If you’ve ever craved that rich, buttery fluffiness of classic brioche but need to skip the eggs, you’re in for a real treat with this Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe. It masterfully captures all the silky softness and tender crumb you adore, while being completely egg-free, making it perfect for vegetarians or anyone with egg sensitivities. Whether you want a dreamy sandwich base, a decadent French toast, or simply a comforting slice with butter and jam, this eggless brioche bread feels like a warm hug from your oven straight to your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple thanks to a handful of familiar, comforting ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that luxurious texture and buttery flavor without the need for eggs.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and chewiness essential for a classic brioche crumb.
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic agent that helps your dough rise fluffy and tender.
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture with a subtle sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the buttery richness with just a touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft: This is what makes the bread buttery soft and decadently rich.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or additional milk for a lighter loaf): Adds creaminess and gives the bread that tender bite.
How to Make Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy on top. This foaming is your yeast waking up and ready to create that airy, soft texture you love in brioche.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
To the foamy yeast mixture, add the heavy cream, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until everything just begins to come together. This is where the dough starts taking shape, but you’re not done yet.
Step 3: Build the Dough
Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing and then kneading the dough. Knead it for about 10–12 minutes, slowly incorporating the softened butter a little at a time. This slower addition lets the butter integrate perfectly, resulting in that signature luscious brioche softness. The dough will be slightly sticky but beautifully elastic when ready.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1½ to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This first rise is crucial for developing the light, airy crumb.
Step 5: Shaping the Loaf
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the gas bubbles. Shape it into a loaf, or if you prefer, divide into rolls. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or baking tray for rolls, preparing it for its second rise.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Cover your shaped dough and let it rise again for 45–60 minutes until it becomes puffy and ready to bake. Before placing it in the oven, brush the top lightly with milk or cream for a golden, tender crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until the loaf achieves that perfect golden brown shade.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling lets the crumb set perfectly, ensuring your slices hold their shape and melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your slices with a brush of melted butter right after baking for an extra soft crust and irresistible shine. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness if you’re enjoying it for breakfast or dessert.
Side Dishes
This eggless brioche pairs beautifully with fresh fruit preserves, honey, or creamy nut butters. For a savory option, try it alongside rich cheeses or dipped in a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Use this brioche as a base for decadent French toast topped with berries and maple syrup, or slice it thinly for finger sandwiches during afternoon tea. Toasted with a smear of garlic butter, it transforms into a perfect accompaniment to pasta or salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your eggless brioche bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It should stay soft and delicious for 2-3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container. This way, you can toast individual slices straight from frozen, enjoying fresh-tasting brioche anytime.
Reheating
To revive the softness, warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or in a toaster. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread chewy or tough.
FAQs
Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?
Absolutely! You can use additional milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter texture. Some also try plant-based creams or yogurt, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the richness and crumb.
Why is my brioche bread dense instead of soft?
Dense bread often results from under-kneading or insufficient rising time. Be sure to knead until the dough is elastic and sticky, and give the dough enough time to double in size during both rises.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in your bread. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe is egg-free but not fully vegan because it uses dairy like milk, butter, and cream. You can experiment with plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes for a vegan version, but expect some differences in texture and taste.
How important is the dough temperature for yeast activation?
Yeast is sensitive to temperature; if the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if too cold, the yeast won’t activate well. Aim for about 110°F (43°C) for the best rise.
Final Thoughts
This Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the classic buttery softness of brioche without eggs, perfect for anyone looking for a tender, rich loaf that’s universally loved. Give it a try and watch your bread rise into the golden, pillowy masterpiece that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen for breakfasts, brunches, or cozy snack moments.
Print
Eggless Brioche Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Eggless Brioche Bread is a rich, buttery, and incredibly soft bread that mimics the classic brioche texture and flavor without using any eggs. It’s perfect for sandwiches, French toast, or simply enjoyed plain with butter and jam, making it a versatile and delicious treat for those avoiding eggs.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or additional milk for a lighter loaf)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix initial dough: Add the heavy cream, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined to create a wet batter-like dough.
- Add remaining flour and knead: Gradually incorporate the remaining 1 ½ cups flour into the dough. Knead the dough on a clean surface until a soft dough forms.
- Knead with butter: Continue kneading the dough for 10–12 minutes, gradually adding the very soft unsalted butter a little at a time. This ensures the butter is fully incorporated. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls, then place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 45–60 minutes until it becomes puffy.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly brush the top of the dough with milk or cream to promote browning during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the brioche bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Butter must be very soft to incorporate properly into the dough.
- The dough will be slightly sticky; avoid adding too much flour to maintain softness.
- For extra softness and flavor, brush the baked brioche with melted butter right after removing it from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
