As I pulled the warm, aromatic Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns from the oven, I could hardly resist sneaking a taste. The inviting aroma of cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, intertwining beautifully with the rich coffee notes and the unexpected umami depth from the miso. These buns are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll—perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat! Not only are they dairy-free and vegan, making them accessible for various dietary needs, but they also come together relatively quickly, letting you indulge in homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. Curious about how a hint of miso can elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why Are These Buns So Irresistible?
Unmatched Flavor Fusion: The combination of miso and coffee creates a unique taste experience that elevates traditional cinnamon rolls to extraordinary heights.
Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy these vegan-friendly buns without compromising on flavor, perfect for diverse dietary preferences.
Quick Prep Time: With a straightforward method, you’ll have freshly baked buns ready in no time—ideal for busy mornings!
Ultimate Comfort Food: Serve them warm for a cozy breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat that will leave your guests craving more. For a similar indulgence, try out these Brown Sugar Maple cookies too!
Visually Stunning: The glossy caramel finish, sprinkled with cinnamon, makes these buns not just delicious but a showstopper on any table.
Brown Sugar Cashew Buns Ingredients
• This ingredient list will set you up for the most impressive baking adventure!
For the Dough
- Almond Milk – A plant-based liquid base for the dough; feel free to swap with soy or oat milk.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative.
- Active Dry Yeast – The hero that helps your dough rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Instant Coffee – Infuses a rich coffee flavor; brewed coffee is a great substitute if you want a stronger taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the dough; bread flour can add more chewiness if desired.
- Bread Flour – Optional for extra gluten structure; not necessary if using all-purpose flour alone.
For the Filling
- Cinnamon & Raw Sugar – Enhances flavor; tailor the amount to your personal taste preferences.
- Butter – For spreading in the filling; dairy-free butter works perfectly in a vegan version.
For the Miso Caramel
- Red Miso Paste – Adds a unique umami flavor depth to the caramel; white miso is a milder alternative.
- Packed Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and caramel notes; maple sugar can give a lovely twist.
- Applesauce – Brings moisture and a bit of sweetness; swap in mashed banana for a tropical flair.
- Crushed Cashews – Adds texture and richness; any similar nuts like pecans or walnuts can be substituted.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze for finishing touches; confectioner’s sugar alternatives can also work well.
Your journey to making the most exquisite Brown Sugar Cashew Buns is just a few ingredients away! Happy baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by heating 1 cup of almond milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat, then add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to bloom for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Briefly knead the dough until it is slightly tacky.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has more than doubled in size. This step is crucial for those beautifully fluffy Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns.
Step 3: Make the Miso Caramel
While the dough is rising, prepare the unique miso caramel. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of red miso paste, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of applesauce, and 1/4 cup of melted dairy-free butter until creamy. Pour this delicious mixture into a prepared loaf pan, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly, ready to envelop the buns later.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a thin rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of raw sugar over the dough. Carefully roll the rectangle tightly into a log, starting from the long edge, and pinch the seams to seal. Cut the log into equal pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, to form the buns.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the cut pieces of dough in the caramel-coated loaf pan, placing them snugly together. Cover the pan with a cloth, and allow the buns to rise again for another 60 to 90 minutes until they have puffed up and filled the gaps. This step enhances their fluffy texture and prepares them for baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the second rise is complete, place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the buns; they’re ready when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare Glaze
While the Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns are baking, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted dairy-free butter, 2 tablespoons of red miso paste, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl until well combined. This glaze will add a delightful finish to your buns once they are fresh out of the oven.
Step 8: Serve
Once the buns are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Drizzle the miso glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to soak in and create a delicious topping. Serve your Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns warm, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!

Make Ahead Options
These Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to the first rise, then cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The miso caramel can also be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping the buns and subsequent rises. This way, you’ll enjoy just as delicious, fresh cinnamon buns while saving yourself valuable time on busy mornings!
Storage Tips for Brown Sugar Cashew Buns
Room Temperature: Store your Brown Sugar Cashew Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to store them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the buns in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy your buns again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore that fresh-baked texture!
Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Cashew Buns
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Kneading Matters: Properly knead your dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky; this ensures a fluffy texture in your cinnamon buns.
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Watch the Rise: The rising times can vary depending on your kitchen’s warmth—it’s essential to let the dough double in size visibly before proceeding.
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Don’t Overbake: To keep your Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns soft and moist, check for doneness a few minutes early; they should be golden and spring back when touched.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and sugar levels according to your taste—experimenting can lead to your perfect flavor balance.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for an optimal rise; expired yeast can lead to dense buns that fall flat.
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Store Wisely: Keep your buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Variations & Substitutions for Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns
Feel free to personalize these delectable buns to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use any plant-based milk instead of almond milk for a similar creamy texture.
- Sugar Alternative: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option without sacrificing sweetness.
- Brewed Coffee Boost: Swap instant coffee for brewed coffee to intensify the coffee flavor, giving your buns a richer profile.
- Nuts Change-Up: Try using pecans or walnuts in place of cashews for a delightful texture twist. Their unique flavors will shine through the miso caramel!
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some nutmeg or cardamom for an intriguing warm spice dimension—perfect for cozy mornings!
- Miso Magic: If red miso is too bold for your liking, white miso offers a milder taste that still retains that signature umami flavor.
- Fruity Fusion: Replace applesauce with mashed bananas for a fruity sweetness that gives your buns a tropical essence.
- Glazing Option: Substitute powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like agave or maple syrup to create a glaze that’s uniquely yours!
These simple adjustments can make your Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns even more delightful! For another sweet treat, don’t forget to check out these Brown Sugar Maple cookies—they’re heavenly, too!
What to Serve with Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns
Indulge in cozy flavors that complement the warm, sweet allure of your freshly baked buns.
- Rich Coffee Brew: A freshly brewed cup of coffee echoes the delightful coffee notes in the buns, enhancing the overall experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and rich buns; citrus pairs especially well.
- Velvety Coconut Yogurt: The creaminess balances the sweet bun, while the coconut flavor complements the caramel’s richness perfectly.
- Maple-Glazed Pecans: Crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty nuts bring a delightful texture and richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This comforting beverage, infused with warm spices, pairs harmoniously with the cinnamon in the buns, creating a perfect breakfast duo.
- Homemade Almond Milk: Creamy, dairy-free milk serves as a delightful dip for your buns or a light beverage to keep things refreshing.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the buns before serving elevates them to an indulgent treat; consider a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra kick!

Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for the dough?
Absolutely! For the dough, ensure you’re using fresh active dry yeast; it should be within its expiration date and should bubble when added to warm liquid. As for almond milk, check for a pleasant scent and no clumps. Fresh ingredients lead to the best flavor and texture!
What’s the best way to store these buns?
For sure! To keep your Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, they can last about a week, but be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the buns?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze your buns for up to 3 months. To do this, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their delightful softness.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Very likely! If your dough fails to rise, it could be due to using expired yeast or not providing a warm enough environment. Ensure the yeast is activated by letting it sit with the warm almond milk mixture until bubbly. If the kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warmer area, perhaps near the oven while preheating. This should help it rise beautifully.
Are these buns suitable for someone with nut allergies?
Great question! While this Miso Caramel Coffee Cinnamon Buns recipe includes crushed cashews, you can easily substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for the caramel. Just be sure to adjust based on specific allergies, and consider using different flours if there’s a gluten concern. Enjoy safely!
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Absolutely! Leftover buns stored at room temperature in an airtight container will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate, they can last about a week. Just make sure to warm them up in the oven to bring back that delectable texture.

Transform Your Morning with Brown Sugar Cashew Buns
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 cup of almond milk until warm, then add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Combine the yeast mixture with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour until smooth. Knead until slightly tacky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of red miso, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of applesauce, and 1/4 cup of melted dairy-free butter until creamy. Pour into a loaf pan.
- Roll risen dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon and 1/4 cup of raw sugar, then roll tightly and cut into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces.
- Arrange pieces in the caramel-coated pan, cover, and let rise for another 60 to 90 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown, and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of melted dairy-free butter, 2 tablespoons of red miso, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of powdered sugar for the glaze.
- Let buns cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with glaze and serve warm.
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