Chelsea Bun Recipe Vegan Delight: Easy & Delicious Treat

If you’ve ever wandered the charming streets of London, you might have stumbled upon the delightful Chelsea bun—a sweet, sticky, and spiced treat that has won hearts across generations. Now, imagine sinking your teeth into a vegan version of this classic bakery favorite, where every bite is bursting with fruity goodness and gooey sweetness, yet completely plant-based.

This Chelsea bun recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional British delight without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply curious, these buns are soft, fluffy, and generously filled with cinnamon, raisins, and a luscious vegan glaze that will keep you coming back for more.

Ready to bake your own batch of warm, irresistible Chelsea buns? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Chelsea bun recipe is a game-changer for those who crave something sweet and comforting without compromising on their dietary preferences. The dough is wonderfully soft and tender, thanks to the plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Filled with a classic combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and juicy raisins, these buns offer a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Plus, the sticky glaze on top not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful sugary finish that melts in your mouth.

What’s more, this recipe is quite straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that’s both traditional and vegan.

You won’t believe how delicious and comforting these buns are until you try them yourself!

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your choice)
• 4 tbsp vegan butter, melted, plus extra for greasing and brushing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) raisins or currants
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• For the glaze: ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment (for mixer)
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray or sheet
• Pastry brush
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze mixing

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk with the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Mix wet ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for the same duration.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon (optional extra if you like), and raisins until well combined.
7. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches (30×40 cm).
8. Add the filling: Brush the rolled dough with melted vegan butter, then evenly sprinkle the raisin and sugar mixture over the surface.
9. Shape the buns: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
10. Second rise: Arrange the slices on a greased baking tray, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Glaze: While the buns bake, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. When buns are out of the oven and slightly cooled, brush the glaze generously over the tops for that classic sticky finish.
13. Cool and serve: Let the buns cool on a rack before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts along with the raisins before rolling up your dough. You can also swap raisins for chopped dried apricots or dates for a different fruity twist.

Make sure your plant-based milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. If your kitchen is cold, placing the dough in the oven with just the light on can create a cozy rising environment.

For a richer flavor, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar in the dough and filling.

Want to add a bit of citrus zing? Add some finely grated lemon or orange zest to the filling mixture for a refreshing twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan Chelsea buns are perfect served warm alongside a cup of your favorite plant-based milk latte or herbal tea. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan cream cheese spread for an extra indulgence.

For brunch, serve them with fresh fruit salad or alongside a savory vegan quiche for a balanced meal. Their sticky sweetness also complements a hearty vegan chili or stew, making them an excellent side dessert to your dinner.

Conclusion

Baking vegan Chelsea buns at home is a rewarding experience that brings a piece of traditional British baking into your kitchen with a compassionate twist. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—the comforting, familiar flavors of cinnamon and raisins with the wholesome goodness of plant-based ingredients.

The result is a batch of soft, sticky, and delightfully aromatic buns that everyone, vegan or not, will adore.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy weekend treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, these buns offer a wholesome and delicious option that proves vegan baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious dishes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to expand your culinary repertoire.

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