Vegan Buttery Brioche

Total time3 hr 35 min

Prep time30 min

Cook time35 min

A flax egg gives this loaf its signature richness and structure, standing in for the classic egg wash you'd expect in a traditional brioche. The dough gets a long, patient knead until it turns smooth and elastic, then rises into a soft, pillowy ball before being divided into three neat pieces and nestled into a loaf pan for that iconic braided-look crown. Once baked, the top turns deep golden brown while the inside stays tender, pillowy, and rich enough to pull apart in soft, buttery-tasting strands. It's the kind of loaf that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery, perfect toasted with jam or eaten warm straight from the pan. This one is a genuinely great fit for a vegan kitchen, delivering all the indulgent texture and flavor brioche is known for without missing a beat.

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Ingredients

10 servings

For the flax egg

2 tbsp ground flaxseed
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flaxseed Meal - 16 Oz Carrington Farms Organic Milled Flax Seed Paks Gluten Free Spectrum Essentials Cold Milled Organic Premium Ground Flaxseed - 24 oz Barlean's Organic Forti-Flax Premium Ground Flaxseed Carrington Farms Flax Seeds Milled Gluten Free Organic (Ground)
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6 tbsp warm water (about 110°f / 43°c)

For the dough

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
¼ cup warm whole milk (about 110°f / 43°c)
Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.
3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp fine salt
10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes, at room temperature
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.

For the wash

2 tbsp whole milk
Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp warm water until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency.
2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, 1 tbsp of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.

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