and filling to keep the rolls soft and flavorful.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle depth to the apple filling.
- Natural gelling agent: Helps thicken the apple filling and hold everything together perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough structure.
- Plant-based cream cheese (natural): For a creamy, tangy frosting topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (natural): Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives a gentle tang to balance the sweetness in the frosting.
Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. Changing up ingredients or adding new flavors is a great way to suit different tastes or dietary requirements.
- Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans in the filling for extra crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl for added warmth.
- Fruit swap: Use diced pears or peaches instead of apples to create unique fruity rolls.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes natural gelling agents.
- Extra gooey: Drizzle a little more plant-based butter and brown sugar on top before baking for a caramelized finish.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm almond milk and granulated sugar first help activate the active dry yeast. Once bubbly and frothy, mix with flour, unsweetened applesauce, plant-based butter, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling
In a skillet, sauté fresh chopped apples with plant-based butter, cinnamon (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a small amount of sugar until the fruit softens. Stir in a natural gelling agent mixed with water to thicken the mixture slightly so it spreads nicely.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread the cooled apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long edge. Cut into equal-sized rolls and place them snugly in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Allow the rolls to rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise once more. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Frost the Rolls
While the rolls cool slightly, whip plant-based cream cheese (natural), powdered sugar, vanilla extract (natural), and a touch of apple cider vinegar together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle generously over warm rolls for that perfect finish.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Patience with rising: Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures the rolls stay light and fluffy.
- Even apple pieces: Chop apples into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Don’t overfill: Avoid adding too much filling to prevent rolls from becoming soggy or hard to handle.
- Cool slightly before frosting: Warm rolls will melt the frosting too much, so wait a bit for the best texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Softer plant-based butter and cream cheese (natural) mix more easily for smooth dough and frosting.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little cinnamon (natural) or finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the frosting for an extra appealing touch. Fresh apple slices alongside add a crisp contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of chilled grape juice for a balanced, cozy meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Place individual rolls in small dessert plates and drizzle additional frosting (natural) in a decorative pattern. For a party, serve them warm from a lined basket with rustic parchment paper, inviting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Cinnamon Rolls covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months, perfect for quick warming later.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes or until soft and warm. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent drying out the dough.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls without yeast?
Yes, you can substitute yeast with baking powder for a quicker version, but the texture will be less fluffy and more cake-like.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar (natural) or chill the frosting for 15 minutes to firm up before spreading.
Are these Apple Cinnamon Rolls suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, since all dairy and animal products are replaced with plant-based alternatives, this recipe fits vegan preferences very well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls rising in the oven, filling your kitchen with inviting scents and cozy feelings. With this easy, plant-based cream cheese frosting (natural) topped recipe today, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting treat anytime you wish. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these delectable Apple Cinnamon Rolls with your friends and family.
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm, soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls filled with fresh apple pieces and a cozy cinnamon swirl, topped with a luscious plant-based cream cheese frosting (natural). Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 2 cups fresh apples, chopped
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tsp cinnamon (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent mixed with water
Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (natural), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm almond milk and granulated sugar help activate the active dry yeast. Once bubbly and frothy, mix with flour, unsweetened applesauce, plant-based butter, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling: In a skillet, sauté fresh chopped apples with plant-based butter, cinnamon (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and sugar until the fruit softens. Stir in a natural gelling agent mixed with water to thicken slightly so it spreads nicely.
- Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread the cooled apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long edge. Cut into equal-sized rolls and place them snugly in a greased baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Allow the rolls to rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise once more. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Frost the Rolls: While the rolls cool slightly, whip plant-based cream cheese (natural), powdered sugar, vanilla extract (natural), and apple cider vinegar together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle generously over warm rolls for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Allow the dough to rise fully for light and fluffy rolls.
- Chop apples into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Avoid adding too much filling to prevent sogginess or difficulty handling.
- Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting the frosting too much.
- Use room temperature plant-based butter and cream cheese (natural) for smoother dough and frosting.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Rolls, Plant-based, Vegan Cinnamon Rolls, Soft Pastry, Sweet Rolls, Cinnamon Swirl, Dairy-free Frosting
