Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, these Vegan Jam-Filled Buns are a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with a tender, dairy-free dough and filled with fruity jam, they are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether using a sourdough starter or yeast, these buns are light, airy, and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture – Light, pillowy buns with a tender crumb.
- Naturally dairy-free and vegan – Made with almond milk and coconut oil.
- Customizable filling – Use your favorite jam or fruit preserves.
- Great for meal prep – Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks.
- Option for sourdough or yeast – Adaptable to fit your baking preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (or 1 packet dry yeast)
- 1/2 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup fruit jam (strawberry, apricot, or raspberry)
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter (or yeast), warm almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 2-4 hours (or overnight if using a sourdough starter) until doubled in size.
Shape the Buns:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Flatten each piece slightly and place a teaspoon of jam in the center.
- Pinch the edges to seal the bun completely and place it seam-side down on the baking pan.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy warm as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 buns
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3-5 hours (including proofing)
- Calories: 210 kcal per bun
Variations
- Different Fillings – Swap jam for chocolate, nut butter, or sweetened coconut.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid as needed.
- Nut-Free Alternative – Substitute almond milk with oat milk or soy milk.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Instead of powdered sugar, roll warm buns in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- Lemon Glaze Topping – Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze fully cooled buns for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in a microwave for 15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
Yes, oat, soy, or coconut milk will all work in place of almond milk.
2. Can I make these without a sourdough starter?
Yes, simply use one packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of dry yeast instead of the starter.
3. How do I prevent the jam from leaking?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling the buns.
4. Can I use frozen fruit instead of jam?
Yes! Cook down chopped frozen fruit with sugar until thickened, then use as a filling.
5. What’s the best flour to use?
All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
6. How do I make these buns extra soft?
Knead the dough well and allow for a full rise time to ensure a light and airy texture.
7. Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Yes! Cover and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor and bake the next morning.
8. What’s the best way to serve these buns?
They are delicious warm with coffee or tea, or as a light dessert.
9. Can I make smaller or larger buns?
Yes, adjust baking time if making smaller (15-18 minutes) or larger buns (22-25 minutes).
10. How do I add more sweetness to the dough?
Increase the maple syrup or sugar to 1/3 cup for a slightly sweeter dough.
Conclusion
Vegan Jam-Filled Buns are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruity sweetness. Whether made with a sourdough starter or yeast, these homemade buns are a perfect addition to any breakfast or snack. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy a comforting, plant-based treat. Try this easy recipe today!