This Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf marries the buttery, flaky texture of a traditional croissant with the sweet, warming flavors of cinnamon sugar. Made with a vegan-friendly, yeast-leavened dough that undergoes meticulous lamination, this loaf features multiple airy layers that make each slice exceptionally light and indulgent. Filled generously with cinnamon sugar and layered between vegan butter, this loaf offers an irresistible twist on classic pastries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This: This loaf's appeal lies in its combination of a crisp, flaky exterior and a soft, richly flavored interior, which makes it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon tea. The process of lamination, typically reserved for high-end pastries, gives this bread an artisanal quality that is both satisfying to make and to eat. The cinnamon sugar not only adds a delightful sweetness but also infuses the loaf with a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Perfect Occasion: This croissant loaf is ideal for special brunches, holiday breakfasts, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. It’s also a splendid choice for bake sales or potluck gatherings, where its unique shape and delicious taste can truly shine. Serve it during family gatherings or simply savor a slice as a decadent treat to brighten up your day.
Decoration Tips: After baking, a brush of maple syrup gives the loaf a beautiful sheen and an extra touch of sweetness. For a more festive look, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. To make it even more special, serve slices with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 210ml warm milk (unsweetened almond milk or your choice)
- 15g cane sugar (for yeast mixture)
- 1/2 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 15g maple syrup
- 312g all-purpose flour or strong bread flour
- 30g vegan butter, softened
- 45g cane or castor sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Filling:
- 7g cinnamon powder
- 30g vegan butter, softened
- 15g cane sugar
- For Lamination:
- 110g cold vegan butter, rolled out and frozen
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and yeast. Let sit for 15 minutes to activate.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, maple syrup, flour, additional sugar (45g), and salt. Using a dough hook, mix until the flour is incorporated. Add softened butter and mix until combined. If needed, add more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Cover the bowl and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
- Laminate the Dough:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 15” x 8” rectangle. Place the sheet of frozen butter on the middle third of the dough, then perform a letter fold. Freeze for 20 minutes.
- Roll out again and fold as before. Freeze for 30 minutes and repeat for a third fold.
- Filling and Shaping:
- Mix 15g of sugar with cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll tightly into a log, seal the edges, and slice into 10-11 pieces. Place in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Final Proofing and Baking:
- Let rise at room temperature for 4-5 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Brush with milk, bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. Brush with maple syrup after baking.
Enjoy this deliciously layered Cinnamon Sugar Croissant Loaf, a luxurious treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich textures of a croissant and the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon bread!