Cardamom Buns Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Treats

There’s something utterly magical about the aroma of cardamom buns fresh out of the oven. These fluffy, sweet, and subtly spiced buns have been a beloved treat in Scandinavian kitchens for generations.

The warm, floral notes of cardamom combined with the soft, tender dough create a comforting delight that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any cozy moment. Today, I’m excited to share a vegan cardamom buns recipe that’s not only delicious but also entirely plant-based.

Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or are simply curious about dairy- and egg-free baking, this recipe delivers the classic flavor and texture you crave without compromising on richness or taste.

With simple pantry staples and a straightforward process, you’ll soon be filling your home with the intoxicating scent of freshly baked cardamom buns. Plus, these buns are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Let’s dive right in and make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cardamom buns recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses common vegan substitutes to replicate the traditional richness of butter and milk, resulting in buns that are soft, fluffy, and flavorful without any animal products.

The cardamom spice is perfectly balanced, giving just the right amount of warmth and fragrance that makes these buns unique.

Additionally, the recipe is approachable for both beginners and seasoned bakers. It requires no fancy equipment, and the step-by-step instructions guide you from mixing to shaping with ease.

The dough is forgiving and forgivingly delicious, making it a fantastic baking project for any time of year.

And if you’re a fan of Scandinavian treats or want to impress at your next gathering, these buns will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. You might also enjoy exploring other great recipes like Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for natural remedies or the elegant Halibut Dip Recipe for appetizer inspiration.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour – plus extra for dusting
• 2 tsp ground cardamom – freshly ground preferred for best flavor
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened plant-based milk – almond, oat, or soy works well
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter – melted, plus extra for brushing
• ¼ cup (60ml) aquafaba – the liquid from canned chickpeas, used as an egg replacer
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the filling:
• ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• Optional: ½ cup raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Basting brush
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Warm the plant-based milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Pour it into a large mixing bowl, and sprinkle the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar over the surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Prepare the dough: To the yeast mixture, add the melted vegan butter, aquafaba, vanilla extract, remaining sugar, cardamom, salt, and about 3 cups of the flour. Mix well using a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough: If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic but still slightly tacky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes. The dough should spring back when poked.
4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and ground cardamom in a small bowl until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
6. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches (30×40 cm).
7. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cardamom butter mixture over the dough. If using, sprinkle raisins or nuts on top.
8. Shape the buns: Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the pieces, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
9. Second rise: Cover the buns loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
10. Preheat oven: During the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake: Brush the buns gently with melted vegan butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and brush with more melted butter for a glossy finish.
12. Cool and serve: Transfer the buns to a cooling rack and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“For extra fluffy buns, make sure your plant-based milk is not too hot when activating yeast, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.”

• Use freshly ground cardamom: The flavor of cardamom is most vibrant when freshly ground. If you only have pre-ground, consider increasing the quantity slightly for a stronger taste.
• Sweetener swaps: Feel free to substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, adjusting liquid quantities slightly if needed.
• Glaze options: For a shiny glaze, brush the buns with a simple syrup made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, instead of vegan butter.
• Nutty additions: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the filling for crunch and extra flavor.
• Make rolls savory: Skip the sugar and cardamom in the filling and try vegan butter with garlic and herbs for a savory twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cardamom buns are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk latte or herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.

They also pair wonderfully with vegan cream cheese or a smear of fruit preserves for added sweetness.

For special occasions, consider serving them alongside a vegan dessert platter or even breakfast spreads featuring other baked goods. If you’re looking for more vegan baking inspiration, you might want to check out the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a fresh meal or the comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food to complement your brunch table.

Conclusion

Making vegan cardamom buns from scratch is a rewarding experience that fills your home with the irresistible scent of warm spices and baked dough. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and flavorful buns that everyone can enjoy, whether vegan or not.

With simple ingredients and clear instructions, it’s a delightful project for bakers of all skill levels.

These buns are perfect for any time you crave a sweet treat or want to add a Scandinavian touch to your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the filling or serving suggestions to make them your own.

For more delicious recipes, be sure to explore our Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for hearty meals or try the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for quick, flavorful dishes. Happy baking!

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