Challah Recipe No Gluten Vegan: Easy, Soft, and Delicious

Nothing quite compares to the rich, golden strands of challah bread fresh from the oven, especially when it’s both gluten-free and vegan. Traditional challah, often enjoyed during Jewish Sabbath and holidays, is known for its slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture, but it typically relies on wheat and eggs.

For those with dietary restrictions or who choose plant-based living, this can be a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share this gluten-free vegan challah recipe that’s just as delightful, soft, and flavorful as the original.

Perfect for family meals, festive occasions, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe will become your new favorite bread-making project.

Using a blend of gluten-free flours and natural ingredients, this recipe creates a beautifully braided loaf that’s both allergy-friendly and cruelty-free. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or looking to expand your plant-based bread repertoire, this challah is forgiving, delicious, and easy to master.

Ready to bring a warm, homemade loaf to your table? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gluten-free vegan challah combines the best of both worlds: the classic texture and flavor you expect from challah, with ingredients that suit sensitive diets and ethical choices. Here’s why you’ll want to bake this loaf again and again:

• Soft and fluffy texture: Thanks to carefully balanced gluten-free flour and natural binding agents, this challah rises beautifully and stays tender.
• Plant-based and allergy-friendly: Completely free of eggs, dairy, and gluten, so it’s great for vegans and those with common allergies.
• Sweet, golden crust: A touch of maple syrup and a vegan glaze give the bread an irresistible shine and subtle sweetness.
• Simple ingredients: No complicated specialty items—most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find.
• Perfect for braiding: This dough is pliable and easy to work with, so you can create the traditional braid or get creative with your own shapes.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
• ½ cup chickpea flour (for structure and protein)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm almond milk (or other plant milk)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps with rise)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
• Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
• For the glaze: 2 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp water

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon or dough hook attachment for a stand mixer
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Pastry brush (for glazing)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
2. Activate the yeast. Warm the almond milk to about 110°F (warm but not hot). Stir in the maple syrup, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, and salt.
4. Combine wet ingredients. Add the flax egg, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture and stir well.
5. Make the dough. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough will be softer and slightly sticky—this is normal for gluten-free dough.
6. First rise. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has visibly puffed up.
7. Shape the challah. Lightly flour your work surface with gluten-free flour. Turn the dough out and knead gently a few times. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12 inches long. Braid the ropes together, pinching the ends to seal.
8. Second rise. Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat oven and prepare glaze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and water for the glaze.
10. Glaze and bake. Brush the glaze generously over the challah. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil.
11. Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let the challah cool on a wire rack before slicing. This keeps the crumb from becoming gummy.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra fluffy challah, ensure your yeast is fresh and your almond milk is warm but not hot to activate it properly.”

• Make it savory: Add 1 tsp garlic powder or herbs like rosemary to the dough for a savory twist.
• Sweet additions: Fold in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries during shaping for a fruity touch.
• Different toppings: Try everything bagel seasoning or crushed nuts instead of sesame seeds.
• Use other plant milks: Oat milk or soy milk work just as well.
• Freezing: This challah freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This challah shines best when served fresh and slightly warm. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:

• Toast slices and spread with vegan butter and jam for breakfast.
• Use it to make French toast with plant-based milk and cinnamon.
• Pair it with savory dishes like vegan stews or hearty salads.
• Create sandwiches with roasted vegetables and hummus.
• Serve alongside your favorite dips, such as our Halibut Dip Recipe or explore more vegan dips.

Conclusion

Making a gluten-free vegan challah might seem intimidating at first, but with this recipe, you’ll discover how accessible and rewarding it is. The combination of gluten-free flours and simple vegan ingredients yields a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, sharing with loved ones, or simply craving a comforting homemade bread, this challah delivers on all fronts.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or add-ins to make it your own. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes to accompany your bread, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the warming Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe.

Happy baking!

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