Creme Brûlée Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk e.g., almond, soy
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup vegan butter softened
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup coconut cream
Custard:
- 1 cup canned coconut milk full-fat
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small saucepan, heat the plant-based milk and vegan butter until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Let it cool to about 100°F.
- Pour the warm mixture into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add 2½ cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the softened vegan butter with coconut cream until smooth.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
- Spread the coconut cream mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Bake the Rolls:
- Pour the custard evenly over the risen cinnamon rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden and the custard is set.
Brûlée the Topping:
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the rolls.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crispy. Alternatively, place under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delightful crunch of the brûlée topping with the soft, gooey cinnamon roll.