Apple Cinnamon Buns

There's an enchanting quality to the combination of apples and cinnamon, especially when they come together in the oven. The warm, cozy aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet breakfast or a delectable dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone at your table.

Makes 12 buns | ⏱️ 3 hours total

Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy milk

• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 3 cups all purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp vegan butter, softened

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla

Apple Cinnamon Centre Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cinnamon, for the sugar mixture

• 1 tsp cinnamon, for the stewed apples

• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped into small pieces

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1-2 tbsp water

Pumpkin-Spiced Icing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vegan butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tsp plant milk

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp vanilla

Dough Instructions:

1. Place the soy milk in a small pan over low heat for approximately 5 minutes. Aim to warm the soy milk without making it hot.

2. Combine the warmed soy milk, instant yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir and let it rest for 10 minutes.

3. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.

4. Add the soy mixture, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to the flour.

5. Stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. At this stage, it's best to use your hands. I suggest applying a bit of olive oil to your hands before kneading. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes.

6. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should have risen to twice its original size.

Apple Cinnamon Centre Instructions:

1. As the dough rises, prepare the stewed apples. Place the chopped apples in a frying pan over medium heat.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of water along with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Stir the mixture, then cover it with a lid. Occasionally remove the lid to stir until the apples become tender, which takes about 8 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and set it aside.

3. To prepare the cinnamon center, combine the light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl and mix. Set aside.

Icing Instructions:

1. To prepare the icing, mix the butter, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, soy milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until the icing is smooth.

   
   

Putting it all together:

1. After the dough has risen, transfer it to a surface lightly dusted with flour. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a large rectangle. Make sure the dough is approximately 1/4 inch thick.

2. Apply the melted butter to the dough's surface using a pastry brush.

3. Next, evenly distribute the cinnamon sugar mixture by sprinkling it over the surface.

4. Place the apples over the cinnamon sugar mixture and distribute them evenly.

5. Carefully shape the dough into a log. Use a very sharp knife or a piece of string to slice the log into 1/2 inch sections.

6. Carefully set the rolls face down in a large baking dish, ensuring there is no space between each bun.

7. Place a damp cloth over it for an additional hour.

8. Once the hour has passed, bake the Apple Cinnamon Buns at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.

9. Let the buns cool fully before applying the icing. Enjoy!