Vegan Sticky Bun Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious

There’s something undeniably comforting about sticky buns—warm, gooey, and sweet with a tender, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth. Now, imagine enjoying that same delicious indulgence without any animal products!

This vegan sticky bun recipe is perfect for anyone craving a luscious breakfast treat or a sweet snack that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. These buns boast a rich caramel glaze, a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar, and a soft, airy texture thanks to a carefully crafted vegan dough.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new recipes, these sticky buns are guaranteed to impress. They’re simple enough for beginners yet delightful enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Plus, they’re a wonderful way to brighten up your morning or add a homemade touch to your brunch table. Let’s dive into the process and create sticky buns that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of classic sticky buns with a vegan twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The dough is soft and pillowy, made without eggs or dairy but with plenty of plant-based goodness.

The sticky, caramelized topping is rich and decadent, using vegan butter and brown sugar to achieve that perfect gooey layer.

What’s more, these buns are made from scratch, allowing you to control every ingredient and avoid preservatives or artificial additives common in store-bought versions. They also freeze beautifully, making them a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings.

If you enjoy baking, this recipe provides a rewarding challenge that results in an irresistible treat.

Try pairing this recipe with other fantastic vegan options like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or round off your dessert with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a truly satisfying plant-based spread.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted (plus extra for greasing and topping)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or vegan honey alternative

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• 9×9 inch square baking pan
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Oven

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Warm the plant-based milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). In a small bowl, combine the milk with the granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes. Form the dough into a ball.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough ball 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 doubled in size.
5. Prepare the sticky topping: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of vegan butter with the brown sugar and maple syrup over low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your greased baking pan and sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the sticky layer.
6. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12×16 inches.
7. Add the filling: Brush the rolled dough with melted vegan butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the surface, followed by a generous layer of brown sugar (about ¼ cup).
8. Roll and cut: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
9. Arrange and proof: Place the rolls cut-side down on top of the sticky topping in your baking pan, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Invert and serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate so the sticky topping is on top. Serve warm for the best gooey experience.

Tips & Variations

For even softer buns, try adding 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as an egg replacer in the dough.

Want to switch up the nuts? Walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work beautifully, or omit them entirely if you prefer nut-free.

For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle vegan chocolate chips inside the rolls before baking.

Prefer a healthier version? Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber without sacrificing tenderness.

You can also swap maple syrup for coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

If you’re short on time, make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and makes morning baking a breeze.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Sticky buns are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea to start your day on a cozy note.

For a brunch spread, pair these vegan sticky buns with fresh fruit salad and a creamy plant-based yogurt.

To make your sticky buns even more indulgent, consider drizzling a simple vegan icing made from powdered sugar and plant milk on top after baking. You can also serve them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or your favorite vegan ice cream for dessert.

If you love baking, check out other delightful vegan recipes like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the hearty Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to complement your meals.

Conclusion

Making vegan sticky buns from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields irresistibly sweet, tender, and sticky treats perfect for any occasion. This recipe strikes a lovely balance between classic comfort and plant-based nourishment, proving that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create bakery-worthy pastries.

The process is straightforward, and the results are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, these sticky buns offer a delicious way to enjoy a timeless favorite with a compassionate twist. Don’t forget to experiment with the recipe’s variations and pair your buns with other vegan delights from our collection for a truly fulfilling culinary journey.

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