Rise and Shine: The Fluffiest Vegan Brioche Buns You'll Ever Bake
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Today, we're diving into the world of vegan baking with a recipe that's as delightful as it is delicious: fluffy vegan brioche buns.
Brioche, with its rich, buttery reputation, might seem like a challenge to veganize. But fear not! We're about to unlock the secret to creating brioche buns that are every bit as indulgent, light, and utterly irresistible – all without a single egg or pat of butter. Prepare for a baking experience that's both fun and incredibly rewarding.
The Magic of Vegan Brioche
Forget the heavy, dense breads of the past. We're aiming for a texture that’s light as a cloud, with a slight crust and a hint of sweetness. These buns are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them with your morning coffee and a smear of homemade jam, use them to create gourmet veggie burgers, or just eat them straight out of the oven (we won't judge!).
Here's the secret to our vegan magic:
- Subtle Sweetness: Just the right amount of brown sugar to bring out that classic brioche flavor.
- Perfect Crust: A touch of olive oil and almond milk creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Cloud-like Texture: A little extra time and care in the baking process make all the difference.
Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Brioche Buns (Makes 8)
Ingredients
- 270g of strong bread flour
- 200g of all-purpose flour
- 7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 300ml of almond milk, plus 1 tbsp for glazing
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for glazing and greasing the pan
- Handful of sesame seeds
Method
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, yeast, salt, and brown sugar.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the almond milk and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. To knead, stretch the dough with one hand while holding the other end, then reform, rotate and repeat. The dough should become shiny and smooth.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, coat the dough with a thin layer of olive oil, cover with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Gently deflate the dough, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second Rise: Place the buns on an olive oil-greased baking tray, leaving about 3 cm between each, then cover with cling film and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 210°C / 410°F.
- Glaze and Bake: Mix the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp almond milk and brush over each bun. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Enjoy warm with your favorite jam or vegan spread.
- Lunch: Use as burger buns for a delicious and healthy veggie burger.
- Snack: Enjoy these buns fresh from the oven – they're irresistible!
Tips for Perfect Brioche
- Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh. If you're using active dried yeast, activate it first according to the packet instructions, using some of the milk and sugar from the recipe. Use the fast-action dried yeast for best results.
- Flour: Strong bread flour is key to the structure of the buns. If you have to use all-purpose flour, be aware the results will be more cakey than bready.
- Warmth: Ensure your rising environment is warm but not too hot. An oven that has been turned off and left with the door shut after preheating is ideal.
- Don't Overwork: Be gentle when shaping the buns to keep them light and airy.
Share the Love
If you try this recipe, don't forget to tag me on social media – I love seeing your creations! Let’s spread the joy of healthy, delicious baking together. Happy baking!