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Small Batch Gooey Lemon Vegan Sweet Rolls Recipe

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These Small Batch Gooey Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delicious vegan treat with no eggs or dairy. Fluffy, tender rolls are filled with vibrant lemon curd, topped with a luscious lemon cream cheese glaze, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert. The recipe uses plant-based ingredients and provides clear steps to create soft, flavorful rolls with a delightful citrus zing.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 1/3 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, divided (plus more for flouring surface; see notes for Gluten Free option)
  • 1/2 packet (5 g) active dry yeast
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/3 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (135 mL) dairy-free milk, unsweetened, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) vegan unsalted butter, melted and room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Filling

  • 1/2 cup vegan lemon curd (about half batch from referenced recipe)
  • 3 tbsp salted vegan butter, melted

Baking Additions

  • 6 tbsp heavy vegan cream or coconut milk

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/4 cup (56 g) vegan cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) vegan butter, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1–2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to desired sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Measure all ingredients ahead of time. Grease and line a medium casserole or baking dish with parchment paper. Grease a medium bowl with cooking oil and set aside. Prepare the vegan lemon curd before starting the dough for convenience.
  2. Activate the yeast: In the warmed dairy-free milk (110°F), dissolve 1 tbsp sugar, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Cover the mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly, foamy, and yeasty smelling, indicating activation.
  3. Make the dough: Whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and sea salt. Add the activated yeast mixture along with lemon juice, lemon zest, applesauce (or dairy-free yogurt), melted vegan butter, and vanilla bean paste. Knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook or a wooden spoon in a large bowl until a smooth dough ball forms, approximately 10 minutes. Perform the windowpane test to check dough readiness.
  4. Proof: Place the kneaded dough into the greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot (around 85°F) until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  5. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Brush melted salted vegan butter over the surface and spread the vegan lemon curd evenly atop.
  6. Shape the rolls: Either roll the dough lengthwise into a log and slice into 6 equal rolls with a knife or dental floss, or cut the dough into six 1.5-inch-wide strips on the 9-inch side and roll each strip individually to form six rolls.
  7. Cover and rest: Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rest near a warm oven as it preheats to 350°F. Allow the rolls to rise again until doubled in size.
  8. Before baking: Drizzle 6 tablespoons of heavy vegan cream or coconut milk in the crevices of the rolls to produce a softer texture upon baking.
  9. Bake: Bake the rolls at 350°F for 32-35 minutes or until they turn lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the glaze. If there are pockets in the swirls, spoon in any remaining lemon curd which will set during cooling.
  10. Make the lemon glaze: Whisk together vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar (1 to 2 cups) until combined and to desired sweetness and consistency.
  11. Smear and serve: Spread the lemon cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, tangy sweetness!

Notes

  • For Gluten Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast baking and add xanthan gum if needed.
  • For quicker yeast activation, use instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour (reduce proofing time accordingly).
  • Room temperature ingredients help with better dough consistency and yeast activation.
  • Ensure vegan butter and vegan cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Heavy vegan cream or coconut milk adds moisture and softness but can be substituted with other plant-based creams if unavailable.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in glaze according to sweetness preference.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/small-batch-gooey-lemon-vegan-sweet-rolls-recipe/