Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are probably the coziest desserts to have during these cold winter months. They are easy to make and please everyone during the holiday bake-offs. You cannot go wrong with them even if you tried. However, this recipe is a twist on the traditional… sweet potato cinnamon rolls! 

The sweet potato in the dough makes this cinnamon rolls pillowy, decadent, and soft. It is the perfect blend of southern breakfast with dessert and we feel that the taste needed to be capitalized on.

You will also love Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes, Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese, and Vegan Sweet Potato Pie.

Normally we don’t consider using sweet potatoes as ingredients in a dessert but they have so much potential that they can be used in any type of food if you are brave and creative enough. You might be wondering how the sweet potatoes are used, well, let me tell you.

The sweet potatoes are incorporated into the dough mixture after they have been peeled, sliced, and mashed. This gives the dough mixture extra stretchiness. Once baked, it becomes uber soft and keeps the tension of the dough.

If that wasn’t enough, the dough itself becomes very aesthetically pleasing to look at. The sweet potatoes give it a yellowy tinge which becomes darker as it is baked. So not only your food is healthier and tastier but it is aesthetically pleasing! 

Are carbs good for you?

Sometimes a strict diet can take away from one of the simplest joys of life in the name of staying healthy. That is why most people cut down on carbs and sugar. Both of these can have a heavy-duty presence in our daily meals. This does not, however, mean that they cannot be managed.

Our misconception lies in thinking that our bodies cannot have any at all. Cutting them out completely so you can “turn over a new leaf and become healthy” is not the best idea. It just means you aren’t considering options available to you or exploring alternatives. Making healthier swaps in your favorite recipes is a much better and more sustainable idea.

Carbohydrates are the best example of this concept. Unless a low-carb diet is necessary for your health, eating healthy carbs is beneficial for your body, not unhealthy. Cutting out processed sugars is great, but there is no need to give up completely and delicious desserts.

Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to add to recipes to give them texture and to accentuate the flavor. The recipe uses winter’s favorite vegan ingredients to give you a holistic experience.

Sweet potato benefits:

Sweet potatoes are known for being both delicious and healthy. Here are a few to name:

• Sweet potatoes are high in fiber. As a result, they help in regulating your digestive health. Because of the fiber, they promote regular bowel movement and also reduce the chances of constipation.
• Sweet potatoes contain a special ground of naturally occurring antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants are known to reduce the chances of several types of cancers. They do that by slowing down the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
• They are also rich in antioxidants called beta-carotene. This antioxidant is known for improving your vision.
• Sweet potatoes are also known to improve your brain function. They contain several compounds that improve memory and also lower the chances of dementia.
• It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. As a result, it improves the immunity level of the body.
• Lastly, it is also rich in manganese, copper, and potassium. Read More Sweet Potato Benefits

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe may take a little more time than the original recipe, so you will have to start a little beforehand in preparations than you normally would. Make sure you prepare the sweet potatoes the way you want your cinnamon rolls to taste. They already have that earthy taste so that element is going to be present regardless, but if you chose to boil them and add them to the dough mixture, it will be more consistent and will be incorporated easily.

If you roast them, the earthy flavor will be accentuated and will add a bit of smokiness to the dessert. So keep in mind what you want in your dish to be more prominent. You can also choose to make a sweet potato puree, or use a canned one, but this also means that you need to balance the water content in the dough so it doesn’t get stretched too thin.

The magical thing is sweet potatoes work as a rising agent as well so you can skip out on the baking powder. But you can add it if you want your dough to be extra soft.

So, bring in your sweet potato harvest from your backyard or from the local supermarket and start preparing them for the delicious dessert you’re going to soothe your soul with. And since soul food is addictive, you’ll be guaranteed to make it again and spread this joy around to other this winter season.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1/2 cup cooked mashed sweet potatoes

1/2 cup almond milk

1/4 cup Vegan Butter, melted( I used Earth Balance Buttery Spread)

2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Filling Recipe

½ cup coconut sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup vegan butter

½ teaspoon vanilla

Vegan Sweet Potato Frosting

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup cooked sweet potato

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make vegan cinnamon rolls?

1. Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, almond milk, vegan butter, ground flaxseeds, maple syrup, and vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the filling ingredients, coconut sugar, cinnamon, vegan butter, and vanilla, and set the mixture aside.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl, then mix well. Add the sweet potato mixture, and mix well until a smooth dough is formed.
4. Dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll out the dough into a 1-inch rectangle.
5. Spread the filling on top of the dough, leaving about a ¼ inch of space on the sides.
6. Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, pinching the ends closed. Cut the log into 2 inch-wide circles.
7. Arrange the rolls onto a greased pie plate or cake pan. Bake for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.
8. Add all of the frosting ingredients to a blender. Process until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
9. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely. Drizzle the vegan frosting onto the rolls. Enjoy!

More Vegan Breakfast Recipes

Vegan Banana Bread

Hummingbird Muffins

Sweet Potato Oatmeal with Pecans and Cranberries

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Apple Breakfast Cake

If you enjoyed these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls and would love to see more, join me on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!