Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful twist on the classic French bread. This version captures the same soft and fluffy texture, thanks to aquafaba replacing eggs. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time, this vegan brioche will impress both guests and family alike with its rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: This vegan brioche boasts a wonderfully soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it sliced for breakfast, as a sandwich base, or even transformed into French toast.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking vegan brioche is accessible to everyone.
• Dairy-Free Options: Easily adapted with either vegan butter or olive oil, catering to various dietary preferences.
• Flavorful: Infused with vanilla extract, this brioche is rich in flavor, making it a standout addition to any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your vegan brioche, gather the necessary tools and equipment to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes kneading easier and ensures consistent dough texture.
• Loaf tin: Provides the perfect shape for your brioche, ensuring an even bake.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth mixtures for glaze preparation.

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Ingredients

For this delicious Vegan Brioche recipe, you will need:

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

For the Enrichment

• 200 g (7 oz / ½ + ⅓ cup) vegan block butter (NOT spreadable) 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 the bread. Place the bread flour and plain flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
2. Add the yeast to one side of the bowl and the salt and sugar to the other and mix to combine.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Add the aquafaba, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract; stir to form a rough dough.
2. Set your mixer on medium speed and knead until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on an unfloured surface.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter or Oil

1. Add softened vegan butter or olive oil into your dough mixture. Mix until fully combined; expect it to be soft and sticky.
2. If mixing by hand, do so in a bowl for easier incorporation.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Keep kneading until the dough pulls cleanly from sides of the bowl but remains soft.
2. Transfer to a bowl, cover it, and place in the fridge overnight.

Step 5: Shape Your Dough

1. The next day, line a loaf tin with baking parchment.
2. Punch down your risen dough; divide into either 6 or 8 pieces depending on your preferred shape.

Step 6: Form Brioche Balls

1. Shape each piece into smooth balls by pulling edges towards center then rolling gently on a surface.
2. Arrange in two rows in your lined loaf tin.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Loosely cover your loaf tin; let it rise until doubled in size—about 1 – 2.5 hours depending on warmth.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

1. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.
2. Prepare glaze by whisking together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and oil in a small bowl.

Step 9: Bake Your Brioche

1. Gently brush some glaze over your loaf before placing it in the oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes then brush again with more glaze; reduce heat to 160°C/320°F/gas mark 3 for an additional 25-30 minutes until done.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

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

Enjoy your homemade Vegan Brioche fresh or toasted!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as part of breakfast or a sweet snack, this versatile bread pairs well with many accompaniments.

With Vegan Spreads

• Nut Butters: Spread almond or peanut butter for a rich and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: A smooth and tangy option that complements the sweetness of the brioche.
• Fruit Jam: Choose your favorite fruit jam for a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft texture.

As French Toast

• Classic French Toast: Dip slices in a mixture of non-dairy milk and cinnamon, then pan-fry for a delicious breakfast.
• Stuffed French Toast: Fill with vegan cream cheese or fruit for an indulgent twist.

For Dessert

• Brioche Bread Pudding: Cube leftover brioche and bake it in a custard made from non-dairy milk for a comforting dessert.
• With Ice Cream: Top warm slices with vegan ice cream for a delightful treat.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Getting your vegan brioche just right takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date; fresh yeast helps the dough rise effectively.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic; this develops gluten, giving the brioche its structure.
• Cold Rise Overnight: Letting the dough rise in the fridge allows for better flavor development and texture.
• Check Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but should pull away from the bowl easily when kneaded enough.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Pairing your vegan brioche with complementary side dishes enhances its enjoyment. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Avocado Toast: Spread ripe avocado on toasted slices for a creamy, savory contrast.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding pairs well as a light side or breakfast option.
4. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer coconut yogurt with granola and berries for a satisfying dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies provide a savory counterpart to sweet brioche.
6. Vegan Sausages: These add protein and heartiness, making it perfect for brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Brioche can be simple and rewarding, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold mistake: Not measuring ingredients accurately. Ensure you weigh your flour and liquids correctly for the best results.
• Bold mistake: Skipping the overnight rise. Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps develop flavors and texture, so don’t rush this step.
• Bold mistake: Using cold ingredients. Always let your non-dairy milk and butter come to room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smooth dough.
• Bold mistake: Over-proofing the dough. Keep an eye on the dough’s rise; it should double in size but not collapse. If it does, reshape and allow it to rise again.
• Bold mistake: Not checking the internal temperature. Use a probe thermometer to ensure your brioche reaches 94°C/201°F for perfect doneness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Vegan Brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To keep it fresh longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Slice brioche before freezing for easy access later.
• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Bold oven method: Preheat to 180°C/350°F, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Bold microwave method: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Bold stovetop method: Lightly toast slices in a skillet over low heat for quick heating without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Brioche.

What is Vegan Brioche?

Vegan Brioche is a plant-based version of traditional French brioche bread made without eggs or dairy, often utilizing aquafaba and vegan butter.

Can I use different flours?

Yes! While white bread flour is recommended for texture, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends as alternatives.

How do I customize my Vegan Brioche?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in dried fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture!

What can I serve with Vegan Brioche?

This versatile bread pairs wonderfully with spreads like vegan butter or jam and is excellent for making French toast or sandwiches.

How long does it take to make Vegan Brioche?

The total time is about 1005 minutes, primarily due to the overnight rise. However, active preparation takes around 60 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Brioche is not only delicious but also a versatile option for any meal of the day. Its rich flavor and soft texture make it perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions—experimenting is part of the fun!