Vegan Cinnamon Buns: Grandma's Recipe REJECTED! (The SHOCKING Reason Why...)

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The Best Vegan Cinnamon Buns Recipe: Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible!

Craving the warm, comforting embrace of a freshly baked cinnamon bun? Longing for that perfect swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness, all while sticking to a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! This vegan cinnamon buns recipe is your ticket to achieving fluffy, delicious cinnamon buns without any animal products. We've perfected the recipe to create soft, gooey cinnamon buns that rival any traditional version. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these irresistible treats! This recipe is a guaranteed winner, ensuring you have the best vegan cinnamon buns you've ever tasted.

Why You'll Love These Vegan Cinnamon Buns:

• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
• Incredibly Delicious: Experience the classic cinnamon bun flavor, perfected for a vegan diet.
• Soft and Gooey: Achieve that signature texture everyone craves.
• Vegan-Friendly: No animal products are used, making it perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weekend breakfasts to special celebrations, these buns are always a hit.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups (460g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), warmed to 105-115°F (40-46°C)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) melted vegan butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil, softened

For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 ounces (113g) vegan cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based milk (more or less, to achieve desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warmed plant-based milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon, or using the dough hook of your stand mixer, until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • By Hand: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
   • With a Stand Mixer: Knead the dough with the dough hook attachment for 6-8 minutes, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth, elastic ball.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with vegan butter or coconut oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Shaping the Buns:

1. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate small bowl, soften the 2 tablespoons of vegan butter or coconut oil to a spreadable consistency.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12x16 inches.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened vegan butter or coconut oil evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal-sized buns.
5. Second Rise: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with vegan butter or coconut oil. Place the cinnamon buns in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Baking and Frosting:

1. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
3. Make the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional): While the buns are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened vegan cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
4. Frost and Serve: Spread the vegan cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon buns. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Essential Information:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
• Servings: 12 cinnamon buns

Helpful Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Make it chocolatey: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for chocolate cinnamon buns.
• For a more intense cinnamon flavor, use Vietnamese cinnamon, which has a stronger, more complex taste.
• No Stand Mixer? No problem! This recipe works perfectly well when kneading the dough by hand. Just be prepared to knead for a little longer.
• Freezing: Baked cinnamon buns can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the buns overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Unfrosted buns can also be frozen before baking.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these vegan cinnamon buns warm with a cup of coffee, a scoop of vegan ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
• Plant-Based Milk Variations: Feel free to experiment with different plant-based milk options. Oat milk and soy milk tend to work very well in this recipe, but almond milk is also a great choice. Ensure you use unsweetened plant-based milk to control the sugar levels in your recipe.
• Don't Over-Knead: Over-kneading can result in tough buns. Knead just until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Warm Environment is Key: Make sure your kitchen is warm while proofing the dough. This will help the yeast activate and the buns to rise properly. If your kitchen is cold, consider turning on the oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes and then turning it off before placing the dough inside to rise.
• For a simpler glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little plant-based milk and vanilla extract and drizzle over the buns.
• If you prefer a nuttier flavor in your filling, you can include chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cinnamon sugar blend.
• Customize the Frosting: If you're not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even a drizzle of melted vegan butter and maple syrup.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate vegan cinnamon buns recipe! These homemade cinnamon buns are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and bring smiles to everyone's faces. This easy vegan cinnamon buns recipe takes a classic treat and makes it accessible for everyone to enjoy. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of these warm, gooey cinnamon buns. Don't forget to share your creation with us and let us know how they turned out. We can't wait to hear your reviews! Happy baking!