Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful twist on the classic French bread, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. This version uses aquafaba instead of eggs, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it for French toast, this vegan brioche is sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The use of aquafaba makes this vegan brioche incredibly light and airy.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a breakfast option, dessert, or snack—perfect for any time of day.
• Rich Flavor: With the combination of vanilla extract and optional vegan butter or olive oil, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure you can whip up this delicious bread without hassle.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, brunches, or cozy family breakfasts.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easier and ensures a uniform dough consistency.
• Loaf tin: Provides the perfect shape for your brioche; size matters for even baking.
• Baking parchment: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up simple.

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Ingredients

To craft this wonderful Vegan Brioche, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 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 OR 160ml (⅔ cup) mild olive oil

For the Glaze

• 1 Tbsp non-dairy milk
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp sunflower/vegetable oil

How to Make Vegan Brioche

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Start the day before you want to bake. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the white bread flour and plain flour.
2. Add the yeast to one side of the bowl and place salt and sugar on the other side. Mix to combine.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Add aquafaba, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
2. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead on medium speed until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Incorporate Fat

1. Add softened vegan butter or olive oil to the dough.
2. Mix until fully combined; expect a soft and sticky consistency.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Continue kneading until dough pulls away from sides cleanly; place in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Shape Your Loaf

1. Once risen, punch down the dough. Shape into either one loaf or divide into smaller portions for pull-apart style.
2. Pinch edges towards center to form smooth balls and arrange in prepared loaf tin.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover loosely; let rise until doubled in size—this may take 1 to 2.5 hours.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.
2. Whisk together glaze ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 8: Bake

1. Brush loaf with glaze before placing in oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes; brush with more glaze and reduce temperature to 160°C/320°F/gas mark 3 for another 25–30 minutes until cooked through.

Step 9: Cool Down

1. Let cool in tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Allow to cool completely before slicing; store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Brioche!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a versatile and delightful bread that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your vegan brioche experience.

Toasted with Jam

• Spread your favorite fruit jam or preserve over warm slices of vegan brioche for a sweet breakfast treat.

French Toast Delight

• Dip slices of vegan brioche in a mixture of non-dairy milk and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden brown for a delicious vegan French toast.

Sandwiches

• Use vegan brioche as the base for decadent sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables, spreads, or plant-based proteins.

Bread Pudding

• Tear leftover brioche into chunks and bake with a mixture of non-dairy milk, sweetener, and spices to create a comforting bread pudding.

With Nut Butter

• Top toasted brioche with almond or peanut butter for a satisfying snack or breakfast packed with protein.

As a Dessert Base

• Use slices of vegan brioche as a base for desserts like ice cream sundaes or layered desserts with fruit and whipped coconut cream.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

To achieve the best results when making vegan brioche, consider these simple tips. They will help you create a light and fluffy loaf every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active by using fresh ingredients. Old yeast may not rise properly, affecting the texture of your bread.

• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which contributes to the soft texture of the brioche.

• Overnight Rise: Allow the dough to rise overnight in the fridge. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and improves texture.

• Check Temperature: Monitor the internal temperature while baking. A temperature of 94°C/201°F indicates that your brioche is perfectly baked.

• Don’t Rush the Second Rise: Allow sufficient time for the second rise before baking. This step is crucial for achieving that airy quality typical of brioche.

• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let your brioche cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its structure and avoid gummy slices.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Pairing side dishes with vegan brioche can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside rich vegan brioche.

2. Coconut Yogurt Parfait
   Layer coconut yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast and added crunch when served with brioche.

3. Avocado Toast
   Creamy avocado spread over slices provides healthy fats that balance the sweetness of brioche beautifully.

4. Green Smoothie
   A refreshing green smoothie made from spinach, banana, and almond milk complements the richness of the bread.

5. Chia Seed Pudding
   Serve chia pudding flavored with vanilla or cocoa next to warm slices for an indulgent yet healthy option.

6. Roasted Veggies
   Seasoned roasted vegetables offer savory flavors that create an interesting contrast to sweet vegan brioche.

7. Herbed Potato Wedges
   Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side dish that pairs well with sweet or savory variations of brioche.

8. Vegan Cheese Platter
   A selection of plant-based cheeses alongside nuts and dried fruits creates an elegant side that works well at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan brioche can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly ignoring the dough’s texture: If your dough feels too dry, it may not rise properly. Always adjust with a little more non-dairy milk if needed.
• Boldly skipping the overnight rise: Not allowing the dough to rise overnight can result in a denser loaf. Plan ahead for the best results.
• Boldly using regular flour: All-purpose flour alone may not provide the right structure and fluffiness. Stick to the recommended bread flour for optimal texture.
• Boldly over-proofing the dough: Leaving your dough to rise too long leads to collapse. Keep an eye on it and poke gently to check readiness.
• Boldly neglecting to measure accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients like flour and sugar for consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store vegan brioche in an airtight container.
• It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before use.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the brioche for about 10 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Lightly toast slices in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making vegan brioche that may help you along your baking journey.

Can I substitute aquafaba with other ingredients?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, but aquafaba gives the best texture.

How can I make my Vegan Brioche sweeter?

Add more sugar or try incorporating sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup into your dough.

What is the best way to serve Vegan Brioche?

Vegan brioche is amazing fresh, toasted, or used as a base for French toast. Get creative with toppings!

How long does vegan brioche last?

When stored properly, it lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

What makes this Vegan Brioche different from traditional recipes?

This recipe uses aquafaba instead of eggs and plant-based butter or olive oil, making it entirely vegan while still achieving that classic brioche texture.

Final Thoughts

Vegan brioche is not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different flavors, add-ins, or toppings according to your taste preferences. It’s perfect as breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert treat! Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade vegan bread.