Looking for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll? These Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls are a deliciously vibrant variation, combining the rich, earthy flavor of ube with the warm sweetness of cinnamon. The combination of non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and the creamy ube jam makes for a soft, fluffy dough that is both satisfying and vegan-friendly. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. The subtle purple hue adds a pop of color to your baking, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Plus, they’re made with simple, plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy dough is infused with the natural sweetness of ube jam, while the cinnamon and brown sugar filling provides a comforting, familiar taste. The rolls are easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and they come together quickly with just a few simple steps. The addition of ube jam gives these rolls a distinct flavor that’s both exotic and comforting, creating a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, these rolls will become a beloved part of your recipe collection.

Ingredients

Warm non-dairy milk
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Melted vegan butter
Salt
All-purpose flour
Ube jam
Brown sugar
Cinnamon

Variations

Glaze: Drizzle a vegan-friendly glaze or icing over the rolls after baking for extra sweetness. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk works perfectly.
Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch and flavor.
Chocolate: Mix in some vegan chocolate chips with the ube jam and cinnamon filling for a chocolatey twist.
Other jams: If you’re not familiar with ube or want to try something different, you can substitute the ube jam with other fruit jams, like strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry.
Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a bowl, combine the warm non-dairy milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the melted vegan butter, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until a dough starts to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Spread the ube jam evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the ube jam.

Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough

Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Once rolled up, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.

Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise

Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Ensure the milk is warm: The non-dairy milk should be warm (but not too hot) to help activate the yeast. Aim for about 110°F (43°C).
Don’t overwork the dough: Be careful not to over-knead the dough. Kneading for 5-7 minutes is enough to achieve the right consistency.
Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If your yeast mixture doesn’t froth, it may be expired.
Roll tightly: When rolling the dough, make sure it’s rolled tightly to help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

How to Serve

Serve these Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’d like, you can drizzle them with a vegan glaze or icing for extra sweetness. They also make a great gift for friends or family when packaged in a cute box or tin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they become a little stale, simply heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. To freeze baked rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat the rolls, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20-30 seconds to soften them up. If you prefer to reheat in the oven, wrap the rolls in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular dairy milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk, though this will no longer be a vegan recipe. Non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk is a great choice for vegan options.

2. Can I substitute the ube jam with something else?

Yes, you can substitute ube jam with other fruit jams or preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry if you prefer.

3. How can I make the dough rise faster?

If you’re in a rush, preheat your oven to the lowest setting, then turn it off. Place the dough inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to create a warm environment that will help the dough rise faster.

4. Can I use a bread machine for the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for mixing and kneading the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough settings.

5. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

6. Can I add frosting to these rolls?

Absolutely! A simple vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk would complement these rolls wonderfully.

7. How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch when done. You can also insert a toothpick to check if the center is fully cooked.

8. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Simply roll and bake the rolls the next morning.

9. How can I make the rolls extra soft?

Ensure you don’t overbake them, as this can cause the rolls to dry out. You can also cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel right after baking to keep them soft.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more rolls. Just ensure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Vegan Ube Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. With their soft, fluffy texture, vibrant color, and rich flavor from the ube jam, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a new baking adventure, this recipe is a must-try. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat, these rolls will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.