Coconut Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Poor coconut caramel cinnamon rolls.  I made them all the way back in June, and just now remembered to blog them.  My forgetfulness, however, has absolutely nothing to do with the flavor of these babies, because they are absolutely delicious.  Not to mention they are vegan... which means healthy.... right?!

Coconut Caramel Sauce

• 1 can lite coconut milk (15 oz)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Roll Dough

• 1/2  cup non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tbs unsweetened applesauce
• 2 Tbs vegetable oil
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Cinnamon Roll Filling

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon 

For the Cinnamon Rolls

1. In the microwave, heat milk and water until very warm. Place milk mixture, salt, flour, yeast, applesauce, oil, and sugar in the pan of the bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select the Dough cycle. Press Start.
2. Once Dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and punch down. On a floured surface, roll into a large rectangle. Smear with the remaining applesauce. Combine the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle over the rectangle. Sprinkle coconut over the top.
3. Roll the dough up into a log starting at the long side. Cut into 12 slices.* Place the rolls cut side down into a 9x13-inch greased baking pan. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 
5. Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with coconut caramel, and serve.

For the coconut caramel

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and heat on high until it comes to a boil. Boil on high for 3 minutes, then lower thew heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes; until the mixture has reduced to about 3/4 of the original amount. Stirring occasionally.

Notes:

• The order suggested by most bread machines is: 1) liquids 2) dry ingredients 3) yeast.
• I cut my cinnamon rolls using twine or dental floss... weird I know but it works!  Slide your floss under the roll, and pull taunt.  It actually cuts cleaner than a knife, and eliminates the gushy action that usually happens.
• You will have left over caramel sauce, but don't worry, it lasts quite awhile in the fridge (easily 10-14 days) and tastes delicious on ice cream, brownies, a large spoon.... 
• They are quite tasty topped with toasted coconut as well :)