Those look like wonderfully rustic, warm, and inviting vegan molasses buns! Their cracked tops and golden-brown color tell me they have a lovely chewy texture with a hint of crunch on the outside, typical of molasses-rich baked goods. The slight sparkle of sugar on top adds just a touch of extra sweetness and texture, making them irresistible.

These buns seem to be perfectly baked to balance softness inside with a firm but tender crust. The deep color hints at the rich molasses flavor, likely complemented by warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cloves. They look hearty and comforting, ideal for cozy mornings or afternoon tea.

If you’d like, I can help you recreate this exact type of vegan molasses bun with a detailed recipe and tips on how to get that perfect texture and color. I can also suggest serving ideas or even a sweet glaze or icing to elevate them further.

Vegan Molasses Buns

Yield

12 buns

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup molasses

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• ⅓ cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: coarse sugar or sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Prepare the wet ingredients

• In a small bowl, combine plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle (this is your vegan “buttermilk”).

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

2. Combine dry ingredients

• In another bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. Mix the dough

• Add the vegan buttermilk to the wet mixture and stir to combine.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.

4. Shape the buns

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Scoop dough (about 2–3 tbsp per bun) and shape into rough rounds with your hands. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

• If you like, sprinkle coarse sugar or a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for texture and sparkle.

5. Bake

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are set and the edges are lightly crisp. The buns will firm up more as they cool.

6. Cool and serve

• Let buns cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use dark or robust molasses for a deeper flavor.

• Don’t overmix the dough to keep buns tender.

• These buns are best enjoyed warm with vegan butter or jam.