Vegan Yeast Recipes for Delicious Homemade Breads

If you love the aroma of freshly baked bread or the delicious tang of soft rolls, you’ll know that yeast is the heart of many classic recipes. But did you know that you can enjoy all of these comforting, homey flavors while staying 100% vegan?

Today, I’m excited to share a comprehensive guide to vegan yeast recipes—from pillowy dinner rolls to fluffy sandwich bread, and even sweet cinnamon buns. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this post will give you everything you need to create mouthwatering, cruelty-free baked goods at home.

Baking with yeast can be both magical and rewarding. There’s nothing quite like watching dough transform and rise, knowing you made it from scratch.

With a few simple swaps and some helpful tips, classic recipes can easily become vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the essential techniques and provide a detailed, step-by-step recipe for the ultimate vegan yeast bread—plus tips, nutritional information, and serving ideas.

Let’s bake something amazing together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft and Fluffy: This vegan yeast bread is perfectly tender, with a soft crumb that’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with your favorite vegan butter.
• Simple Ingredients: Only pantry staples required—no obscure vegan substitutes needed!
• Versatile: Shape it into a loaf, make dinner rolls, or even try sweet or savory add-ins for endless variations.
• Beginner-Friendly: Detailed instructions and pro tips ensure great results, even if you’re new to working with yeast.
• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: 100% plant-based for a recipe that everyone can enjoy.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepped ahead and refrigerated for fresh bread on your schedule.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Loaf pan (9×5-inch) or baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Pastry brush (for brushing with non-dairy milk)

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast:

   In your large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.

   Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

   If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old or the water too hot/cold—start again for best results.

2. Add Wet Ingredients:

   Add the olive oil to the bowl and stir gently to combine.

3. Mix in Dry Ingredients:

   Add flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer on low speed.

   Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

   If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a splash of water.

4. Knead the Dough:

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or use your stand mixer with the dough hook for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

5. First Rise:

   Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.

   Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

   Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, preheat your oven to the lowest setting for 2 minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.

6. Shape the Dough:

   Once doubled, punch down the dough to release air. Turn out onto a floured surface and shape into a loaf (for a loaf pan) or divide into 12 pieces for rolls.

   Place shaped dough into a parchment-lined loaf pan or onto a baking sheet.

7. Second Rise:

   Cover the shaped dough and let rise another 30-45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled again.

8. Preheat & Bake:

   Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the top of the dough with non-dairy milk for a shiny, golden crust.

   Bake for 28-32 minutes (loaf) or 18-20 minutes (rolls), until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Cool & Enjoy:

   Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

   Resist slicing hot bread! Cooling helps set the crumb and makes for perfect slices.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Sweet:

  Add 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit and a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a sweet breakfast bread. Or try swirling in a cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up your loaf.

• Add Seeds or Nuts:

  Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of seeds (such as sunflower, sesame, or poppy) or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

• Use Whole Wheat:

  Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Add a bit more water if needed, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

• Try Different Shapes:

  Shape into dinner rolls, burger buns, or even braid for a beautiful centerpiece loaf.

• Overnight Rise:

  For extra flavor, let the shaped dough rise in the fridge overnight. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Gluten-Free Option:

  Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted breads (results may vary).

• Storage:

  Wrap cooled bread tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Explore More Vegan Baking:

  For more vegan bread inspiration, don’t miss my Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves or treat yourself to a sweet classic with my Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one slice (out of 12) of this vegan yeast bread:

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on flour, oil, and add-ins used.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Toast: Enjoy a slice warm with vegan butter, fruit preserves, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Sandwiches: This bread makes an excellent base for hearty vegan sandwiches. Try it with roasted veggies, hummus, or your favorite vegan deli slices.
• Breakfast Treat: Top with almond butter and banana slices, or use for French toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Soup Side: Serve alongside a comforting bowl of homemade soup. For inspiration, check out my High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals.
• Special Occasions: Shape into festive rolls or braids for holidays, or use as a base for vegan bread pudding or stuffing.
• Global Flavors: Pair with dishes from around the world, like my Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or add to an Indian-inspired meal with my Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.

Conclusion

Baking vegan with yeast is not only possible—it’s incredibly rewarding and delicious. With just a handful of plant-based ingredients, you can create breads, rolls, and buns that rival any traditional recipe.

The key is to trust the process: let your dough rise, give it time to develop flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins or shapes.

Whether you’re serving your bread at a family gathering, packing sandwiches for lunch, or simply enjoying a warm slice with your morning coffee, you’ll love the homemade taste and fluffy texture that comes from baking with yeast.

I hope this guide inspires you to try more vegan yeast recipes at home. Happy baking—and remember, every loaf is a little celebration!

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