If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but follow a vegan lifestyle, you know that finding the perfect icing can be a challenge. Traditional cinnamon roll icings often rely on dairy products like cream cheese or butter, which aren’t suitable for a plant-based diet.
That’s why I’m excited to share this vegan cinnamon roll icing recipe that is creamy, sweet, and perfectly luscious without any animal products. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and pairs beautifully with your favorite cinnamon rolls, whether homemade or store-bought.
This vegan icing is not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize with hints of vanilla, maple syrup, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. Whether you’re making cinnamon rolls for a cozy breakfast or a special occasion, this icing will elevate your treats to the next level.
Plus, it’s allergy-friendly and free from common dairy allergens, making it suitable for many diets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cinnamon roll icing is a game changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes, requiring no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
It’s made with plant-based milk, powdered sugar, and a touch of vegan butter or coconut oil to achieve that creamy texture.
Second, the icing is perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture — thick enough to coat your rolls generously, yet smooth enough to drizzle elegantly. It melts slightly on warm cinnamon rolls, creating that irresistible glaze that everyone craves.
Lastly, it’s customizable! Want it sweeter?
Add more powdered sugar. Prefer a maple-flavored twist?
Just swap the vanilla for maple extract. It’s a flexible recipe that fits your taste buds and dietary needs perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk work well)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula (optional, for scraping the bowl)
- Small saucepan (if melting vegan butter or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Measure out the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, vegan butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil. Place it in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave for 15-20 seconds until fully melted but not hot.
- Combine powdered sugar and cinnamon. In your mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to avoid lumps.
- Add wet ingredients. Pour in the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk.
- Whisk thoroughly. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add more plant-based milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust. Add a pinch of salt and stir again. Taste the icing and add more vanilla or cinnamon if desired.
- Apply to warm cinnamon rolls. Spoon or drizzle the icing generously over warm cinnamon rolls for that perfect gooey finish.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: If you want a cream cheese style vegan icing, try blending 1/4 cup of vegan cream cheese (store-bought or homemade) into this recipe, reducing the vegan butter or coconut oil by half.
For a maple-flavored twist, replace the vanilla extract with the same amount of pure maple syrup and reduce the plant-based milk slightly to keep the consistency.
If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more plant-based milk gradually until it reaches a pourable texture. For a thicker frosting-like icing, use less milk.
You can also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for unique spice notes that complement your cinnamon rolls beautifully.
Want to make this icing nut-free? Use oat or rice milk and coconut oil instead of vegan butter.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugars | 11 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cinnamon roll icing is perfect for drizzling over freshly baked cinnamon rolls, whether you make them from scratch or buy them ready-made. It also works wonderfully on cinnamon buns, sticky buns, and even sweet breakfast breads like monkey bread.
Try using it as a frosting alternative for vegan cupcakes or muffins to add a sweet, creamy touch. You can even spread it over warm pancakes or waffles for an indulgent breakfast treat.
For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the icing before it sets. This adds texture and an appealing crunch.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out my Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a savory side that complements sweet breakfasts perfectly.
Or, if you want a hearty protein dish, the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe is a must-try. For something tangy and spicy to balance your sweet treats, explore the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect vegan cinnamon roll icing doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, sweet topping that elevates your cinnamon rolls into irresistible delights.
This recipe is adaptable, easy to prepare, and friendly to a variety of dietary needs.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this vegan icing adds a lovely finish that enhances every bite. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy classic comfort foods without compromising your values or dietary restrictions.
Give this recipe a try next time you bake cinnamon rolls — your taste buds will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe Vegan
Description: A creamy and sweet vegan icing perfect for cinnamon rolls. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a smooth finish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift powdered sugar to remove lumps.
- Add plant-based milk and melted vegan butter.
- Mix in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 3.5g | Carbs: 22g
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