Indulge in the soft, pillowy goodness of Vegan Pain au Lait, a plant-based twist on the classic French milk bread. This recipe swaps traditional dairy for almond milk and vegan butter, creating a rich and tender crumb that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of coconut sugar and a hint of vanilla. Enhanced with aquafaba, these golden loaves bake up with a beautifully glossy crust, making them a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Simple yet elegant, these dairy-free buns are perfect for breakfast spreads, afternoon tea, or as a snack on their own. With easy-to-follow steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this guilt-free vegan delight will have your kitchen smelling irresistibly delicious!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, coconut sugar, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk until it is warm to the touch, but not hot (approximately 38°C or 100°F). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Melt the vegan butter in the microwave or a separate little saucepan and let it cool slightly.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the warm almond milk and the melted vegan butter. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a small loaf or ball. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) about 20 minutes before baking.
Lightly brush each loaf with aquafaba to ensure a golden and shiny crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped at the bottom.
Remove from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Vegan Pain au Lait with your favorite spread or as a delightful snack on its own.
Calories |
205 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 377 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 51 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.