These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for something sweet and special. With a soft, fluffy dough colored with vibrant pink food gel or beetroot powder, and filled with a delicious blend of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries, these rolls are as delightful in taste as they are in appearance. Topped with a vegan cream cheese frosting and optional freeze-dried strawberries, these cinnamon rolls are not only vegan-friendly but also an indulgent breakfast or dessert treat everyone will love!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 115g dairy-free butter (such as Naturli Vegan Block)

• 400ml dairy-free milk (room temperature, almond, soy, or oat milk)

• 50g caster sugar

• 1 pack active dry yeast (approx. 7g)

• 480g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)

• Pink food gel (or beetroot powder for a natural alternative)

For the Filling:

• 100g fresh or frozen raspberries

• 50g caster sugar

• 1 tablespoon water

• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)

• 130g strawberry or raspberry jam

• 50g chopped fresh strawberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 60g dairy-free butter

• 40g dairy-free cream cheese

• 150g icing sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Dairy-free milk (if needed for consistency)

For Decoration:

• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (optional)

• Fresh strawberries (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, combine the warm butter with the dairy-free milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.

   • Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the activated yeast mixture along with a drop of pink food gel. Knead the dough until smooth, adding flour if necessary to prevent stickiness.

   • Once the dough is smooth, form it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a tea towel and allow it to prove for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, water, and cornflour. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes jelly-like. Remove from heat and let cool.

   • Add the jam to the cooled raspberry compote and mix well. Stir in the chopped strawberries.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

   • After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×24-inch rectangle.

   • Spread the berry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries on top of the filling.

   • Carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the ends together. Slice the log into 9-10 rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

   • Place the rolls into a greased 11×9-inch dish, cover with a tea towel, and let them rise for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Bake the Rolls:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with a little dairy-free milk, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.

5. Prepare the Frosting:

   • In a medium mixing bowl, beat the dairy-free butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of dairy-free milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

   • Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. Optionally, sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberries or fresh chopped strawberries for decoration.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Sugar: 30g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 210mg

• Potassium: 180mg

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 30g

• Vitamin A: 200 IU

• Vitamin C: 10mg

• Calcium: 50mg

• Iron: 2mg

Why Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls Are Special

What sets these Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls apart from traditional cinnamon rolls is the combination of colors, flavors, and textures. The dough itself is infused with vibrant pink coloring, making it a fun and festive choice for various celebrations. While the classic cinnamon roll is already a crowd-pleaser, the filling of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries gives it a fruity twist that enhances the overall flavor profile.

The choice of using vegan butter and cream cheese ensures that these cinnamon rolls cater to plant-based diets while maintaining the indulgent, creamy, and rich flavors that make cinnamon rolls irresistible. The frosting, made with dairy-free cream cheese, perfectly complements the sweet, tangy berry filling and balances the richness of the dough. Whether you’re a vegan or not, these Pink Cinnamon Rolls offer a deliciously unique version of a traditional treat.

The Vibrant Pink Dough: Adding Color and Fun

One of the most eye-catching features of these Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls is the dough itself. Using a touch of pink food gel or beetroot powder gives the dough a beautiful, vibrant color that is sure to impress anyone who sees them. The pink color isn’t just for aesthetic purposes—it adds a fun and festive feel to the rolls, making them ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or birthdays.

While food gel is a quick and easy option for achieving a bright, consistent pink color, beetroot powder offers a natural alternative. The use of beetroot powder not only gives the dough its stunning pink hue but also adds subtle earthy undertones to the flavor, making the rolls even more interesting. This natural coloring method ensures that you can enjoy a visually striking treat while keeping the recipe wholesome.

The vibrant dough isn’t just a treat for the eyes—it also contributes to the soft, airy texture of the rolls. The dough rises beautifully, resulting in a fluffy, pillowy bite with each roll.

The Sweet and Fruity Filling

The filling of these Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls is a delicious blend of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries. The combination of these ingredients creates a jammy filling that is both sweet and tangy. The raspberry compote adds a slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberry jam, while the fresh strawberries provide a juicy burst of fruit in every bite.

To prepare the filling, the raspberries are simmered with sugar and cornflour to create a thick, jelly-like consistency. This compote is then mixed with strawberry jam to create a smooth, fruity filling. The addition of chopped fresh strawberries gives the filling texture and bursts of fresh flavor. The contrast between the sweet filling and the slightly tangy dough makes each bite of the rolls a delightful experience.

By using a fruit-based filling instead of the traditional cinnamon-sugar mixture, these rolls offer a refreshing alternative that still maintains the comforting warmth and sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll. The fruity filling is also vegan-friendly, ensuring that the entire recipe is suitable for plant-based diets.

The Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Finish

The topping for these Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls is a luscious cream cheese frosting made from dairy-free butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and icing sugar. This frosting is rich, smooth, and creamy, with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese to balance out the sweetness of the rolls.

The frosting is easy to make and can be prepared while the rolls are baking. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, the frosting is generously spread over the top, where it melts slightly into the warm rolls, creating a creamy, indulgent finish. The tangy cream cheese flavor enhances the fruity filling and complements the soft dough, making each bite a perfect blend of sweet and creamy goodness.

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries can be sprinkled over the frosting. These freeze-dried fruits add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that elevates the overall presentation. The dried fruit also enhances the natural berry flavor in the filling, making every bite even more satisfying.

The Baking Process: Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Rolls

The process of baking these Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls is relatively simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure the rolls come out perfectly. The dough needs to rise properly, so it’s important to give it enough time to prove and rise until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature of the room.

Once the dough has risen, it’s rolled out into a large rectangle, and the filling is spread evenly over the surface. After rolling the dough into a log and slicing it into individual rolls, the rolls are left to rise again for 30-45 minutes. This second rise ensures that the rolls are soft and fluffy when baked.

Baking the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes ensures that they cook through and turn golden brown on top. The result is a perfectly baked roll with a soft, pillowy interior and a slight crisp on the outside. The combination of the soft dough and the jammy filling creates a delicious texture that makes these rolls a real treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are versatile enough to be served at any special occasion, from Valentine’s Day to a birthday brunch or a family gathering. The vibrant color, fruity filling, and creamy frosting make them a visually striking treat that will impress guests.

Since the recipe makes a small batch, these rolls are perfect for smaller gatherings, and they’re easy to make ahead of time. The dough and filling can be prepared in advance, and the rolls can be baked fresh when needed. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly and baking a quick and easy process.

These rolls are also an excellent way to introduce vegan treats to friends and family who may not be familiar with plant-based baking. The rich, indulgent flavors and soft, fluffy texture will make it hard to believe that these rolls are completely vegan.

Conclusion

Vegan Pink Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful, indulgent treat that brings together the best of both worlds—comforting cinnamon rolls and vibrant, fruity flavors. With a soft, fluffy dough that’s tinted with pink, a delicious berry-filled center, and a creamy, tangy frosting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weekend breakfast, these rolls offer a fresh and exciting twist on a classic favorite. Their beautiful color and delicious flavors make them an impressive and fun treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a vegan or not, these rolls will quickly become a go-to dessert or breakfast option for any occasion.