Sparrow Bakery's Ocean Roll

The Ocean Roll is a unique croissant-style pastry with a distinctive filling of warm spices and sweetness that has become an iconic and highly sought-after baked good from The Sparrow Bakery in Oregon.

Ocean Roll

If there's one baked treat that's swept me off my feet recently, it's the one-of-a-kind Ocean Roll from Sparrow Bakery in Bend, Oregon. The first time I sank my teeth into one of these beauties, I knew I was experiencing pastry nirvana.

For those not in the know, the Ocean Roll is Sparrow's signature creation - a buttery, flaky croissant dough that's been rolled up with an utterly dreamy filling of brown sugar, warm cardamom spice, and sweet vanilla. It's then baked to golden perfection with a glistening egg wash coating. One bite releases a tidal wave of flavors that dances across your palate.

I was instantly hooked and made it my mission to recreate these rolls in my own kitchen. Through some experimentation (and a few false starts), I can now proudly say I've nailed down a recipe that does the original proud.

Here's the inside scoop on what makes this bakery star so dang delicious:

The Dough: Using a tried-and-true croissant dough is key. It requires some patience to get those flaky, buttery layers, but man is it worth it. Pro tip: keep that butter nice and cold for maximum puffiness.

The Filling: The distinct blend of earthy cardamom with the deep molasses notes of brown sugar is what makes this filling sing. Not too sweet, not too spicy - it's pure harmonious flavor. A touch of vanilla takes it to dreamland status.

The Technique: Rolling up the filled dough tightly into a log before slicing into individual portions locks in all that sweet, spicy goodness. An egg wash beforehand ensures a glossy, bronzed exterior.

The full recipe is a bit of a labor of love, not gonna lie. But the smell of these Ocean Rolls baking is enough motivation to power through. And that first bite? Sheer pastry ecstasy.

Whether you're treating yourself to one with a morning coffee or serving them up for a special brunch spread, these cardamom-kissed rolls are guaranteed to make some waves. My only warning - they develop a cult following fast, so make extra! You'll want to snatch a few and stash them away for safekeeping.

Disclaimer: While I've done my best to recreate this recipe accurately, I can't guarantee it will taste 100% identical to the original from Sparrow Bakery. Their bakers have perfected their magic over years. But I can promise these homemade versions are one heck of a tasty alternative!

Ocean Roll Recipe (Copycat)

1 hour 30 minutes prep time (includes dough resting/chilling times) with 20-25 minutes cook time.

Yields 20 rolls and contains approximately 350 calories.

American / Pastry, Breakfast

Ingredients

Croissant Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Ocean Roll Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water

Directions

1. Make the croissant dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast and 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and remaining granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter. Roll out again and repeat the folding 2 more times. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
5. Make the filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cardamom, vanilla and softened butter until fully combined.
6. Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
7. Starting with a long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
8. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and arrange cut-side up in a greased baking pan, spacing apart.
9. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Brush the rolls with the egg wash.
11. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.
12. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the Ocean Rolls warm with coffee!

This recipe recreates the signature flavors of vanilla, cardamom and sweetness baked into buttery, flaky croissant dough, just like The Sparrow Bakery's famous rolls. The cardamom gives it a distinctly warm spiced note. Brushing with egg wash before baking gives the rolls their shiny, golden brown crust. Serve these fresh from the oven with coffee for the perfect ocean roll experience!

Rated 5.0 by 9 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Ocean Roll, Ocean Roll Recipe

Published by: Dish Dupes