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After dozens of test batches trying to perfect vegan cinnamon rolls, this raspberry-lemon version became my absolute favorite. The bright, tangy raspberries cut through the richness, while lemon adds a sunshine-bright finish that makes these irresistible.
Last weekend, I served these at brunch and even my non-vegan friends couldn't tell the difference. The secret? Bread flour and rapid-rise yeast create that perfect, pillowy texture.
Essential Ingredients:
- Bread flour (makes all the difference)
- Rapid-rise yeast
- Vegan butter (Miyokos works best)
- Fresh raspberries (or frozen)
- Fresh lemons (no bottled juice)
- Chia seeds for jamming
- Vegan cream cheese
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Making the Perfect Dough:
1. Temperature Control
* Heat milk to exactly lukewarm (110°F)
* Let yeast bubble 10-12 minutes
* Room temp vegan butter
2. Mixing Steps
* Combine milk, yeast, sugar first
* Add butter and salt
* Add flour gradually, 1 cup at a time
* Switch to dough hook once pulling from sides
* Knead 4-5 minutes until soft but not sticky
3. Rising Process
* Oil bowl well
* Cover with damp towel
* Let rise 1 hour until doubled
* Second rise 20 minutes after rolling
Quick Raspberry Jam:
* Simmer berries with chia seeds
* Mash while cooking
* 5 minutes on low heat
* Rest 5 minutes to thicken
Rolling & Filling Technique:
Roll Out:
* Flour surface well
* 15x9 inch rectangle
* Even pressure
* Keep edges straight
* About 1/4 inch thick
Layer Order:
- 1.
- Softened vegan butter spread evenly
- 2.
- Brown sugar + cinnamon mix
- 3.
- Cooled raspberry jam
- 4.
- Leave 1/2 inch border
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Rolling Tips:
* Start from long edge
* Roll tight but gentle
* Seal edge with water
* Place seam down
* Chill 10 minutes if soft
Cutting Perfect Spirals:
* Use unflavored dental floss
* Mark 1.5 inch sections
* Slide floss under roll
* Cross ends and pull
* Clean cuts each time
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
Perfect Consistency:
* Room temp vegan cream cheese
* Softened vegan butter
* Fresh lemon zest and juice
* Beat until extra fluffy
* Add powdered sugar gradually
Baking Tips:
* 350°F oven, preheated fully
* Check at 20 minutes
* Cover with foil if browning fast
* Done when golden, not dark
* Cool 15 minutes before frosting
Assembly Order:
- 1.
- Rolls must cool slightly
- 2.
- Spread half frosting while warm
- 3.
- Add remaining when cooled
- 4.
- Extra lemon zest on top
- 5.
- Serve immediately
Storing Tips:
* Best fresh
* Room temp 2 days
* Reheat 15 seconds
* Freeze unfrosted only
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Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Dough Problems:
* Too sticky - add flour 1 tablespoon at a time
* Not rising - check yeast freshness, milk temperature
* Tough texture - don't overknead
* Uneven rolls - measure while cutting
Jam Issues:
* Too runny - add more chia seeds
* Too thick - add water
* Too tart - increase maple syrup
* Not setting - cook longer
Creative Variations:
* Blackberry lemon
* Mixed berry swirl
* Orange cranberry
* Blueberry lime
Make-Ahead Tips:
* Prep dough night before
* First rise in fridge overnight
* Make jam 3 days ahead
* Frosting 2 days ahead
Pro Tips:
* Mark roll before cutting
* Keep filling away from edges
* Let cool before frosting
* Extra jam on side when serving
* Double recipe needs longer bake time
These rolls are forgiving - focus on temperature control and proper rising time. The rest is just details.