Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is a delightful twist on the classic French bread. Made with aquafaba instead of eggs, this version offers an irresistibly soft and fluffy texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, this vegan brioche will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Its rich flavor and versatility make it suitable for various occasions, whether served warm with vegan butter or transformed into scrumptious French toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of aquafaba and vegan butter creates a deliciously rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Fluffy Texture: This brioche is wonderfully soft and fluffy, making it perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying on its own.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it fresh, use it for French toast, or pair it with your favorite spreads.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking this vegan brioche is accessible for all skill levels.
• Plant-Based Goodness: You can indulge without compromising your dietary choices.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with a dough hook
• Mixing bowls
• Loaf tin (2 – 2 1/2 lb)
• Baking parchment
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with a dough hook: This tool simplifies the kneading process, ensuring your dough becomes perfectly smooth and elastic with minimal effort.
• Loaf tin: A properly sized loaf tin ensures even baking and helps shape the brioche beautifully.
• Baking parchment: Using parchment prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the brioche from the tin after baking.

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Ingredients

For the Brioche 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 fitted with a dough hook, combine the white bread flour and plain flour.
2. Add the yeast to one side of the bowl while placing salt and sugar on the opposite side. Mix gently to combine.
3. Pour in aquafaba, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract; stir until a rough dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Set your mixer to medium speed and knead until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on an unfloured surface.
2. Gradually add softened vegan butter or olive oil, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft and sticky—mixing by hand can be easier here.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Continue kneading until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl but remains soft. Place it in a covered bowl in the fridge overnight.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. The next day, line your loaf tin with baking parchment. Punch down your risen dough.
2. Divide into either six or eight equal pieces for shaping.
3. Form each piece into a smooth ball by tucking edges inward and rolling gently on a surface.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Arrange these balls in two rows within your prepared loaf tin; they can be snug together.
2. Cover loosely and allow them to rise until doubled in size—this can take between one to two hours depending on warmth.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 while preparing the glaze—whisk together non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and oil.
2. Brush some glaze over the risen loaf carefully; avoid drips down the sides.
3. Bake for 20 minutes; then brush again with glaze before reducing heat to 160°C/320°F/gas mark 3 for another 25-30 minutes until done.

Step 7: Cool

1. Let your baked brioche cool in its tin for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Brioche as part of breakfast or as a delightful snack!

How to Serve Vegan Brioche

Vegan brioche is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, there are countless serving options to make the most of this soft and fluffy bread.

For Breakfast

• Toast with Jam: Spread your favorite fruit jam on warm slices for a sweet start to your day.
• Avocado Toast: Top with smashed avocado, salt, and pepper for a creamy and nutritious option.

As a Snack

• Nut Butter Delight: Slather on almond or peanut butter and add banana slices for a filling treat.
• Brioche Sandwiches: Use vegan fillings like hummus and veggies or vegan cheese for a quick sandwich.

For Dessert

• French Toast Style: Dip brioche slices in a mixture of non-dairy milk and cinnamon, then pan-fry until golden brown.
• Bread Pudding: Cubed brioche makes an excellent base for a rich, vegan bread pudding topped with a sweet sauce.

How to Perfect Vegan Brioche

Creating the perfect vegan brioche involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking skills.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiry date on your yeast. Fresh yeast ensures better rise and texture.
• Knead Properly: Ensure you knead until the dough is smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for structure.
• Chill Overnight: Allowing the dough to rise in the fridge overnight enhances flavor and texture.
• Monitor Rising Time: Keep an eye on the dough as it rises. The ideal condition is when it doubles in size without over-proofing.
• Bake at the Right Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly; this helps achieve the perfect crust.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting the brioche cool fully before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Brioche

Pairing vegan brioche with complementary side dishes can elevate any meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance.
2. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a tasty contrast.
3. Herbed Vegan Spread: A flavorful spread made from cashews or tofu enhances the enjoyment of brioche.
4. Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside seasoned roasted vegetables for a savory touch that complements the sweetness of brioche.
5. Vegan Cheese Platter: Create an assortment of vegan cheeses paired with nuts and olives for an elegant side.
6. Soup of the Day: Pairing brioche with a warm bowl of soup makes for a comforting meal option.
7. Chickpea Salad: This protein-packed salad provides great texture alongside soft brioche slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Brioche, even small errors can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong flour: Different flours have varying protein contents. Stick to white bread flour and all-purpose flour for the best texture.
• Neglecting the yeast activation: Make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm liquid, it won’t rise well.
• Skipping the overnight rise: Allowing the dough to rest overnight enhances its flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to ensure consistency in your vegan brioche.
• Overproofing the dough: It’s crucial to monitor rising times. If overproofed, the dough can collapse, resulting in dense bread.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

Freezing Vegan Brioche

• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Brioche

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F, wrap brioche in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: In a non-stick pan, heat each slice on medium-low until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Brioche:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for Vegan Brioche?

Whole wheat flour can be used but may alter the texture. You might need to adjust hydration levels since it absorbs more moisture.

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

The internal temperature should reach 94°C/201°F. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean without any wet batter.

What can I substitute for aquafaba in Vegan Brioche?

You could try using another egg replacer like flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers designed for baking.

How should I customize my Vegan Brioche?

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, toss in dried fruits or nuts, or even incorporate chocolate chips for added flavor!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour that contains xanthan gum; however, results may vary based on the brand used.

Final Thoughts

Vegan brioche is not only soft and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your preferences. Whether enjoyed on its own or transformed into delicious French toast, this vegan bread will surely impress!