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Experience the delightful taste of these Vegan Sweet Potato Buns, where simplicity meets nutrition. Thanks to the moisture from the sweet potato puree and applesauce, the buns have a soft interior without oil or butter. Meanwhile, the crust is subtly crisp, contrasting the softness and subtle chewiness inside. They are so satisfying and comforting to eat.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to incorporate more healthy plant-based options into their meals. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the wholesome goodness of Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, these buns are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.
With only eight wholesome ingredients, they are easy to make and perfect for any dinner. Additionally, these rolls are perfect for those with dietary restrictions as they are free from oil and common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts, depending on your choice of plant-based milk.
Whenever I bake these Vegan Sweet Potato Dinner Buns, my family loves them. They disappear in no time! It’s a clear indication of how crowd-pleasing these rolls are! And they’re not only delicious but also healthy.
Another good thing is that you can shape it as dinner rolls, hamburger buns, or hot dog buns.
You can easily make them with standard kitchen tools. They are also Whole Food Plant Based compliance!
WHY SWEET POTATOES ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits.
They are rich in vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system and promote eye health. High in antioxidants and fiber, sweet potatoes support gut health and can aid in blood sugar regulation.
Additionally, their natural sweetness and versatility make them an excellent ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
WHY ARE SWEET POTATOES SO USED IN VEGAN BAKING?
Sweet potatoes are excellent for vegan baking due to several reasons:
- Natural Sweetness: They add a subtle sweetness to baked goods, reducing the need for added sugars.
- Moisture: Sweet potatoes provide moisture, which is especially useful in vegan baking, where eggs, traditionally used for moisture and binding, are not present.
- Binding Properties: They help in binding the ingredients together, offering a great egg replacement in recipes.
- Nutritional Boost: Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, adding vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to baked goods.
- Versatility: They can be used in various forms – pureed, mashed, or grated, making them suitable for recipes from bread to cakes.
Their use enhances the flavor and texture of vegan baked goods, making them a favored ingredient in plant-based cooking.
Let’s see how we are preparing them in this recipe.
HOW TO PREPARE THESE VEGAN SWEET POTATO BUNS
(Please scroll down to read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
Indulge in these Vegan Sweet Potato Buns, a delightful blend of just a few key ingredients. They boast a soft interior and a subtly crisp crust, easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for holiday feasts.
Preparing Vegan Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls is a breeze. Easy to find ingredients and simple steps.
Start by steaming and mashing sweet potatoes, then activate the yeast in a mix of plant-based milk and maple syrup.
Combine with flour, baking powder, salt, yeast mixture, and applesauce to form a dough, knead, and let it rise. After shaping into rolls:
- Give them a second rise.
- Brush with a milk-maple syrup mixture.
- Bake until golden.
Simple steps, delightful results!
Now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, possible substitutions, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
For making Vegan Sweet Potato Buns, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Steamer or Pot: To steam the sweet potatoes until they’re tender. Steaming preserves more nutrients than boiling.
- Masher or Fork: Essential for mashing the steamed sweet potatoes into a smooth puree, which is key for the texture of the rolls.
- Mixing Bowl: Used for mixing the dough ingredients. It’s good to have at least two – one for activating the yeast and another for combining the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like flour, plant-based milk, and yeast, which is crucial for the recipe’s success.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: To combine the dry ingredients evenly and then incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Dough Scraper or Knife: To divide the dough into equal portions for consistent size rolls.
- Baking Sheet or Baking Dish: To place and bake the buns. Lining it with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough during the rising process, keep it warm and protected.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the rolls with plant-based milk and maple syrup before baking to achieve a golden crust.
Super simple. Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious recipe:
- Sweet Potato: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and nutrients. And acts as a binding agent.
- Plant-Based Milk: Binds the dough and keeps it dairy-free. Any variety works.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that also helps activate yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the rise and texture of the rolls.
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: Provides fiber and a lighter texture than traditional whole wheat and a milder flavor. But you can use whole white wheat or Whole Wheat, too.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the rolls rise and become airy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls and balances the sweetness.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture without fat, keeping the rolls light.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:
Prepare Puree: Steam and mash sweet potatoes; measure 1 cup for the recipe.
Activate Yeast: Mix lukewarm plant-based milk with maple syrup, add yeast, and wait until frothy.
Make Dough: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sweet potato puree, yeast mixture, and applesauce into a dough.
Knead and Rise: Knead the dough, then let it rise until it is doubled.
Shape and Rise Again: Form into 12 rolls, and let rise again.
Bake: Brush with milk-maple syrup mix and bake at 375°F until golden.
Cool: Let the rolls cool before serving.
HOW DO YOU SHAPE THEM INTO VEGAN BURGERS OR VEGAN HOT DOG BUNS?
To adapt this dough for hamburger buns or hot dog buns, follow these tailored steps:
For Hot Dog Buns:
- Prepare the Dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After the first rise, divide the dough into equal portions for the number of buns you desire.
- Shape Each Bun: Roll each piece into a smooth ball, ensuring the seams are neatly pinched together at the bottom for a uniform look.
- Form Cylinders: Place the ball on your counter and gently roll it back and forth with both hands, elongating it into a cylinder about 5-6 inches long and 1-1.5 inches wide.
- Adjust for Thickness: Lightly press down on each cylinder for slimmer hot dog buns. Space them 1-1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Let them rise for a second time, and brush the tops of the buns with the plant-based milk and maple syrup mix to achieve a golden finish when baked.
For Burgers Buns:
- Portion the Dough: Divide the risen dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your hamburger buns to be.
- Shape into Buns: Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten them into a bun shape. Aim for a thickness that’s more substantial than a standard roll but still maintains a rounded top.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange them on the baking sheet, allowing enough space between each for expansion. Let them rise for a second time, and brush the tops of the buns with the plant-based milk and maple syrup mix to achieve a golden finish when baked.
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Well, you will find it is:
- Nutritious: Rich in vitamins and fiber from sweet potatoes.
- Allergy-Friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and nuts, suitable for various diets.
- Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps perfect for any skill level.
- Deliciously Soft: Achieves a soft with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for various meals, from dinners to breakfasts.
- Homemade Satisfaction: Offers the joy of baking fresh, flavorful bread at home.
Let’s prepare these delicious buns!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY VEGAN SWEET POTATO BUNS (DINNER ROLLS)
Equipment
- 1 Pot (with Steamer)
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Dough Scraper
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato (medium, peeled and cubed for puree)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (250 ml unsweetened plant-based milk*, lukewarm**, plus 1 Tbsp extra for brushing)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup ( + 1 tsp for brushing)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons, 0.9 g)
- 3 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (360 g, additional may be needed for kneading)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potato Puree: Steam the cubed sweet potato until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Mash until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of puree for the recipe.
- Activate Yeast: Combine the lukewarm plant-based milk and maple syrup in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir to combine and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the sweet potato puree, yeast mixture to the flour mixture, and applesauce. Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces***. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a 13×9 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the buns have risen, mix 1 tbsp of plant-based milk and 1 tsp of maple syrup, and gently brush the tops with that mix (This step will help give them a nice golden color as they bake). Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. You can enjoy them as dinner rolls or slider buns.
Notes
- *Any unsweetened plant-based milk will work. I love using soy, cashew, or almond milk as a personal preference.
- **Lukewarm means between 98 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, 36.5 to 40.5 Celsius.
- *** I learned the technique to cut 12 equal parts of dough here.
- Depending on how wet your sweet potato puree is, you might need extra flour. Just keep your dough slightly sticky so it doesn’t get too dry.
- Refrigeration: For storing the rolls beyond a couple of days, refrigerate them in an airtight container. To refresh the rolls, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds before serving.
- To freeze them for up to three months, ensure they are completely cool to prevent ice crystal formation. Individually wrap each roll in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn and facilitate easy thawing. Finally, place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, label with the date, and when ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Recipe adapted from Fork over Knives site.
WAYS TO ENJOY THESE BUNS
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these Vegan Sweet Potato Buns:
- As a Breakfast Treat: Spread with almond butter, vegan cream cheese, or your favorite jam for a sweet start to the day.
- Soup Companion: Pair them with a hearty vegetable soup or a warming stew, perfect for dipping.
- Mini Sandwiches: Slice them in half and fill them with vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard for a light lunch option.
- Dinner Side: Serve alongside pasta dishes, salads, or vegan casseroles as a wholesome side.
- Vegan Slider Buns: Use them as small burger buns for vegan sliders, ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Burger Buns: Make larger-sized rolls to use as buns for vegan burgers. They are sturdy enough to hold the patty and toppings while adding a unique sweet potato flavor to your veggie burger experience. You can also shape them into vegan hot dog buns. See the section with the steps above for more details.
And if you want to try more baking recipes, check out these recipes:
DID YOU MAKE THESE VEGAN SWEET POTATO BUNS?
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