Vegan Brioche

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. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, this vegan brioche is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as delightful French toast the next day, its unique texture and taste make it a standout addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft and Fluffy – The use of aquafaba ensures that this vegan brioche is light and airy, making every bite a delight.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, snack, or even dessert; it’s perfect for any time of the day.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Customizable Options – Choose between vegan butter or olive oil to suit your dietary preferences.
• Impressive Presentation – The pull-apart style makes it a beautiful centerpiece for brunch tables or gatherings.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, gather the necessary tools ahead of time. This will help you stay organized and focused.

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 simplifies the kneading process, ensuring a smooth and elastic dough without much effort.
• Loaf tin – A properly sized loaf tin guarantees an even bake and helps maintain the shape of your brioche.
• Baking parchment – Prevents sticking and makes transferring your loaf easy once baked.

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 and mix to combine.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the aquafaba, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until you form a rough dough. Then place the mixer on medium speed to 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 to the dough mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined; it will be quite soft and sticky. If using olive oil, mix by hand in a bowl rather than on a surface.

Step 4: Rise Overnight

Once mixed well, keep kneading until the dough pulls away from sides cleanly but remains soft. Place in a bowl, cover it up, and refrigerate overnight.

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 the dough then decide how you want to shape it—either as one loaf or divided into smaller balls.

Step 6: Final Proofing

Arrange shaped pieces in two rows within your loaf tin, squishing them together if needed. Loosely cover them to rise until doubled again—this may take about 1–2.5 hours depending on warmth.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Glaze

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 while preparing a glaze by whisking together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and sunflower oil in a small bowl.

Step 8: Bake

Once risen, gently brush glaze over loaf without letting it drip down sides. Bake at initial temperature for about 20 minutes; then lower heat to finish baking until done—about another 25–30 minutes total.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let cool in tin for about 15 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack until completely cool before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is not just a delightful bread; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, whether as part of a breakfast spread or as a sweet treat for dessert.

As French Toast

• Soak slices of vegan brioche in a mixture of non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Cook on a skillet until golden brown for a delicious breakfast.

With Jam and Coconut Cream

• Spread your favorite jam over toasted vegan brioche and top it with whipped coconut cream for a simple yet tasty snack.

With Nut Butter

• Slather almond or peanut butter on warm slices for a protein-packed snack that keeps you full longer.

In a Bread Pudding

• Use leftover vegan brioche to create a rich, custard-like bread pudding by combining it with non-dairy milk, sugar, and spices. Bake until set and serve warm.

As Sandwiches

• Make savory sandwiches using your favorite plant-based fillings. The soft texture of vegan brioche complements flavors like hummus, roasted vegetables, or avocado.

Simply Toasted

• Toast slices and enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar for an easy treat that highlights the brioche’s rich flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Making the perfect vegan brioche requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience.

• Use fresh yeast: Ensure that your yeast is active by checking its expiration date. Fresh yeast guarantees better rise and fluffiness.
• Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten which helps in achieving that airy texture.
• Don’t rush the rise: Allow the dough to rise slowly in a cool place overnight. This enhances flavor and texture.
• Monitor oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is accurate for perfect browning without burning.
• Brush with glaze: Apply glaze carefully before baking for a shiny crust that adds flavor and appeal.
• Cool completely before slicing: Letting the loaf cool ensures the bread firms up, making it easier to slice without squishing the soft texture.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Pairing side dishes with vegan brioche can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavor beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of brioche.
2. Avocado Toast – Spread mashed avocado on toasted slices for a satisfying combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
3. Chia Seed Pudding – A light and nutritious pudding that contrasts well with the dense bread while adding sweetness.
4. Vegan Yogurt Parfait – Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy breakfast option alongside your brioche.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Serve warm, seasoned roasted veggies as a savory side that pairs perfectly with sweet brioche.
6. Homemade Soup – A hearty vegetable soup makes for an excellent dipper alongside slices of warm brioche.
7. Herb Salad – A simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness that complements the richness of brioche.
8. Vegan Cheese Platter – Create an assortment of plant-based cheeses alongside fruits and nuts for an elegant pairing with your loaf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Brioche, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using ingredients that are too cold can hinder the dough’s rise. Always bring your non-dairy milk and vegan butter to room temperature for the best results.
• Over-kneading the dough – Kneading for too long can make the brioche tough instead of light and fluffy. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture without overdoing it.
• Skipping the overnight rise – This step is crucial for flavor development. Don’t rush the process; let your dough rise in the fridge overnight for optimal results.
• Not using a thermometer – Relying solely on time can be misleading. Use a probe thermometer to ensure your Vegan Brioche reaches an internal temperature of 94°C/201°F.
• Not checking for doneness – If you skip testing with a skewer or thermometer, you risk underbaking or overbaking. Always check before removing from the oven.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Vegan Brioche in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It will last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Oven – Preheat to 180°C/350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Heat slices in a non-stick pan over low heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Brioche.

Can I use other plant-based milks for Vegan Brioche?

Yes! While soy milk is recommended, almond or oat milk can also work well. Just choose unsweetened varieties.

How can I make my Vegan Brioche sweeter?

To increase sweetness, add more caster sugar to the dough or serve with a sweet spread like jam or maple syrup.

What can I serve with Vegan Brioche?

Vegan Brioche pairs wonderfully with various toppings like avocado, nut butter, or even as a base for French toast.

Can I make Vegan Brioche gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends; however, the texture may differ from traditional brioche.

How long does it take to make Vegan Brioche from start to finish?

The total time is around 17 hours including rising time. However, active preparation only takes about 60 minutes!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Brioche is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as breakfast or use it in various dishes like French toast! Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors and toppings. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!