Apple Cinnamon Rolls (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Light and fluffy gluten-free, vegan cinnamon rolls are no longer just a dream! They’re easy to prepare, foolproof, and packed with gooey cinnamon and/or apple pie filling! For a Fall-based, healthier take on a beloved classic!

Gluten-Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

It’s official, what feels like several dozen attempts later, and I’ve finally discovered the combination of ingredients and method for gluten-free, vegan cinnamon rolls that are soft, pillowy, and satisfying. Even better, I’ve really played up the fall flavors in this batch with a delicious apple pie filling. These apple cinnamon buns are surprisingly healthy, too, with unrefined sugars, fewer empty calories, and plenty of fruit, so you can enjoy one for breakfast 100% guilt-free!

While the classic version is delicious, I’ll never miss an opportunity to add cinnamon apple to anything. That includes one-pan apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, caramel apple cheesecake, cinnamon apple crepes, and my most recent apple pie cookies (with almond flour). By adding to the sweet cinnamon flavor with finely chopped apples, these benefit from extra flavor and texture (aka a warm and gooey center) the whole family will adore!

Plus, even using yeast, preparing these egg and dairy-free cinnamon rolls is super simple and fairly quick, too, as they only require a single rise. That means you can have these from the kitchen to the table in about an hour and a half – with or without a glaze/frosting.

You can even prepare the various components in advance, ready to assemble and bake in the morning. Plus, I can’t even describe how mouthwateringly delicious the kitchen smells while they bake. Any time I can start the day with a treat that blends cinnamon rolls and apple pie—consider me a smiling woman!

The Ingredients

While the ingredients list for this vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls recipe isn’t super short, most of the below are staples in a vegan, gluten-free kitchen!

The Dough

• Rice flour: I use a combination of white rice flour and brown rice flour for the best texture in these gluten-free, egg-free cinnamon rolls.
• Cornstarch & tapioca flour: Combined, these starches help make for a lighter, softer dough. You could use arrowroot or potato starch instead of tapioca.
• Psyllium husk powder: This helps add a stretchy quality to the dough in keeping with regular wheat dough, and makes it easier to handle/ roll. It also lends a hand for pillowy, lightly chewy GF cinnamon rolls, without xanthan gum.
• Dry instant yeast: To create risen, fluffy gluten-free cinnamon buns. Make sure it’s in date and active. If you want to use another type of yeast, adjust the amount accordingly.
• Plant-based milk: Use any lukewarm, unsweetened vegan milk, like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc.
• Vegan butter: Like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s, softened, for a tender dough.
• Sugar: I used coconut sugar, but brown sugar also works.

The Cinnamon Apple Filling

To make regular vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls, combine about 3 tablespoons of melted vegan butter, 1/3-1/2 cup sugar, and 1—1 ½ tbsp cinnamon (to taste).

However, for fantastic fall apple cinnamon rolls, you’ll need:

• Apple: Use a crisp apple, as sweet or tart as you’d prefer. I.e., Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Jonagold, Granny Smith, etc.
• Coconut sugar: I love coconut sugar, as it’s unrefined but has a caramel quality that works wonderfully in apple cinnamon scrolls. Alternatively, use brown sugar.
• Spices: These apple and cinnamon scrolls use a combination of cinnamon (of course) alongside allspice and a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the filling and avoid soggy apple cinnamon rolls.
• Raisins: (Optional) For added texture and bursts of sweetness.

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped nuts: For some crunch, sprinkle in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple cinnamon scrolls filling.
• Simple glaze: Combine non-dairy milk and powdered sugar (optionally with vanilla) to make a simple glaze to drizzle.
• Vegan cream cheese frosting: Combine vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a spreadable consistency. Add plant-based milk for a thinner, drizzling consistency. Add a small amount of maple syrup to the glaze/frosting for more fall flavors.
• Caramel: To make caramel apple cinnamon rolls, drizzle the apple cinnamon rolls with a generous amount of caramel (or salted caramel).

Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

How to Make Gluten-free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls (with Apple Pie Filling)?

Prepare to be surprised at how simple it is to make these vegan cinnamon rolls!

Step 1: Prepare the Gluten-Free Yeast Dough

• First, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl with the lukewarm milk (about 95 °F/35 °C).
• Then set it aside for 10 minutes to activate. During this time, it should rise and become frothy/foamy. If it doesn’t, either your temperatures were off, or you need new yeast.
• Transfer all the flours and starches to a large mixing bowl. Add the psyllium husk powder, coconut sugar, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
• Add the softened butter and yeast mixture, then knead the dough with your hands for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
• Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it to rest in a warm place (like an off oven with the light on) for at least 45 minutes.

This wheat-free dough won’t double in size. However, it should still rise a little.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Filling

• First, rinse and dry the apples, finely chop them, and transfer them to a medium bowl.
• Add all the remaining filling ingredients and stir it well, then set aside.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

• Once the cinnamon roll dough has risen, transfer it to lightly floured parchment paper and roll it out into a large rectangle, 1 cm thick (1/2 inch).
• Spread the cinnamon apple filling over the dough, leaving 10 cm at the top.
• Then, starting at the bottom, carefully roll the dough (with the help of the parchment paper).

Egg-free and gluten-free dough is generally trickier to work with and can be brittle/ crack easily. So be slow and careful doing this step, lifting the parchment paper to help with the process rather than using your fingers too much.

• Once fully rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 equal-sized gluten-free, vegan buns and transfer them to a lightly greased baking dish (8 or 9-inch square).
• Bake the cinnamon rolls in a 356 °F/180 °C oven for about 25 minutes. Then remove them from the oven and allow them to cool until just ‘warm,’ soft, and delicious!

If you want to add a cream cheese icing/ glaze or caramel sauce to this vegan cinnamon roll recipe, only do, so after they have cooled down slightly.

Storing Instructions

Make ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough (separately) a day before, then assemble and bake when ready.

Store: These vegan cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are best enjoyed immediately after baking or within the first few hours. However, store any leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

I recommend popping them back into the oven, air fryer, or microwave (30-45 seconds) before enjoying the leftovers.

Freeze: Allow the baked vegan apple cinnamon rolls to cool (unfrosted!) and then transfer them (together or individually) to freezer bags to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other GF flours?

I tested this recipe many times and found that this flour mixture gave me the best results. If you experiment with different gluten-free flour blends, the result WILL differ as each flour has its own absorbency, etc. The best bet is to try an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour?

If you’re not gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour. However, you’ll likely need less plant-based milk. You only need just enough for elastic dough.

Can I omit the apple and make regular vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely. Just prepare and roll out the dough, then mix up the cinnamon sugar filling (amounts written in the ingredients sections above). Spread that over the dough, roll, chop, bake, and enjoy delicious gluten-free, vegan cinnamon rolls.

Can I use a stand mixer?

If you’d rather use a mixer (with a dough hook attachment) than your hands for kneading the dough, no problem. It’s ready once it’s smooth.

Recipe Notes and Top Tips

• Sweeten to taste: You can increase or decrease the sugar you use based on the sweetness of your apples and your desired flavor.
• Don’t omit the psyllium: This ingredient is crucial in this gluten-free yeast dough to add elasticity and bounce to the dough.
• Adjust the texture: I left my apple pieces a little chunky, so they’re more noticeable when biting into the apple cinnamon buns. However, make even finer cuts if preferred.
• The milk temperature: Make sure it’s lukewarm. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast. Not hot enough, and the yeast won’t properly activate.
• If you only have whole psyllium husk: Grind it into a powder in a high-speed blender or coffee/spice grinder.

More Vegan Fall Bakes

If you try this vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.

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