Description
This Giant Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll is a mouthwatering plant-based treat perfect for brunches and gatherings. Featuring soft, pillowy dough swirled with warm cinnamon and topped with a luscious natural syrup glaze, it bakes to perfection in a cast iron skillet, creating a golden crust and tender inside with a comforting cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- Optional add-ins: chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins, apple chunks, plant-based chocolate chips
Natural Syrup Glaze
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (natural) or agave (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the active dry yeast by mixing it with warm plant-based milk and a pinch of brown sugar. Let it bubble and become fragrant. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, apple cider vinegar (natural), softened plant-based butter, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the yeast mixture. Mix well until a smooth dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, blend the brown sugar, cinnamon powder (natural), and softened plant-based butter until creamy and well combined. Stir in any optional add-ins if using. This mixture will melt during baking to create gooey cinnamon layers.
- Roll Out and Fill the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small gap along one edge. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from the long edge with filling. Cut the log into equal-sized pieces, about 8 to 10 rolls, keeping the spiral shape intact.
- Arrange in Cast Iron Skillet: Grease a cast iron skillet with plant-based butter. Place the cut rolls side by side in the skillet, slightly touching to allow them to rise and bake as one giant roll. Cover and let proof for 30 minutes until fluffy.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are fully cooked inside. The cast iron skillet will help form a crispy base and tender interior.
- Prepare and Add the Natural Syrup Glaze: While the cinnamon rolls bake, mix maple syrup (natural) or agave (natural) with the natural gelling agent and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) until smooth. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately pour the glaze evenly over them, allowing it to soak in as they cool slightly.
Notes
- Keep plant-based milk and butter at room temperature for optimal dough rising.
- Ensure proper proofing time for both dough rise and after rolling to achieve fluffy texture.
- Use a cast iron skillet to promote even heat distribution and a crisp base.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking and drying the rolls.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to let the syrup soak in perfectly.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: giant cinnamon roll, cast iron cinnamon roll, plant-based cinnamon roll, brunch cinnamon roll, natural syrup glaze, easy cinnamon roll recipe