Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: This recipe is completely vegan, using non-dairy milk and vegan butter, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The raspberry jam filling and the zesty lemon frosting give these rolls a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light, soft, and perfectly fluffy, creating the ideal base for the sweet filling and creamy frosting.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough the night before and finish baking in the morning, making these rolls perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups bread flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet rapid-rise yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 ¼ cups non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Raspberry Jam:
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup raspberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces dairy-free cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: Heat the non-dairy milk until just warm (about 100°F/37°C). Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 10-12 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, sea salt, and flour. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Use a dough hook to knead the dough for 4-5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Jam
- Cook the Jam: In a saucepan, combine raspberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat, mashing the berries as they cook. Cook for about 5 minutes until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens. Let the jam sit for another 5 minutes to thicken further.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Prepare the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
- Add the Filling: Spread the softened vegan butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar over the butter. Then, spread a layer of the raspberry jam on top, covering the dough evenly.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 9-10 individual rolls.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise
- Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. If they start browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil and continue baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Rolls
- Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking and slightly cooled, spread the lemon frosting over the tops of the rolls. If you want a more decadent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or garnish with fresh fruit.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the rolls warm and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet raspberry jam, fluffy dough, and tangy lemon frosting!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep time: 35 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
Variations
- Add Berries: For added texture and flavor, add fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries to the filling or topping.
- Use Other Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar, or replace maple syrup with agave nectar.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: For extra richness, top the rolls with a dollop of vegan whipped cream before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These rolls are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat rolls in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them warm and soft.
FAQs
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
2. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Freeze them in the pan, and when ready to bake, let them rise and bake as directed.
3. Can I use regular dairy butter?
Yes, if you’re not following a vegan diet, you can substitute regular dairy butter in place of the vegan butter.
4. How can I make these rolls fluffier?
Ensure that the dough is properly kneaded and given enough time to rise. If the dough doesn’t rise enough, the rolls will be denser.
5. Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, if you prefer a simpler roll, you can skip the frosting. The rolls will still be delicious with the raspberry jam filling.
6. Can I use frozen raspberries for the jam?
Yes, frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh raspberries for making the jam.
7. How can I make the jam thicker?
If the jam is too runny, you can cook it a bit longer, or add a little more chia seeds to help thicken it.
8. Can I add other flavors to the frosting?
You can add a little bit of orange zest, lime zest, or even a dash of cinnamon to the frosting for added flavor.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Absolutely! For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle some vegan chocolate chips into the filling before rolling up the dough.
10. How do I get the rolls to rise properly?
Make sure the dough is in a warm place for the rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in the oven with the light on or in a warm spot.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Lemon Rolls are the ultimate vegan dessert, combining the bright flavors of fresh raspberries and zesty lemon in a light, fluffy roll. With a delicious raspberry jam filling and creamy lemon frosting, they are perfect for a brunch, dessert, or any special occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Raspberry Lemon Rolls
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Vegan Raspberry Lemon Rolls filled with tangy raspberry jam and topped with a creamy, zesty lemon frosting. A light, dairy-free, and indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 ¼ cups bread flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 packet rapid-rise yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 ¼ cups non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)
For the Filling:
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup vegan butter, softened
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Raspberry Jam:
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup raspberries
2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Frosting:
4 ounces dairy-free cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons vegan butter
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm non-dairy milk and sugar. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Combine melted vegan butter, flour, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Make the Raspberry Jam: In a saucepan, cook raspberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup over medium heat for 5 minutes, mashing the berries as they cook. Let sit for 5 more minutes to thicken.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough, roll it into a 15×9-inch rectangle. Spread softened vegan butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the raspberry jam over the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 9-10 rolls.
- Let the Rolls Rise: Place the rolls in a greased pan and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the lemon frosting over the tops.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
Add fresh berries like blueberries or blackberries to the filling for added flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free bread flour blend.
Top with vegan whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
