Vegan Brioche Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

There’s something undeniably delightful about brioche bread—soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet with a rich crumb that melts in your mouth. Traditionally, brioche is made with eggs and butter, but what if we told you that you can achieve that same luxurious texture without any animal products?

Yes, a vegan brioche recipe is not only possible, but it’s absolutely delicious and perfect for anyone following a plant-based lifestyle or just looking to try something new. This recipe will show you how to make a tender, golden, and fragrant brioche that’s perfect for breakfast toasts, sandwiches, or even decadent French toast.

Baking vegan brioche may seem intimidating at first, but with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create bakery-worthy bread right at home. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure success.

Plus, you’ll discover tips to customize your brioche and make it uniquely yours. Ready to bake your way to vegan brioche bliss?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan brioche recipe combines the best of both worlds: the classic, buttery taste and the wholesomeness of plant-based ingredients. It uses nutritional yeast and plant-based milk to mimic the richness traditionally given by eggs and butter, resulting in a soft, tender crumb with a golden crust.

You’ll love how versatile this bread is. Use it for sandwiches, toast it up for breakfast, or even make sweet treats like vegan bread pudding or French toast.

It’s also perfect for those with egg or dairy allergies, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Another great aspect is the use of simple pantry staples—no need for fancy vegan butter substitutes or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and a fantastic way to impress friends and family with your baking skills.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a subtle savory depth)
• Vegan butter or oil, for brushing

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but recommended)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough
• Brioche loaf pan or 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Pastry brush for brushing vegan butter
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl or the stand mixer bowl, combine the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the wet ingredients and mix gently.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, salt, and nutritional yeast to the wet mixture. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes—by hand on a floured surface or with the stand mixer—until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. The dough should spring back lightly when pressed.
5. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the brioche: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased brioche or loaf pan, smoothing the top.
7. Second rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake: Brush the top of the dough with melted vegan butter or oil to encourage browning. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Remove the brioche from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra fluffy brioche, try folding the dough gently during the first rise to help develop the gluten.

If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, substitute some of the oil with melted vegan butter. Adding a tablespoon of almond or soy yogurt can also enhance moisture and tenderness.

You can incorporate cinnamon, raisins, or chopped nuts into the dough for a sweet twist. For savory versions, add herbs like rosemary or thyme and reduce the sugar slightly.

Don’t have a stand mixer? No worries!

This dough can be kneaded by hand, though it will take a bit more elbow grease. Just be patient until the dough is smooth and elastic.

For a shiny, golden crust without eggs, brush the top with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan brioche is perfect toasted with a smear of your favorite jam or vegan butter. It also makes a fantastic base for a sweet breakfast sandwich with fresh fruit and plant-based cream cheese.

Try using this brioche for vegan French toast by soaking slices in a cinnamon-spiced plant milk batter, then frying until golden. It’s a wonderful treat for weekend brunch or special occasions.

For savory options, slice it and use it to build sandwiches with grilled vegetables, hummus, or vegan deli slices. The slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with smoky or spicy fillings.

Pair your brioche with other vegan recipes like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or complement it with a fresh salad from the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals collection for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Baking your own vegan brioche is a rewarding and delicious experience that brings a classic French bread into the plant-based world. With simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a loaf that offers the same tender crumb and slightly sweet taste as traditional brioche.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking or wants to explore vegan cooking without compromising on flavor or texture.

Remember, baking is as much about patience and practice as it is about ingredients. Don’t be discouraged if your first loaf isn’t perfect—each attempt helps you understand your dough better.

For more vegan baking inspiration, check out the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Enjoy your homemade vegan brioche fresh, share it with loved ones, and savor the joy that comes from baking with kindness and creativity!

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