GIANT DATE CARAMEL CINNAMON ROLL
There’s something magical about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, and when you infuse it with the sweetness of dates, you’ve created a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. The Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Ideal for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this luscious roll brings an impressive twist to the classic cinnamon roll. Every bite transports you to a cozy café, making it perfect for sharing (or keeping for yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This isn’t your average cinnamon roll! The incorporation of medjool dates elevates the flavors and adds a natural sweetness that you won’t find anywhere else. Not only is this recipe a good way to impress your friends and family, but it’s also a budget-friendly option that can feed a crowd. You can whip it up for lazy Sunday mornings or during festive gatherings to bring joy to the table without a lot of fuss.
“The best cinnamon roll I’ve ever made! The date caramel is a game changer!” – A happy baker.
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating the Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll is a straightforward process that anyone can conquer. Here’s a brief look into how the magic happens:
- Prepare the Date Caramel: Soak and blend the dates for a creamy filling.
- Make the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and award-winning ingredients to create a soft dough.
- Let it Rise: Allow your dough to double in size for that fluffy texture.
- Roll & Fill: Spread the date caramel and roll it up into a beautiful spiraled treat.
- Bake & Enjoy: Pop it in the oven and let the aroma waft through your kitchen!
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather these ingredients to ensure you have everything at your fingertips:
- 20 medjool dates, pitted
- Boiling water, enough to cover the dates
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (~110°F)
- 2 1/2 tsp (8g) instant or active dry yeast
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (76g) salted butter, very softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
(For a lighter option, try using almond milk instead of dairy, or if you need egg substitutes, consider flaxseed meal mixed with water.)
Directions to Follow
Follow these simple steps to create your own Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll:
- Create the date caramel: In a bowl, combine the pitted dates and boiling water; let them soak until soft (about 10 minutes). Drain and blend with 1 cup of milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix the yeast: In a clean bowl, mix warm milk and yeast, letting it sit until frothy (around 5 minutes).
- Combine ingredients: Add the egg, softened butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt into the yeast mix. Stir until well combined.
- Make the dough: Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread date caramel over the top and sprinkle with remaining sugar.
- Form the rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm: Allow to cool slightly, serve warm, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This luscious giant roll can be served warm right out of the oven, drizzled with additional date caramel or a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk. If you want to dress it up, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that gooey goodness. If you want to extend their lifespan, freeze them (before baking) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. They will last in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- When soaking the dates, ensure they are really soft for easier blending.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the date caramel a day in advance and refrigerate it.
- Kneading the dough well is key to achieving that soft, fluffy texture, so don’t skimp on this step!
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize your Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll! You could add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for an added crunch. Additionally, trying different spices like cardamom or nutmeg can create a unique flavor profile. For a fun twist, substitute the date caramel with a bit of chocolate for a decadent dessert.
Your Questions Answered
How long does the prep take?
The total time for preparation and baking is about 2.5 to 3 hours, which includes rising times.
Can I use other types of dried fruits?
Yes! You can swap medjool dates with dried figs or apricots. Just ensure the flavors complement each other.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Freeze the rolls before baking for fresher results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Whip these up for a special treat or enjoy them on a cozy day at home. With this guide, you’re set to create something incredible that will impress everyone around you! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Giant Date Caramel Cinnamon Roll
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine pitted dates and boiling water; let soak for about 10 minutes.
- Drain dates and blend with 1 cup of milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- In a clean bowl, mix warm milk and yeast, letting it sit until frothy (around 5 minutes).
- Add egg, softened butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt into the yeast mix. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread date caramel over the top and sprinkle with remaining sugar.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy with additional date caramel or icing made of powdered sugar and milk.
