There’s something about the smell of fresh bread baking that settles into the soul, right? I remember the one time I tried this simple vegan bread recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The kitchen was a bit cluttered—flour here, a stray measuring spoon there—and I was juggling a call and the dough at the same time, which made kneading a little less graceful than I hoped. But as the dough rose, so did my excitement.
The crust browned to a golden hue that caught the late afternoon light just right, and the moment I sliced into it, the soft crumb felt like a gentle hug. I wasn’t sure if it was the lack of butter or eggs that made it so delightfully light, but it was exactly what I needed—simple, unpretentious, and satisfying. A little dab of jam and suddenly, that imperfect kitchen chaos felt perfectly worthwhile.
- Soft and airy texture that feels homemade without fuss.
- Made with pantry staples, so it’s practical for any day.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps to stress over.
- Vegan-friendly, but even non-vegans will appreciate its subtle flavor.
- Rises nicely, though timing can vary depending on your kitchen’s warmth.
If you’re worried about whether this bread will work in your kitchen, don’t be. I usually find that even if my timing is a bit off or the dough looks a little shaggy, it still turns out tasty. It’s forgiving in all the right ways.
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Simple Vegan Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
A straightforward and delicious vegan bread recipe that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh from the oven. This bread is soft, airy, and made without any animal products.
Ingredients
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf.
Place the dough into a greased 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until it rises slightly above the edge of the pan.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
For this recipe, all you really need is a decent mixing bowl and a loaf pan. Nothing fancy, but it’s worth having a wire rack to cool the loaf properly once it’s out of the oven. I like to slice it thick for avocado toast or thin for sandwiches. Sometimes, I add herbs or a sprinkle of seeds on top, but honestly, it’s just as good plain. You could also try swapping olive oil for another mild oil if you’re feeling adventurous, though I haven’t tested all substitutions fully.
FAQ:
Can I use whole wheat flour? You might, but expect a denser loaf and a different rise. It’s delicious, just different.
What if I don’t have warm water? Room temperature water can work, but the yeast might take longer to activate.
How should I store leftover bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for a few days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Ready to try your hand at this simple vegan bread? Scroll, save, print, and let your kitchen fill with that unbeatable homemade aroma.