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, ensuring the brioche remains soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain, as part of a cozy brunch, or transformed into French toast, this vegan brioche will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fluffy: This vegan brioche achieves a light and airy texture that rivals traditional recipes.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for breakfast, snacking or even as a base for desserts like bread pudding.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and clear instructions, even novice bakers can succeed.
• Aquafaba Magic: Using aquafaba instead of eggs makes this recipe suitable for vegans without compromising on taste.
• Customizable Ingredients: Choose between vegan butter or olive oil based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your vegan brioche successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier, allowing for hands-free mixing of dough.
• Loaf tin: Provides the proper shape for the brioche to rise evenly.
• Dough hook: Ensures thorough mixing and kneading without tiring your arms.

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 Your 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 and mix to combine.

Step 2: Add 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. If preferred, you can knead by hand on an unfloured surface.

Step 3: Incorporate Fat

Add softened vegan butter or olive oil into your dough mixture. Mix until fully combined; expect it to be soft and sticky. Mixing by hand might work better here if you’re using olive oil.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Once mixed well, continue kneading until it pulls away from the sides cleanly but remains soft. Cover it in a bowl and place it in the fridge overnight for rising.

Step 5: Shape Your Loaf

The next day, check that your dough has doubled in size. Line your loaf tin with baking parchment. Punch down your dough before shaping it.

Step 6: Divide & Arrange

You can either shape it into one loaf or divide it into smaller pieces for pull-apart buns. If dividing, shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling edges toward the center.

Step 7: Final Rise

Arrange balls in two rows within your loaf tin. Cover loosely and let rise until doubled—this may take up to two and a half hours depending on warmth.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze & Bake

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F while preparing your glaze by whisking together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and oil. Brush over your loaf gently before baking.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Bake for about twenty minutes initially then brush with more glaze before reducing heat to finish baking until golden brown with an internal temperature reaching at least 94°C/201°F.

Step 10: Cool & Serve

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 for freshness!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is not just a delightful bread; it’s versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a savory side, there are plenty of delicious options to pair with this fluffy loaf.

Sweet Breakfast Ideas

• Vegan French Toast – Dip slices of vegan brioche in a mixture of non-dairy milk and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden brown.
• Toast with Jam – Spread your favorite fruit jam or vegan butter on warm brioche for a simple yet satisfying treat.

Savory Pairings

• Avocado Toast – Top toasted slices with smashed avocado, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt for a nutritious meal.
• Grilled Cheese – Use vegan cheese to create a melty grilled cheese sandwich that pairs perfectly with soup.

Dessert Options

• Bread Pudding – Transform leftover brioche into a rich bread pudding with plant-based custard and raisins.
• Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches – Fill slices with vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Making the perfect vegan brioche requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your baking skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; expired yeast can lead to dense bread.
• Measure Accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour.
• Knead Well – Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for the perfect texture.
• Allow for Proper Rising – Don’t rush the rising process; let the dough double in size to achieve that airy texture.
• Monitor Baking Temperature – Keep an eye on your oven temperature; too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavor. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the richness of brioche beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted seasonal veggies drizzled with balsamic glaze for added flavor.
3. Potato Salad – A creamy vegan potato salad adds a hearty element that balances the lightness of brioche.
4. Green Salad – A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the soft bread.
5. Soup – Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato or pumpkin soup for a comforting meal.
6. Chickpea Salad – A protein-packed chickpea salad offers great texture and nutrition alongside your brioche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan brioche can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly. Always ensure your non-dairy milk and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
• Skipping the overnight rise: This step is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Don’t rush the process; allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight for optimal results.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can lead to failure. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient quantities, especially with flour.
• Overproofing the dough: Allowing the dough to rise too long can cause it to collapse. Keep an eye on its size and perform the poke test to check readiness.
• Neglecting oven temperature settings: An improperly preheated oven can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store vegan brioche in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, keeping it fresh and soft.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you have delicious bread ready whenever you need it.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat slices for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as this may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Lightly toast slices in a pan with a little vegan butter for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Vegan Brioche different from regular brioche?

Vegan brioche substitutes aquafaba for eggs, creating a fluffy texture without animal products. This version is equally rich and delightful!

Can I use different flours in Vegan Brioche?

Yes, while white bread flour offers the best results, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends, though it may change texture.

How do I know when my Vegan Brioche is done baking?

Your brioche is ready when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of 94°C (201°F) is ideal.

Can I add flavors or fillings to my Vegan Brioche?

Absolutely! You can incorporate chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts into the dough for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This vegan brioche recipe offers a wonderful twist on a classic favorite. Its fluffy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or citrus zest for added flair. Enjoy this comforting treat any time of day!