Understanding Brioche

Brioche is a classic French bread known for its rich, buttery flavor and soft, airy texture. Traditionally made with eggs, butter, and dairy, brioche is a treat that feels luxurious with every bite. However, the rise in demand for vegan and gluten-free options has prompted a culinary challenge: how to recreate this oat milk brioche without compromising its iconic qualities.

The Challenge of Vegan and Gluten-Free Brioche

Bakers and food enthusiasts alike know that adapting traditional recipes to be vegan and gluten-free can be tricky. Alternative flours like almond, coconut, or chickpea flour often result in a denser texture. Removing eggs, a key emulsifier in baking, adds another layer of complexity. This recipe harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients to achieve a loaf that’s every bit as delightful as the original.

Solution in Plant-Based Ingredients

We turn to oat milk and oat flour as our heroes in this vegan and gluten-free brioche recipe. With the growing popularity of oat-based products, these ingredients have become kitchen staples for those seeking delicious, health-conscious alternatives. Other easy substitutions include olive oil for butter and aquafaba for eggs.

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Why Oat Milk is Perfect for Vegan Brioche

Creamy Texture

Oat milk’s naturally thick texture makes it a fantastic substitute for traditional dairy milk. Its richness mimics the creamy consistency needed to create a moist and tender brioche.

Subtle Sweetness

With its naturally sweet undertones, oat milk enhances the brioche without overpowering the bread's delicate flavor profile.

Moisture Retention

Oat milk’s starch content helps retain moisture in the dough, ensuring that your brioche emerges from the oven soft and fluffy.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Plant-Based Baking

Oat Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour

Functionality

Oat flour differs from all-purpose flour in terms of texture and nutritional benefits, such as being gluten-free and higher in fiber.

Nutritional Benefits

There are around 420 calories in 1 cup of oat flour. The higher fiber content makes it a healthier alternative. Oat flour benefits include that it is gluten-free and still makes a softer, tender crumb in the brioche.

Substitution Tips

The amount of calories, protein, and carbohydrates is relatively similar to all-purpose flour. You can substitute it pretty evenly, so 1 cup of all-purpose flour equals 1.4 cups of oat flour. The main difference is how much liquid you will need since oat flour's higher fiber content makes it absorb more liquid.

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Oat Milk for Dairy Milk

Functionality

Oat milk has a strikingly similar texture and density to regular milk, making it an essential liquid for the dough. However, since we are using oat flour, the oat milk to regular milk ratio will be slightly different than its normal 1:1.

Nutritional Benefits

The added nutritional benefits of oat milk, including its fiber and essential vitamins, can enhance the overall nutritional profile of the brioche.

Olive Oil for Butter

Richness Without Dairy

Olive oil has less saturated fat than butter, making it a healthier substitution in baked goods. Best used in a 3:4 ratio with butter. Bread baked with olive oil achieves a tighter, more even crumb structure similar to the inside of a cake.

Flavor Tip

Light olive oil has a mild taste that won't take away from the sweetness of brioche, letting other flavors stand out.

Aquafaba for Eggs

Binding and Structure

Aquafaba acts as an effective egg substitute, providing the binding needed for the dough to rise and hold its shape.

Leavening and Moisture

The aquafaba will help with leavening and moisture retention, ensuring the brioche is light and fluffy.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Vegan and Gluten-Free Brioche with Oat Milk

Ingredients List

• ½ cup oat milk
• ½ cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3 ½ cups oat flour or a gluten-free blend
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, combine oat milk, olive oil, sugar, and aquafaba. Mix until well combined. Add instant yeast, stirring gently to dissolve. Gradually add oat flour and salt, mixing until a smooth, elastic dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape.

Kneading Tips

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Oat flour requires a gentle but firm touch to develop the dough's structure.

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Dough

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air. Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for buns or rolls. For a creative twist, braid the dough or shape it into a ring before the second rise.

Second Rise and Baking

Let the shaped dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or other toppings as desired.

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake the brioche for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Gluten-Free Vegan Brioche Option

How to Bake with Oat Flour

For a completely gluten-free option, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend or pure oat flour. These alternatives will yield a slightly different texture but will still deliver a delicious, soft crumb for your vegan brioche recipe.

AvenaBase™ for Gluten-Free Oat Milk

Sweet Additions’ certified gluten-free oat base, AvenaBase™, is an excellent substitute for regular oat milk, ensuring your recipe remains gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.

Tips for Gluten-Free Baking

• Adjust the liquid content as gluten-free doughs tend to absorb more moisture.
• Consider longer rise times to allow the dough to develop fully.

Creative Uses for Vegan and Gluten-Free Brioche

Breakfast Options

• French Toast: Dip brioche slices in oat milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Then fry until golden for a delectable vegan French toast. Top with maple syrup, of course!
• Toasted Brioche: Toast slices and top with your favorite spreads for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Lunch Ideas

• Vegan Sandwiches: Use brioche buns for hearty veggie sandwiches, pairing the soft bread with crunchy fillings.
• Brioche Burgers: Brioche buns make the perfect base for savory vegan burgers, complementing the flavors with their subtle sweetness.

Dessert Inspirations

• Cinnamon Rolls: Roll out the dough, spread with cinnamon and sugar, and bake into mouthwatering vegan cinnamon rolls.
• Bread Pudding: Transform leftover brioche into a rich bread pudding with oat milk, spices, and dried fruits.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice brioche buns and fill them with non-dairy ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan and Gluten-Free Brioche

Kneading and Proofing

• How to Knead: Ensure the dough is smooth and slightly tacky, indicating it's been kneaded enough.
• Proofing Tips: Create a warm environment for the dough to rise, and don’t rush the process for the best texture.

Flavor Enhancements

• Adding Spices or Zest: Experiment with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or citrus zest for added depth.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with sea salt, seeds, or a sugar glaze before baking for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage Tips: Wrap the brioche tightly and store it at room temperature to maintain its freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in a low oven to restore their soft texture.

Why AvenaBase™ is Perfect for Vegan Baking

Introducing AvenaBase™

Sweet Additions’ AvenaBase™ is a high-quality oat milk base, perfect for enhancing vegan and gluten-free baking.

AvenaBase™ Benefits

• Versatile Use: AvenaBase™ can be used in both liquid and spray-dried forms to maintain moisture and texture in baked goods.
• Nutritional Value: With high fiber content and natural sweetness, AvenaBase™ improves the health profile of your recipes.
• Consistency in Formulations: AvenaBase™ ensures reliable results in baking, making it ideal for consistent product development.

Applications for CPG Brands

• Liquid AvenaBase™: Use in recipes where a creamy texture is desired, such as cakes and enriched doughs.
• Spray-Dried AvenaBase™: Ideal for dry mixes or products requiring a longer shelf life, providing flexibility in formulations.
• Sustainability and Clean Label: AvenaBase™ is a sustainable, clean-label option that aligns with consumer demand for healthier, plant-based ingredients.

Innovating Forward with Oat Milk

At Sweet Additions, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We're constantly pushing the boundaries to discover new and unique applications for our ingredients, creating custom solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Whether it's perfecting vegan and gluten-free brioche with our AvenaBase™ or developing new formulations for your next big product, we're committed to innovating forward. Reach out to learn more about incorporating this innovative ingredient into your recipes.

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