Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of creating a bakery-worthy treat right in your own kitchen, then this Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe is your new go-to! These rolls manage to capture the perfect balance of fluffy, sweet, and fruity with the juiciest strawberry filling and a luscious dairy-free frosting. They’re soft and pillowy with vibrant swirls that promise a burst of fresh strawberry goodness in every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend brunch or to impress friends with a homemade delight, these rolls bring not just sweetness but a heartwarming experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these vegan strawberry sweet rolls, you’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create incredible texture, flavor, and that stunning pink hue. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the softness of the dough, the fruity intensity of the filling, or the creamy richness of the frosting.

• Dairy-free butter: Essential for tender, rich dough and smooth frosting with a creamy finish.
• Dairy-free milk (room temperature): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft and moist.
• Caster sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully fluffy.
• Plain flour (plus extra for dusting): The base of the dough for soft, supple rolls.
• Pink food gel: For a subtle blush of color that makes these rolls irresistibly pretty.
• Fresh or frozen raspberries: Adds natural tartness in the filling to balance sweetness.
• Water: Helps dissolve the cornflour and sugars into a luscious compote.
• Cornflour: Thickens the fruit filling to a perfect jelly-like consistency.
• Strawberry or raspberry jam: Infuses extra fruity sweetness and stickiness to the filling.
• Chopped fresh strawberries: For bursts of fresh, juicy strawberry notes inside the rolls.
• Dairy-free cream cheese: Creates a tangy and creamy frosting without any dairy.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading or drizzling.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm depth and aroma to the frosting.
• Freeze dried strawberries or raspberries: For colorful, crunchy garnish topping.
• Fresh strawberries: Optional, for a bright, fresh decoration.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast and Dough

Start by melting your dairy-free butter gently on medium heat so it becomes warm and fluid but not hot. Then whisk together the melted butter, room temperature dairy-free milk, caster sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Cover this mixture with a tea towel and leave it somewhere cozy and warm for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture frothing up as the yeast awakens—this is the sign of life and the first step to those fluffy rolls. Once bubbly, sift in the plain flour along with a drop of pink food gel to give your dough a hint of lovely color.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Now it’s time to get those hands floury—or you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, bouncing back when poked. The dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour a little at a time if necessary to achieve this perfect balance. Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a tea towel and leave it to prove in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, until it doubles in size. This process creates the fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Making the Strawberry-Raspberry Filling

While the dough is happily proving, combine fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, water, and cornflour in a saucepan. Toss in your strawberry or raspberry jam as well for an extra boost of fruity sweetness. Warm everything gently over low heat, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens into a jammy compote. Once it cools, it firms up into a luscious jelly-like filling that will swirl beautifully inside the rolls.

Step 4: Assembling the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled, turn it onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle—roughly 16 by 24 inches. Spread your cooled jam filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle in some finely chopped fresh strawberries for extra bursts of flavor. Carefully roll the dough up from the long side into a snug log, sealing the ends to prevent the filling from escaping. Use a length of cotton or floss to slice the log into 9 or 10 even rolls, and arrange them in a greased baking dish with slight spacing. Cover and give them one final rise to puff up, usually around 40 to 60 minutes.

Step 5: Baking Your Rolls to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180° C fan. Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with a little dairy-free milk for a golden sheen. Bake in the middle of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they have risen fully and turned a beautiful golden-brown. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let them cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Frosting the Rolls

Whisk together dairy-free butter and dairy-free cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in icing sugar and vanilla extract until you get a luscious consistency—thick enough to hold its shape but easily spreadable. If it’s too runny, add a bit more butter; if too thick, a splash of dairy-free milk will do the trick. Spread the frosting generously on cooled rolls, or if you prefer, drizzle it over warm ones for a lovely glaze.

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Top your rolls with a sprinkle of freeze dried strawberries or raspberries for a delightful crunch and vibrant color contrast. Fresh chopped strawberries can add both beauty and a burst of freshness that complements the sweet, rich filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

These sweet rolls shine brightly on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of fragrant herbal tea elevates the experience. For a brunch spread, add a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a gathering, arrange the rolls on a bright wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter lined with parchment paper. Adding edible flowers or fresh strawberry slices around the platter really amps up the visual appeal and makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and delicious, making them perfect for enjoying over a couple of mornings or sharing with family and friends.

Freezing

To freeze your vegan strawberry sweet rolls, place them in a sealed freezer-friendly container or wrap tightly in cling film and foil. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the rolls gently in a preheated oven at 150° C for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20 to 30 seconds if you’re short on time. Adding a tiny splash of dairy-free milk before reheating can refresh the softness and bring back that just-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid watery filling.

Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?

While this recipe uses plain flour for the best texture, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary in rise and softness.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and assembling.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the icing sugar slightly or add a touch more dairy-free cream cheese to balance the sweetness without compromising creaminess.

What if I don’t have pink food gel?

No worries at all! The rolls will still taste fantastic without it. You can also try pureed strawberries or a few drops of beetroot juice for natural color.

Final Thoughts

Making these Vegan Strawberry Sweet Rolls Recipe at home is such a joyful adventure filled with delicious smells and irresistible tastes. Perfect for sharing or indulging by yourself, they prove that vegan baking can be both stunning and comforting. So roll up your sleeves, and create these sweet pink wonders that are bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

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