A delicious vegan brioche made with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter. This dairy-free, eggless version of the classic French bread bakes up stunningly golden brown and fluffy with a soft, light and tender crumb. I've included a video that goes through the entire process step by step so you can easily make this gorgeous brioche.
There is something rather addictive about a brioche: a goodness so subtle, it makes me wonder if the femme or homme who uttered the phrase "je ne sais quoi" for the first time ever was tucking into a brioche.
This beautiful bread has a light but close-knit and soft crumb, an elegant, barely-there sweetness, and a flaky, golden crust that melts in your mouth. In France, a brioche (pronounced bri-yosh) is considered a "viennoiserie," a breakfast bread like croissant, falling as it does at the cusp of a bread and a cake.
Traditional brioche recipes uses a ton of butter and eggs to get that incredible texture and rich flavor. But making a perfect brioche without eggs and butter is very possible. I've shared with you two versions of a vegan brioche in past years: a stunning avocado brioche, that uses avocado in lieu of most of the butter, and this recipe that I am resharing today with updated photos and a video that shows the entire process step by step: a vegan olive oil brioche.
This vegan brioche uses aquafaba or chickpea brine instead of eggs (a technique I also use in my vegan chocolate babka). It is a must-try if you love baking bread. The aquafaba gives the bread a wonderful lightness and helps achieve that perfect, soft, feathery texture. Olive oil stands in nicely for the butter, and it makes this indulgent bread a little healthier too!
Table of Contents
Why you will love this vegan brioche
- Perfect texture. Vegan brioche recipes often sacrifice the eggs and just use vegan butter instead of regular butter. But the eggs are a key ingredient in this bread and without them you won't get that light texture so important in a brioche. Aquafaba solves that problem with ease, allowing for that amazing texture without the eggs.
- Rich flavor. The extra virgin olive oil adds the perfect, rich flavor to the brioche, and it keeps the bread healthier than if you were using vegan butter (store-bought versions tend to be ultra-processed).
- Easy recipe. It can be daunting to make a brioche, but rest easy because the step-by-step video demystifies the process so you can see exactly what the dough should look like at every stage of the process.
- Soy-free, nut-free and vegan recipe. It's hard to imagine anyone could keep their hands off this amazing bread, and they won't!
Ingredients
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast. You can use either, with no difference to the results. I more often than not use active dry yeast.
- Non-dairy milk. Use any milk of your choice, including almond milk, soy milk, oat milk and cashew milk.
- Sugar. A brioche needs to be lightly, but not very, sweet. Use any granulated sugar here. I used turbinado sugar.
- Bread flour and all-purpose flour. You need a combination to acquire the right texture. However, if all-purpose flour is all you have, you can substitute that for the bread flour.
- Extra virgin olive oil. You won't really taste the olive oil in the bread, but it will add a wonderful richness and flavor.
For optional "egg" wash
- Maple syrup. A simple "egg" wash of equal parts maple syrup, olive oil and aquafaba help make this loaf even more golden and stunning.
Watch how to make vegan brioche
Helpful tips
- Two rises for amazing flavor: Brioche is a labor of love because making the dough takes a little longer than making an average bread dough does, and you need to go through two rises, like a true French baker would. Remember, if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. Patience is key here.
- Take your time to beat the fat into the dough: One of the things that gives brioche its unique texture is that you beat in the fat after the dough has already been formed and kneaded. Butter incorporates faster into the dough, because it is semi-solid at room temperature, but olive oil will take a bit longer: about 10-15 minutes in all, or 3-5 minutes after each addition of olive oil.
- Shape the brioche: You can shape the brioche in a sectioned loaf, which I usually do, or, if you have a brioche pan, you can use that instead. If you have smaller brioche molds, use them to make 12 cute little brioche rolls with this recipe, but cut baking time down to about 12-15 minutes. You can also make smaller balls and nestle them in the loaf pan, which would make a rater cute loaf, or braid the dough, like a vegan challah. You can also simply bake the brioche into a regular loaf.
Recipe FAQs
You absolutely can. Substitute with an equal quantity of vegan butter: 12 tablespoons or 1 ½ sticks. Make sure the butter is at room temperature when you begin adding it to the dough.
I have a delicious vegan brioche buns recipe on the blog. But if you prefer using this dough instead, yes, go ahead and shape the dough into 10 balls and bake in a 2-quart baking dish and bake in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit/190-degree Celsius oven for 20 to 22 minutes.
You can skip the overnight rise and just proceed to shape into a loaf. However, you will sacrifice the amazing flavor that a slow, overnight rise gives the bread.
Uses for leftover brioche
Leftover brioche is one of the best foods to have on hand. It toasts beautifully and is divine with a pat of vegan butter and jam. But you can also repurpose it in so many creative ways.
- Vegan French Toast. Brioche is the perfect base for a delectable vegan French toast recipe. Or add the leftover brioche to this gorgeous vegan French toast casserole.
- Bread pudding. Add the brioche to a bread pudding, like this vegan apple bread pudding or this vegan pumpkin bread pudding.
- Savory dinner casserole. The slightly sweet brioche works wonders in savory casserole recipes. Try adding it to this vegan muffaletta casserole instead of Italian bread, or this vegan spinach, sausage and cheese casserole.
- Strata. Brioche is especially yummy in strata recipes, like this vegan zucchini breakfast strata.
- Sandwiches. Vegan brioche bread is great for sandwiches. Use it for a simple PBJ or add lots of savory fillings of your choice.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the vegan brioche in a bread box or airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature or in the fridge for up to five days.
- Freeze: Freeze the brioche in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to four months.
- Thaw fully and warm in oven before serving.
More yummy vegan bread recipes
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below. Or tag us on Instagram #HolyCowVegan.
Vegan Olive Oil Brioche Recipe
Equipment
- Loaf pan or brioche pan
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 package) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp nondairy milk
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cup bread flour
- ¾ cup aquafaba
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (use a good quality olive oil for best results)
Optional "egg" wash
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon aquafaba
Instructions
Make the brioche dough
- Place the yeast and ⅓rd cup of warm, nondairy milk in the bowl of a stand mixer and let the yeast bloom, about five minutes.
- Add the all-purpose flour, aquafaba, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well on medium speed until everything is incorporated.
- Add the bread flour and knead for five minutes on medium speed or until the dough comes off the sides of the bowl and clumps around the dough hook.
- Add a third of the olive oil and knead it into the dough. It will look like there is too much oil in the beginning, but don't worry. Be patient and the dough will eventually begin to absorb the oil. It takes between 3-5 minutes on medium speed for the oil to absorb into the dough. Once the oil has absorbed, add another third of the olive oil and knead it into the dough. Repeat with the final third of the olive oil.
- When all of the oil is gone and the dough looks smooth again but sticks slightly to the bottom, you are done kneading. Scrape the dough out of the bowl and onto a lightly floured board. Form into a smooth ball.
- Place the dough into a large, oiled bowl (or back in the bowl of the mixer after oiling) and cover with cling wrap. Place in a warm place to rise for 90 minutes.
- After 90 minutes, the dough should have doubled. Punch it down and once again form the dough into a smooth ball. Place it back in the bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight or for 8-12 hours.
Shape the brioche
- In the morning the dough should have risen again. If it's not doubled at least, let it stand outside in a warm place until it doubles. Otherwise, punch the dough down and shape into four even balls.
- Let the balls stand on the countertop, covered with a kitchen towel, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, oil a standard eight-inch loaf pan. Place the four balls side by side in the pan so they are touching each other.
- For a shiny top, mix the optional "egg" wash or glaze ingredients in a small bowl and apply to the top of the brioche with a brush. Do this once more just before putting the loaf in the oven.
Bake the brioche
- Once the loaf has risen and domed over the pan (about 90 minutes), place in a preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the loaf pan and let it cool on a rack until it can be handled, about 30 minutes. Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool thoroughly on a rack. Serve.
Video
Recipe notes
- To make this brioche with vegan butter instead of olive oil, substitute the olive oil with 12 tablespoons of 1 ½ sticks of vegan butter at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Store the vegan brioche in a bread box or airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature or in the fridge for up to five days.
- Freeze: Freeze the brioche in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to four months.
- Thaw fully and warm in oven before serving.
L
How long does this bread stay in the freezer or fridge using aquafaba?
This is a new ingredient and I’m not sure if its going to hold up.
Jacquelyn
Vaishali, for the third rise prior to baking when the 4 dough balls are placed in the pan, should it be covered? Can I just let it rise out on the countertop? Or back in the refrigerator it goes? Thank you!
Vaishali
I like covering it so the top doesn't dry. I use a shower cap so it gives the loaf enough room to mushroom!
Jacquelyn
A shower cap!? Great idea! Countertop is fine? Thanks, Vaishali! You're a gem.
Vaishali
Let it rise in a warm place. Countertop is fine if you have warm weather. In cooler weather I'd put it in an unheated oven with the pilot light on.
Dipali
Yeast is not vegan !
Vaishali
Yeast is in fact vegan and belongs to the fungus family.
Susan
Hi. If we do go with the vegan butter, should it be at room temp? Do you have an idea how to proceed with it in a stand mixer? One other question--when I save online vegan recipes, I copy and paste the recipe, itself, including the URL and any pertinent tips, into a WORD document. Copy and paste cannot be done on your page, unless one copies the ENTIRE page--and then we have to delete everything that is not the recipe--it is really a lot of work. Is there any way to make your page more user friendly in this regard?
Vaishali
Yes, the butter should be soft and at room temperature, but not melted. The instructions in the recipe are for a stand mixer-- proceed with the butter as instructed, instead of oil. On copying the recipe, I just tried copying this recipe only to a Word document, and I could do it, so I am not sure why that's happening for you. But here's an idea: hit the print recipe button at the top and once you see the recipe, copy and paste from there. Let me know if that helps. Cheers.
katie nagle
Hello, this recipe looks amazing and I cannot wait to try it. I'm sure you're absolutely sick of getting requests for substitutes, but if you want told me I was wondering if whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour could work as well as AP or bread flour in this recipe? I've been trying to use more unrefined ingredients and was wondering if it would make a difference in the crumb, texture, fluffiness? Thank you so much
Vaishali
Hi Katie, wholegrain flour would certainly make the bread more dense and it would not rise as much. You could try doing half wholegrain and half bread flour. Let me know how it turns out if you do!
Natalie
Have you ever tried making this brioche using a sourdough culture in place of the instant yeast?
If so, would you please share that recipe. I try to avoid commercial yeast. Thank you
Anastasia
Hello Vaishali and thank you for the recipe.
In the ingedients you say "1/3 cup + 2 tbsp nondairy milk" but where do you use the 2tbsp???
Vaishali
Add all at the same time!
Anastasia
Thank you! I started with the 1/3 cup and it seamed too little so I ended up using the tbsps too. I am now on my second rise :)))))
Wk
Extra two tsp of milk is needed to brush your bread before baking, if you wish ...
Bee
This looks amazing!!! I'm so going to try this.
Khushboo
Hi, I am a baking enthusiast but very new to bread making. While your recipe looks interesting, would like some clarification on what certain ingredients mean.. as its not common term for India
All purpose flour is same as wheat flour, does it need to be mixed with baking powder or baking soda?
What is Bread flour? Non dairy milk? Does that refer to milk powder?
Please let me know
Vaishali
Hi Khushboo, bread flour is a high gluten flour used for bread making. I thought all purpose flour is available in India now, but in any case it's a refined wheat flour (not whole wheat). If you can't find bread flour, use only all purpose, it should be fine. And non-dairy milk is milk that did not come from cows, so it's plant-based milk like almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk, among others. Cheers.
Jamz
Hi Vaishali,
The brioche looks divine. If using butter, will it be the same qty as the oil?
Thanks
Vaishali
Yes!
Zoe
Do you think I could use vegan butter instead of olive oil (to make it incorporate faster)?
Vaishali
You certainly can.
Michael
Do you beat the aquafaba into stiff peaks before adding it? And if so, when you say "3/4 cup aquafaba," are you measuring the liquid aquafaba or the beaten aquafaba? Thanks!
Vaishali
Liquid aquafaba, please. No need to beat.
Anonymous
Thanks!
Esther
This makes me happy that I don't have to beat it, because I already have to mix the bread by hand. and yes it is quite tough to do it. I reached 10,000 steps on my steps tracker because of mixing and kneading the bread!
MomoG
Do you use the dough hook or the paddle on your mixer? 🙂 i want to try this today!!
Vaishali
I used the dough hook all through, but I'll suggest a modification that might help, based on another recipe I just made. Use the dough hook to knead, and switch to the paddle to incorporate the oil. The oil should incorporate faster.
Monique
Thank you! I will try it right now!
Mali
Hi Vaishali, I tried this brioche, and like you said it was a labor of love. 🙂 I too got the jitters when the olive oil wouldn't incorporate, but it turned out okay in the end. The loaf was fabulous-- we couldn't stop eating it, and it really does taste and feel exactly like a brioche. Thank you -- you're amazing!
Saranya
Hey Vaishali, what is bread flour and what can I substitute it for? Would whole wheat or all purpose flour work? I don't have a stand mixer either, but I'll try your tip above with a food processor. This looks delicious!
Vaishali
Hi Saranya, bread flour has a higher amount of protein which helps the bread rise-- it's usually used in bread-making, therefore the name. You can substitute with all purpose flour.
Gina
Your breads are always stunning, but now this! Can't wait to make this. I plan to use the 'dough' function on my bread machine, and add ingredients in order listed. Thanks for the great recipe.
Vaishali
A bread machine brioche! I love the idea and would love to hear how it turns out.
Christine Chevalier
I'm a bread-making novice. Is it possible to use a food processor instead of a stand mixer? (I don't have a stand mixer!)
Vaishali
Hi Christine, I investigated this a little further online, because I haven't made a brioche in a food processor. Here's what I would do: add the oil, aquafaba, salt, sugar and oil first with the 2 tbsp of milk, processing to mix well, and then add the yeast and the flour. Process until the dough comes together and turns stringy. Then proceed with the rise and baking as directed.
Many who try food processor brioche recipes swear the results are pretty good. Since you're new at breadmaking, I would advise sticking closely to proportions and rise and bake times, because a brioche is not the easiest bread to make. Good luck, and if you do try it, I would love to hear about your results.