There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a freshly baked burger bun—the soft, fluffy texture combined with a golden crust creates the perfect vessel for your favorite burger fillings. If you’re following a vegan lifestyle or just looking to try a wholesome, plant-based alternative, this vegan burger bread recipe is exactly what you need.
It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry staples, and yields buns that are tender yet sturdy enough to hold even the juiciest vegan patties.
In this post, I’ll guide you through crafting these delicious vegan burger buns step-by-step. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or just love baking your own bread, these buns will elevate your burger game to new heights.
Plus, they freeze well, making meal prep a breeze. Let’s dive in and bake some fluffy, flavorful vegan burger bread that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan burger bread recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses plant-based ingredients exclusively—no eggs, dairy, or animal products—making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
The buns come out incredibly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust, striking the perfect balance for holding up burger patties and toppings without falling apart.
Additionally, the recipe is straightforward and forgiving, ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The dough rises beautifully thanks to active dry yeast, giving the buns a lovely airy texture.
Plus, you can customize the buns with toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra flair. Once you taste these buns fresh out of the oven, you may never want store-bought burger bread again!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour – for the dough base
- 1 cup (240ml) warm plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) – activates yeast and hydrates dough
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet) – for leavening
- 2 tbsp sugar – feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness
- 1 tsp salt – enhances flavor
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or olive oil) – adds moisture and tenderness
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – improves dough texture and rise
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional) – for topping
- Plant-based milk or water – for brushing buns before baking
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (to mix yeast)
- Dough scraper or spatula
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk (about 110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to distribute evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil and apple cider vinegar to the activated yeast mixture.
- Make the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Using a spatula or your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, mix until it forms a rough dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 6-7 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour sparingly if needed.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal portions (about 90g each). Shape each portion into a tight ball, then flatten slightly to form a bun shape.
- Second rise: Arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving space between each. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns lightly with plant-based milk or water to encourage browning. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or your preferred topping if desired.
- Bake: Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. You can tap the bottom of a bun to check for a hollow sound, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the crumb from becoming gummy.
Tips & Variations
For fluffier buns, try adding 1 tbsp of vital wheat gluten to the flour mixture to improve the dough’s elasticity and rise.
If you want a slightly sweeter bun, increase the sugar to 3 tbsp or add a splash of maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
Try brushing the buns with melted vegan butter immediately after baking for a soft, flavorful crust.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and adjust liquid as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Bun (1 of 8) |
---|---|
Calories | 160 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 3.5 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan burger buns are incredibly versatile. Use them as a base for your favorite vegan burgers made with black bean patties, lentil patties, or store-bought vegan options.
Add fresh lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and vegan cheese for a classic experience. You can also make sliders by shaping smaller buns for a party platter.
For a fun twist, try toasting the buns lightly before assembling to add a bit of crunch and warmth. These buns also work wonderfully for sloppy joes, pulled jackfruit sandwiches, or even as a soft roll for breakfast sandwiches.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan and plant-based recipes to complement your burger bread. Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a hearty topping, or try the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a light side dish.
Conclusion
Baking your own vegan burger buns at home is not only rewarding but also ensures you know exactly what ingredients go into your food. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet buns perfect for any plant-based burger creation.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily whip up a batch that will impress family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in.
Feel free to experiment with toppings and mix-ins to tailor the buns to your taste. Once you try these vegan burger buns, you might find yourself reaching for them time and time again as the foundation of countless delicious meals.
And if you’re curious about other homemade baked goods, you might enjoy our Honey Raisin Challah Recipe or the Lemon Straws Recipe for perfect vegan treats.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Burger Bread
Description: Soft and fluffy vegan burger buns perfect for any plant-based burger. Easy to make and great for meal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 8 buns
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea water)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm plant-based milk, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then pour in the wet ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape into buns.
- Place buns on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Brush tops with a little plant-based milk and sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 30 g
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