Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

Orange-cranberry is a severely underrated flavor. These Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns absolutely change this. Orange juice and zest-infused dough wrapped around a tart, tangy cranberry filling baked to perfection. Don't forget the sweet orange creamsicle-like glaze! You'll never be down on this flavor combo ever again!

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Ingredients Needed for Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

For the Dough

• Vegan Butter (for the dough): The vegan butter enriches the dough, providing a soft and tender texture to the buns while adding a buttery flavor. It helps in creating layers and richness in the rolls.
• Sugar (for the dough): Along with sweetening the dough, sugar feeds the yeast, aiding in fermentation and providing the necessary food for the yeast to activate and leaven the dough.
• Nondairy Milk: It adds moisture to the dough, creating a soft and tender texture in the final baked product. The milk also contributes to the flavor and richness of the dough.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dough and controls the yeast's activity, slowing down the rising process to ensure a better texture and taste.
• Orange Juice and Orange Zest: These ingredients provide a citrusy flavor that complements the cranberry filling. They add brightness and depth to the dough, enhancing the overall taste.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds depth and a subtle floral note to the dough, complementing the citrus and fruit flavors while providing a more complex taste profile.
• Warm Water and Active Dry Yeast: The warm water activates the yeast, allowing it to ferment and produce carbon dioxide, which leavens the dough. The yeast helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy texture in the buns.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour serves as the base ingredient for the dough, providing structure and texture to the buns.

Ingredients cont. for Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

For the Cranberry Filling

• Orange Cranberry Sauce: The orange cranberry sauce acts as the flavorful filling for the sticky buns. It contributes a sweet-tart taste with a citrusy and fruity profile that complements the dough, adding a vibrant and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: The additional sugar enhances the sweetness of the filling, balancing the tartness of the cranberry sauce and providing a caramelized texture during baking.
• Vegan Butter (Softened): Vegan butter helps bind the cranberry sauce and sugar, ensuring an even spread of the filling across the dough. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor to the filling.

For the Glaze

• Vegan Butter (for the glaze): Contributes to the rich, creamy texture and adds a buttery flavor to the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze while providing a smooth, thick consistency.
• Orange Juice and Orange Zest: Enhances the glaze with a tangy and citrusy flavor, complementing the buns and tying the glaze to the overall orange cranberry theme.

Steps for Making Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns (with pictures!)

Prep the Filling

1. Make Cranberry Filling: Prepare the orange cranberry sauce by following this recipe. Do not add in the ¼ c of sugar or vegan butter. These will be used just before the rolling process. Allow sauce to chill in the fridge until ready to use.

Make the Dough

1. Melt Butter and Sugar: Add ½ c vegan butter, ½ c sugar, nondairy milk and salt to a small saucepan. Heat on the stove whisking continuously until sugar is dissolved and butter is completely melted. Whisk in the orange juice, orange zest and vanilla. Set aside.
2. Activate Yeast: Add ¼ c water to a small glass measuring cup and microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and then check the mixture’s temperature using a candy thermometer. If it falls between 110 and 120 degrees F, pour in the yeast. Set aside for 10 minutes. The yeast will froth up and the mixture will double in size.
3. Make Dough: Add saucepan mixture (it should still be warm but not hot) to the bowl of a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment. Pour in the yeast mixture and turn the machine on at a low setting to stir these two together for 1 minute. Add in 2 ½ cups of flour and mix for another 2 minutes. Add in the remaining flour and mix for 2 minutes more. The dough will be wet and sticky.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough onto a floured, clean surface and knead a few times using your hands. Grease a large bowl with vegan butter or spray oil and set the dough inside. Roll the ball of dough around a little to make sure all sides are coated in the oil. Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and sit in a warm place to rise for about 1 ½-2 hours.
5. Rest: Once the dough has roughly doubled in size, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Lay a towel over it and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.

Assemble and Bake

1. Roll out Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle that is roughly 20 inches in length and 12 inches in width. There is no need to measure, you just want the long edge of the dough to be facing you. Using a butter knife or offset spatula, spread the 3 tablespoon softened vegan butter evenly over the top of the dough. Follow this with the prepared cranberry sauce taking care to leave a ½ inch margin around the perimeter of the dough. Sprinkle ¼ c sugar over the top of the cranberry sauce.
2. Roll up Dough: Roll up the dough evenly. Make sure you are incorporating the filling in your roll and not pushing it forward as you roll. Once rolled, arrange so the seem side is down. Cut off about 1 inch on either end of the roll and discard. These pieces won’t have much if any filling.
3. Second Rise: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and grease it with 1-2 tablespoon of vegan butter. Carefully arrange your cut rolls in the pan. Cover pan with a kitchen towel and set some place warm to rise for another hour.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Once the rolls have puffed up, place the pan on center rack of preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Allow the rolls to cool for at least 15 minutes.
5. Glaze: Make the glaze as the rolls cool. Whisk together the softened vegan butter, powdered sugar, orange juice and orange zest in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm (but slightly cooled) sticky buns. Serve immediately. 

Tips for Making Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

1. Vegan Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients used are completely plant-based and free from any animal-derived products.
2. Recipe Review: Read the entire recipe thoroughly before starting. This recipe is longwinded and this will help you organize the steps and understand the process.
3. Yeast Activation: Dissolve the yeast in warm water according to the recipe-specified temperature range for optimal activation. Too hot water can kill the yeast, while too cold water might not activate it properly.
4. Rolling Out Dough: Roll the dough to a consistent thickness and rectangular shape for even filling distribution.
5. Even Distribution: Spread the orange cranberry filling evenly across the dough, leaving some space around the edges to avoid spillage. Roll the dough tightly to form a log, which ensures beautiful, defined swirls in the buns.
6. Cutting the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled log into individual buns. This helps maintain their shape.
7. Baking and Checking Doneness: Bake the buns until they're golden brown and baked through. Check the center buns for doneness to ensure they're fully cooked.
8. Glazing Consistency: Adjust the glaze's consistency by adding more liquid or powdered sugar to achieve the desired thickness or sweetness.
9. Glazing Timing: Apply the glaze when the buns are warm but not piping hot, ensuring it sticks to the rolls without melting off completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time for orange cranberry sticky buns?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough (covered in plastic wrap) overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature, roll, fill, and shape the buns before allowing them to rise again and baking.

How do I ensure my buns turn out soft and not dry?

To keep the buns soft, make sure not to overbake them. Check the baking time recommended in the recipe and cover them with foil if the tops are browning too quickly.

What can I use if I don't have orange juice for the recipe?

You can substitute orange juice with another citrus juice like tangerine, clementine, or even a mix of lemon and a touch of water to match the tanginess.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?

Ensure you leave a border around the edges when spreading the filling and roll the dough tightly. This helps keep the filling contained within the buns.

FAQ's Continued

Can I use a different glaze for the vegan orange cranberry sticky buns?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different glazes, such as a simple vanilla glaze or a cinnamon glaze to complement the flavors of the buns.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, and raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make the dough by hand. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead by hand until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Can I make the buns the night before and bake them in the morning?

Yes, you can assemble the buns the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.

How to Serve Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

When serving vegan orange cranberry sticky buns, consider various presentation and serving options to enhance the enjoyment of this delicious treat. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Warm and Fresh: Serve the sticky buns fresh out of the oven or warmed to highlight their softness and gooey texture. The delightful aroma and warmth enhance the experience.
2. Platter or Plate: Arrange the sticky buns on a serving platter or plate, placing them side by side.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh orange zest over the buns for an added pop of citrus flavor and visual appeal.
4. Accompaniments: Consider serving the vegan orange cranberry sticky buns with complementary accompaniments to enhance the experience. Plant-based whipped cream and fruit are great options!
5. Beverages: Pair the sticky buns with hot or cold beverages for a complete serving experience. Tea, coffee and nondairy milk all work great.

How to Store Vegan Orange Cranberry Sticky Buns

To maintain the freshness and quality of your vegan orange cranberry sticky buns, proper storage is crucial. Here’s how to store them:

Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days):

1. Cooling Process: Allow the sticky buns to cool completely at room temperature before storing them.
2. Airtight Container or Wrapping: Place the fully cooled sticky buns in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure the container or wrapping is sealed to prevent air exposure, which can dry out the buns.
3. Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature. Consume the sticky buns within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing):

1. Cooling and Preparation: Once the buns are completely cooled, freeze the entire batch or individual buns separately.
2. Freezer-Safe Container or Bags: Place the sticky buns in a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving some space for potential expansion, or wrap them in layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can store them in resealable freezer bags.
3. Labeling and Dates: Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation to track freshness.
4. Freezer Storage: Store the buns in the freezer, where they can remain fresh for up to a month.

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