Inspired by: @clarec36
Are you searching for the secret to truly soft, pillowy, homemade vegan white bread? Look no further! This simple recipe helps you create a wonderfully light and fluffy loaf that's ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with your favorite spread. Forget dry, dense store-bought options – mastering this classic at home is easier than you think and incredibly rewarding.
This recipe is perfect for home bakers, vegans, and anyone looking for a dairy-free and egg-free bread that doesn't compromise on texture or taste. It's designed to solve the common challenge of achieving a perfectly hydrated and soft crumb in homemade vegan bread. By using the right flour and technique, you'll be baking delicious, wholesome loaves that rival any bakery.
We've drawn inspiration from clarec36's successful experience using King Arthur bread flour to achieve a beautifully soft and well-hydrated loaf. The higher gluten content in bread flour is key to getting that desirable chew and structure, making it not just great for bread, but also potentially fantastic for homemade vegan pasta!
Why Make Your Own Vegan White Bread?
- Unmatched Freshness: Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste of freshly baked bread right from your oven.
- Know Your Ingredients: Control what goes into your loaf, avoiding unwanted additives or preservatives.
- Cost-Effective: Baking at home can be more budget-friendly than buying specialty vegan bread.
- Dietary Assurance: Confidently enjoy a bread that's naturally vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with herbs, seeds, or a touch of sweetness to suit your preference.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) bread flour (such as King Arthur Bread Flour, known for excellent results)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Loaf pan (9x5 inch or similar)
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Pour in the olive oil.
- Mix the Dough: Stir with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly grease the large mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled and crowns above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C). If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Enjoy your perfectly soft and fluffy vegan white bread!
Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Loaf
- Yeast Temperature: Ensure your water is warm (like a comfortable bath) but not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading is Key: Don't skip the kneading! It develops the gluten, which is crucial for the bread's soft texture and rise.
- Warm Place for Rising: A slightly warm, draft-free spot is ideal for dough rising. You can use a warm oven (turned off, with the light on) or a sunny windowsill.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze sliced bread for longer storage.
Variations & Adaptations
- Herbed Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
- Garlic Bread: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the dry ingredients.
- Sweet Loaf: Increase the sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a subtly sweet bread, perfect for breakfast.
- Bread Flour for Pasta: As clarec36 noted, the high gluten content of bread flour also makes it an excellent choice for crafting homemade vegan pasta! Its strength helps create a resilient and pliable dough.
Related Articles
- Quick & Easy Vegan French Toast - Transform your homemade bread into a delightful breakfast!
- Easy Homemade Vegan Cheesy Marmite Scrolls - Explore more simple vegan baking ideas.
- How to make your own vegan pasta at home - Learn to make pasta, using the same type of high-gluten flour.
- The no-knead vegan hot cross buns recipe you've been waiting for - Discover other easy-to-make vegan bread recipes.
Ready to bake your own amazing vegan bread? Give this recipe a try! We'd love to see your creations. Share your fluffy vegan bread masterpieces with the abillion community and let us know how it turned out!
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