Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful twist on the classic French bread, perfect for breakfast or any special occasion. This recipe uses aquafaba instead of eggs, making it wonderfully soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor. Whether you enjoy it fresh or toasted with your favorite spread, this vegan brioche will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of aquafaba and vegan butter or olive oil creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Versatile Use – Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a side dish, or even turn it into indulgent French toast.
• Perfect Texture – This brioche is soft and fluffy, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
• Plant-Based Delight – Enjoy the classic brioche experience without the use of eggs or dairy.

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Tools and Preparation

Preparing vegan brioche requires some essential equipment to ensure success. Having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook – Makes kneading easier and ensures thorough mixing of ingredients.
• Loaf tin – A proper-sized loaf tin helps achieve an even bake and a beautiful shape for your brioche.

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) 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 white 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 while placing salt and sugar on the opposite side; mix to combine.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the aquafaba, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms. Then knead on medium speed until smooth and elastic. You can also knead by hand if preferred.

Step 3: Incorporate Fat

Add softened vegan butter or olive oil to the dough. Mix until fully combined; expect a sticky texture. Consider mixing by hand for better control if using olive oil.

Step 4: First Rise

Continue kneading until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl cleanly but remains soft. Transfer it to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

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

Step 6: Second Rise

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

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Prepare your glaze by whisking together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and oil in a small bowl. Brush this glaze over your risen loaf before baking.

Step 8: Cooling

Bake for about 20 minutes before brushing with more glaze. Lower oven temperature to 160°C/320°F/gas mark three for an additional bake time of about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Once baked, let cool in the tin for about fifteen minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container once cooled.

Enjoy your homemade vegan brioche!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you savor it plain or dress it up with toppings, this soft and fluffy bread makes for an exceptional treat.

Classic Toast with Jam

• Spread your favorite fruit jam over warm slices of vegan brioche. The sweetness perfectly complements the rich texture.

French Toast Style

• Dip slices of vegan brioche in a mixture of non-dairy milk, aquafaba, and spices before pan-frying. This creates a delightful breakfast option.

Sandwich Delight

• Use vegan brioche to make sandwiches. Fill with savory options like hummus and veggies or sweet options like nut butter and banana.

Bread Pudding

• Transform leftover brioche into a delicious vegan bread pudding. Soak chunks in a non-dairy custard mixture and bake until golden.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy slices of vegan brioche alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The richness pairs beautifully with warm beverages.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Creating the perfect vegan brioche requires attention to detail and patience. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Choose the Right Flour: Using high-quality bread flour is essential for achieving that perfect texture.

• Proper Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, giving the brioche its structure.

• Cold Rise: Allowing the dough to rise overnight in the fridge enhances flavor and texture. It also makes handling easier.

• Don’t Rush Proofing: Be patient during the rising process; let the dough double in size for optimal fluffiness.

• Use a Thermometer: Checking the internal temperature ensures that your vegan brioche is fully baked without being overdone.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Pair your vegan brioche with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal or snack experience:

1. Vegan Cream Cheese: A rich spread made from nuts or tofu that adds creaminess and flavor to your brioche.

2. Avocado Salad: Fresh avocado mixed with lime juice, salt, and pepper provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted vegetables add savory notes that complement the sweetness of brioche beautifully.

4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and balance when served alongside slices of brioche.

5. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert made with non-dairy milk can be served as a topping or on the side for added texture.

6. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for a quick breakfast option that pairs well with brioche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Brioche, even small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can lead to dense bread. Always measure carefully and check the expiration date on your yeast.
• Ignoring dough texture: If the dough is too dry or wet, it will not rise properly. Make adjustments gradually by adding more flour or liquid as needed during mixing.
• Skipping the overnight rise: This step enhances flavor and texture. Don’t rush the process; allow the dough ample time to rise in the fridge overnight.
• Overproofing the dough: If you let the dough rise too long, it may collapse. Gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready to bake.
• Forgetting to preheat the oven: A hot oven is crucial for a good rise. Preheat your oven before you bake for optimal results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the brioche is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover and warm for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Brioche recipe special?

This Vegan Brioche is soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor due to aquafaba replacing eggs, making it perfect for everyone.

Can I use different flours for this Vegan Brioche?

You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends, but adjust liquid as necessary since they absorb moisture differently.

How do I customize my Vegan Brioche?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits for added flavor.

What should I serve with Vegan Brioche?

This delightful bread pairs well with vegan spreads, jams, or can be used for French toast!

Can I make Vegan Brioche without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can knead by hand; just be prepared for a bit of extra effort!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Brioche is not only a wonderful treat but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it in creative dishes like French toast, this recipe invites customization. Try adding your favorite flavors and enjoy this delightful vegan delight!