These No-Bake Vegan Cinnamon Rolls are a healthier, easier version of the indulgent treat. Inspired by Erewhon’s famous no-bake cinnamon rolls, these rolls are made with gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, and naturally sweetened with Medjool dates. Perfect for those who crave the taste and texture of cinnamon rolls without any baking, these rolls are sweet, chewy, and easy to prepare in under an hour!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 and 2/3 cups gluten-free oat flour (add more if needed)
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1/3 cup almond flour
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1/3 cup runny almond butter or pecan butter
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5 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tbsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of sea salt
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Dairy-free milk, as needed
For the Filling:
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1 and ½ cups pitted Medjool dates (soaked in hot water)
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1/3 cup almond butter
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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½ tbsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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2 tbsp dairy-free milk
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Pinch of sea salt
Optional Pumpkin Spice Version:
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1 and ½ cups gluten-free oat flour (slightly reduced if dough is too sticky)
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1/3 cup almond flour
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¼ cup pumpkin puree
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1/3 cup runny almond butter or pecan butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tsp pumpkin spice
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1–2 tbsp dairy-free milk
Glaze Topping:
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Save about ¼ cup of the filling and thin it out with a bit of dairy-free milk
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, blend gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, almond butter (or pecan butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms. If needed, add 1 tbsp of dairy-free milk at a time to reach the desired consistency.
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Roll Out the Dough: Lay the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
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Prepare the Filling: In the same food processor (no need to clean), blend Medjool dates, almond butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, dairy-free milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
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Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Spread the date mixture evenly onto the rolled-out dough. Carefully roll the dough into a log.
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Chill the Rolls: Place the roll in the freezer for 45 minutes until firm.
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Slice and Enjoy: After chilling, slice the log into individual cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately or store in the freezer and thaw before serving.
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Optional Glaze: Thin the remaining filling with a little dairy-free milk and drizzle over the rolls.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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Calories: 150-180 kcal
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Protein: 3-4g
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Carbohydrates: 24-30g
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Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
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Sugars: 15-18g
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Fat: 6-8g
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Saturated Fat: 1-2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 4-5g
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Cholesterol: 0mg
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Sodium: 10-15mg
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Potassium: 180-220mg
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Calcium: 40-50mg
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Iron: 1-2mg
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Vitamin A: 10-20 IU
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Vitamin C: 0-2mg
The Benefits of No-Bake Desserts
No-bake desserts like these vegan cinnamon rolls offer several advantages, especially for those with limited time or kitchen space. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make and require far less effort than traditional baked goods. Since there’s no need for an oven, you can skip the lengthy prep time associated with baking—such as waiting for dough to rise or monitoring the baking process—allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat in just under an hour.
Additionally, no-bake recipes often retain more of their raw, natural ingredients, which can be a healthier option compared to traditional desserts. In this case, using oat flour, almond flour, and Medjool dates ensures that the cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. These ingredients provide a more wholesome alternative to refined flour and sugar, making the rolls an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt.
The Dough: A Healthy, Gluten-Free Base
The dough for these no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls is made with a combination of gluten-free oat flour and almond flour, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Oat flour is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full longer and supports healthy digestion. Almond flour, on the other hand, provides healthy fats, protein, and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the filling.
To bind the dough together and provide richness, almond butter or pecan butter is used. These nut butters add creaminess and moisture, helping the dough come together while contributing to the overall flavor profile. Maple syrup adds sweetness, and a hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with its aromatic warmth. The dough is easy to prepare and can be made in a food processor, resulting in a thick, sticky mixture that holds together well when rolled out between two sheets of parchment paper.
The result is a dough that is chewy, lightly sweet, and full of natural flavors, serving as the perfect base for the cinnamon roll filling.
The Filling: Naturally Sweet and Flavorful
The filling for these no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls is made with Medjool dates, which are naturally sweet and serve as the perfect alternative to refined sugar. Dates are not only a great source of sweetness but also provide fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. When blended with almond butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and dairy-free milk, the dates create a smooth, creamy filling that is both rich and satisfying.
The use of cinnamon in the filling gives these rolls their signature spiced flavor, creating the warm, comforting taste that is associated with traditional cinnamon rolls. The almond butter adds a nutty depth to the filling, while the maple syrup contributes additional sweetness and complexity. The result is a filling that is perfectly balanced, providing just the right amount of sweetness and spice to complement the dough without being overly sugary.
Optional Pumpkin Spice Version: A Fall Twist
For those looking to add a seasonal twist to their no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls, there is an optional pumpkin spice version. By incorporating pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice into the dough and filling, you can create a fall-inspired treat that combines the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with the richness of pumpkin. This variation is perfect for cozy autumn afternoons or Thanksgiving gatherings, providing a delicious and festive alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls.
The pumpkin spice version retains all of the health benefits of the original recipe, with the added bonus of pumpkin, which is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Whether you choose the original or pumpkin spice version, these no-bake cinnamon rolls offer a customizable base that allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls
Assembling the no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques. After preparing the dough and the filling, you simply spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Once the filling is in place, carefully roll up the dough into a log, ensuring that the filling stays intact. The dough may be a little sticky, but that’s perfectly normal. After rolling up the dough, place the log in the freezer to firm up for about 45 minutes. This chilling time allows the dough to hold its shape when sliced and ensures that the cinnamon rolls don’t fall apart during the slicing process.
Once the dough is firm, simply slice it into individual rolls. The size of the rolls can vary depending on personal preference, but each slice should be about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. After slicing, the rolls are ready to be served, either immediately or after chilling further in the freezer. For added decadence, you can drizzle the rolls with a glaze made from the leftover filling thinned out with a little dairy-free milk.
The Glaze: A Simple Yet Elegant Finish
The glaze for these no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls is incredibly simple to make and adds a lovely finishing touch. The glaze is made by thinning out a small portion of the filling with dairy-free milk, creating a smooth, creamy drizzle that complements the richness of the cinnamon rolls. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the dough and filling.
This optional glaze can be drizzled over the cinnamon rolls before serving, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy, polished finish. The glaze also helps to bind the flavors together, enhancing the overall texture and making the rolls even more indulgent. If desired, you can also sprinkle the rolls with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dusting of cinnamon for additional flavor and texture.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
One of the great things about these no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls is that they can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. After they have been assembled and sliced, the rolls can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage. When ready to serve, simply allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of plant-based milk. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger spread, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, No-Bake Vegan Cinnamon Rolls are a healthier, easier, and just as indulgent alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls. With their soft, chewy texture, naturally sweet filling, and simple glaze, these rolls are the perfect treat for anyone craving a delicious, plant-based dessert without the need for baking. Made with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, and Medjool dates, these cinnamon rolls offer a satisfying and nutritious option for those following a vegan or gluten-free diet. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, these no-bake vegan cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.