Description

Learn how to make a Giant Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll that is soft, gooey, and delightfully sweet. This plant-based recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver deep cinnamon flavors and irresistibly tender dough. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it features crispy edges with a tender center, perfect for a comforting breakfast or cozy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup plant-based milk, lukewarm
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Filling

1/2 cup light brown sugar (natural)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (natural)
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
Optional: 1/3 cup crushed walnuts, pecans, or almonds
Optional: 1/3 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar (natural)
2 tablespoons plant-based milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm plant-based milk until lukewarm, then stir in apple cider vinegar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture, melted plant-based butter, and vanilla extract (natural). Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, mix light brown sugar (natural), ground cinnamon (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and softened plant-based butter in a bowl until a thick paste forms. Fold in optional nuts or dried fruit if desired.
Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one edge. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into thick rolls about 2 inches wide.
Arrange in Cast Iron Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet by warming it gently on the stove or in the oven. Grease the skillet generously with plant-based butter or oil. Place the cinnamon roll slices snugly, arranged in a circular pattern. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and filling is bubbly. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, gooey center.
Glaze and Serve: While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar (natural), plant-based milk, vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and drizzle-ready. Once out of the oven, generously drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Let glaze soak in slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) liquids to properly activate yeast.
Allow the second rise after shaping to develop fluffy, pull-apart layers.
Grease the cast iron skillet well to prevent sticking.
Slice rolls thickly to maintain moisture and gooey texture.
Adjust natural gelling agent in glaze to achieve preferred consistency.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Giant Cinnamon Roll, Plant-based cinnamon roll, Cast iron skillet baking, Vegan breakfast, Soft gooey cinnamon roll