If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, fluffy, and buttery brioche bun but want to keep it 100% plant-based, you’re in the right place. Traditional brioche is known for its rich, tender crumb, often made with eggs and butter — two ingredients that vegans avoid.
But don’t worry! This vegan brioche bun recipe delivers all the decadence and pillowy texture you crave without any animal products.
Whether you’re using them for burgers, sandwiches, or simply enjoying them with your favorite jam, these buns will elevate your meals to a whole new level.
Perfectly golden on the outside with a light, airy interior, these buns are surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients. The secret lies in using a combination of plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a touch of aquafaba to mimic the richness of eggs.
Once you follow this recipe, you’ll never want to buy store-bought buns again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan brioche bun recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving bakery-quality bread without the animal products. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Soft and fluffy texture: Thanks to the enriched dough, these buns have that signature brioche tenderness.
- Rich flavor without dairy or eggs: Using vegan butter and aquafaba adds depth and moisture.
- Perfect for any meal: Use these buns for vegan burgers, sandwiches, or as a sweet treat with jam.
- Easy to customize: Add herbs, seeds, or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for beginners: Detailed instructions guide you through the process step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅔ cup (160ml) warm plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) warm water
- ⅓ cup (75g) vegan butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 tbsp aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for a subtle sweetness)
- Vegan butter or plant-based milk for brushing
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Dough hook or wooden spoon (for mixing)
- Stand mixer (optional but helpful)
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm plant-based milk, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the aquafaba, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Form the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer or a wooden spoon, mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (about 100g each). Shape each piece into a smooth round ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and almost doubled.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush and bake: Brush the tops of the buns with vegan butter or plant-based milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, make sure your plant-based milk and water are warm but not hot — around 100-110°F (38-43°C) is ideal to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but note the texture may vary.
- Add seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
- Sweeten it up: Mix cinnamon and sugar into the dough for a sweet brioche bun perfect for breakfast.
- Use a bread machine: For a hands-off approach, you can make this recipe in a bread machine. Follow the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for tips on adapting brioche dough.
- Storage: Keep buns in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Bun (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 4g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Sugar | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan brioche buns are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Use as a base for your favorite vegan burger with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce.
- Slice and toast them lightly, then spread vegan butter and jam for a cozy breakfast.
- Make mini sliders for parties or game day snacks.
- Turn them into sweet sandwiches filled with fruit preserves or vegan cream cheese.
- Pair with hearty soups or stews for a comforting meal.
For more creative vegan bread recipes, check out the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and try your hand at other delicious baked goods.
Conclusion
Making vegan brioche buns at home is a rewarding experience that brings bakery-quality flavor and texture right to your kitchen. This recipe balances the richness and tenderness traditionally found in brioche with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re preparing sandwiches for a family meal or want to impress guests with homemade buns, these soft, golden beauties will not disappoint.
With a bit of patience during the rising stages and simple steps, you can create buns that rival any bakery. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility means you can personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan delights like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or add a savory twist with Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Brioche Bun
Description: A soft and fluffy vegan brioche bun perfect for sandwiches or burgers. Made with plant-based ingredients, it offers a rich, buttery texture without dairy or eggs.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT18M
Total Time: PT1H20M
Servings: 8 buns
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 2 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add yeast mixture, warm almond milk, melted vegan butter, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar to dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and shape into buns.
- Place buns on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush buns with plant-based milk and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool buns on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 35g
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