Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful twist on the classic French bread, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. This egg-free version uses aquafaba to achieve that signature fluffy texture. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, used for vegan French toast, or paired with your favorite spreads. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to something special, this vegan brioche will impress everyone with its rich flavor and soft crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fluffy: This vegan brioche is incredibly soft and airy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, as toast, or transformed into scrumptious French toast.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with accessible ingredients like aquafaba and non-dairy milk, it’s easy to whip up.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfasts, brunches, or as a sweet treat during any time of the day.
• Customizable Options: Choose between vegan butter or olive oil based on your preference.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the best vegan brioche, you’ll need some essential tools. Proper preparation ensures that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Loaf tin (2 – 2 ½ lb)
• Baking parchment
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool makes kneading easier and ensures a consistent dough texture.
• Loaf tin: A correctly sized loaf tin helps achieve the perfect shape for your brioche.
• Baking parchment: Using parchment prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the brioche after baking.

Ingredients

Vegan brioche – this vegan version of the classic French bread is made with aquafaba instead of eggs. It is wonderfully soft, fluffy, rich and full of flavour. Includes options to make it with either vegan butter or olive oil.

Ingredients:
– 300 g (2 ½ cups) white bread flour
– 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
– 10 g (3 tsp) fast action/instant yeast
– 50 g (¼ cup) caster/granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 120 ml (½ cup) aquafaba (from 1 tin of chickpeas)
– 200 ml (½ + ⅓ cup) unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy is best)
– 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
– 200 g (7 oz / ½ + ⅓ cup) vegan block butter (NOT the spreadable kind. I use Naturli Vegan Block) OR 160ml (⅔ cup) mild olive oil
– 1 Tbsp non-dairy milk
– 1 Tbsp maple syrup
– ½ tsp sunflower/vegetable oil

How to Make Vegan Brioche

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start the day before you want to bake the bread. Place the bread flour and plain flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the yeast to one side of the bowl and the salt and sugar to the other, then mix to combine.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the aquafaba, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until you form a rough dough. Then place the mixer on medium speed and knead until smooth and elastic. You can also knead by hand on an unfloured surface if preferred.

Step 3: Incorporate Fat

Add softened butter or olive oil. Mix until fully combined; expect a soft and sticky dough. If mixing by hand, ensure all fat is incorporated well.

Step 4: First Rise

Continue kneading until dough pulls away from bowl sides cleanly but remains soft. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Shape Your Loaf

The next day, check if your dough has doubled in size. Line your loaf tin with baking parchment. Punch down the dough; you can shape it into a loaf directly or divide into even pieces for pull-apart rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange shaped pieces in rows within the loaf tin. Cover loosely and let rise again until doubled in size—this may take about 1 – 2.5 hours depending on warmth.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Glaze

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Whisk together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and oil for glazing.

Step 8: Bake

Brush glaze onto risen loaf carefully without letting it drip down sides. Bake for about 20 minutes; then brush more glaze on top before reducing oven temperature to bake for another 25–30 minutes until done.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked through, let cool in tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container after cooling completely.

Now you can enjoy your homemade vegan brioche!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat or a side dish, there are numerous serving suggestions to enhance its rich flavor.

As French Toast

• Dip slices of vegan brioche in a mixture of non-dairy milk and cinnamon, then cook them in a skillet until golden brown for a delicious breakfast.

With Jam or Spread

• Serve warm slices with your favorite fruit jams or nut butters for a simple yet satisfying snack.

In a Sandwich

• Use vegan brioche to create gourmet sandwiches filled with fresh veggies and spreads for an indulgent lunch option.

Toasted with Avocado

• Top toasted brioche with smashed avocado, lemon juice, and salt for a trendy brunch dish that’s both healthy and filling.

As Dessert

• Transform vegan brioche into a decadent dessert by layering it with dairy-free ice cream and chocolate sauce for an exquisite treat.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy slices of vegan brioche alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the perfect pairing.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Perfecting your vegan brioche can take some practice, but these tips will help you achieve that soft, fluffy texture you desire.

• Use high-quality flour: Select strong white bread flour for better gluten development, which helps the dough rise beautifully.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements for consistent results every time.
• Knead properly: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic; this is crucial for achieving the right texture.
• Allow enough rising time: Be patient and let the dough rise adequately overnight; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Check oven temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect browning.
• Cool completely before slicing: Let the brioche cool fully on a wire rack to avoid gummy slices when cutting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside your bread.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the brioche.
2. Scrambled Tofu: A savory option that offers protein and flavor, scrambled tofu seasoned with spices makes for an excellent brunch pairing.
3. Vegan Sausages: Serve hearty vegan sausages on the side; their savory taste contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the brioche.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables provides a healthy, flavorful side that enhances any meal featuring vegan brioche.
5. Vegan Cheese Platter: Create a selection of plant-based cheeses alongside crackers and fruits for an elegant accompaniment.
6. Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding made with almond milk offers a refreshing contrast while adding nutrients to your meal.
7. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A small bowl of maple syrup complements sweet servings of brioche beautifully; perfect for dipping!
8. Herbed Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges tossed in herbs provide a deliciously satisfying side that pairs well with any dish featuring vegan brioche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making vegan brioche, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the overnight rise: Neglecting this step can result in dense bread. Be patient and let your dough rise in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
• Using the wrong type of flour: Not all flours are created equal. Stick to the recommended white bread flour and plain flour for optimal results.
• Over-kneading the dough: This can make your brioche tough. Knead just until smooth and elastic; it should still be soft and slightly sticky.
• Not checking dough readiness: Poking the dough is crucial. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time to rise, so keep an eye on it.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use a thermometer to ensure your brioche bakes evenly at the correct temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your vegan brioche in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F, wrap in foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a little oil or non-stick spray for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to vegan brioche:

How do I make vegan brioche without aquafaba?

You can substitute aquafaba with other egg replacers like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. However, this may alter the texture slightly.

Can I use other plant-based milks?

Yes! While soy milk works best, you can also use almond, oat, or coconut milk for different flavors.

What if my vegan brioche doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, check that your dough is kept in a warm environment during rising.

How can I customize my vegan brioche?

Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for added flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Vegan brioche is an incredibly versatile recipe that’s sure to impress anyone at your breakfast table. Its soft and fluffy texture makes it perfect for various uses—from delightful toast to scrumptious French toast! Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy this heartwarming treat any way you like!