Craving a sweet treat that's both decadent and guilt-free? Look no further! This vegan sticky bun recipe delivers all the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of a classic sticky bun, without any compromise on flavor or texture. It’s easier than you might think to make these delicious and healthy homemade sticky buns, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself (and your friends!) with this surprisingly simple recipe that’s perfect for quick dinner ideas or satisfying a serious sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (soy or almond work well)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Sticky Glaze:
- ½ cup vegan butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm plant-based milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and will produce a light and fluffy dough.
- Stir in the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't be afraid to get your hands in there for a truly satisfying knead!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a key step for achieving a light and airy texture.
Assembling the Sticky Buns:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by creaming together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Roll out the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the sticky bun slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Baking and Glazing:
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving maximum fluffiness.
- While the buns are rising, prepare the sticky glaze by combining vegan butter, brown sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the sticky glaze evenly over the risen buns in the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the sticky buns cool slightly in the pan before serving. The glaze will thicken as they cool.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of plant-based milk and butter.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- These sticky buns are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy vegan sticky buns! They are the perfect example of a healthy meal that satisfies a sweet craving without sacrificing taste. These best recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to become a family favorite.