Delicious Vegan Croissants: A Perfect Breakfast Treat
As a vegan chef, I am constantly searching for ways to recreate classic French dishes in plant-based form. Croissants, with their buttery, flaky texture and delicious aroma, have always been a challenge. However, after experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, I am excited to share my recipe for homemade vegan croissants with you!
These croissants are made without any dairy or animal products, but they still have the luxurious texture and flavor of the classic French pastry. Each bite is light, airy, and layered with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’ve been missing the taste of croissants since going vegan, or just want to try a new twist on a beloved classic, these vegan croissants are sure to delight.
I promise that this recipe is not only easy and healthy but also quick- perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. So let’s get started on making some delicious classic French croissants- except they’re vegan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan croissants recipe is like no other. Not only is it quick, healthy and easy to make, but it also produces the most delicious, classic French croissants. These buttery, flaky and fluffy delights will transport you straight to a dreamy café in the heart of Paris.
But what makes this recipe truly stand out is its plant-based ingredients. With options for soy, almond or coconut milk and vegan butter, you can enjoy these croissants without any guilt or harm to animals. This recipe proves that being vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulging in your wildest pastry dreams.
Furthermore, making these croissants from scratch will leave you feeling accomplished and proud of your baking skills. The step-by-step guide and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe accessible to all levels of bakers. From beginners to seasoned pros, everyone can achieve perfectly crispy and golden croissants with this recipe.
So indulge in a guilt-free breakfast treat or impress your friends at a weekend brunch with this homemade vegan croissant recipe. Trust me – once you try these croissants, you’ll never go back to the traditional egg and butter version again.
Ingredient List
Ingredients 1x:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 10 g instant yeast
- 300 ml plain soymilk
- 250 g vegan butter
Ingredients 2x:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tsp kosher salt
- 20 g instant yeast
- 600 ml plain soymilk
- 500 g vegan butter
Ingredients 3x:
- 1.5 kg all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 tsp kosher salt
- 30 g instant yeast
- 900 ml plain soymilk
- 750 g vegan butter
The recipe requires a total of 6 basic ingredients, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, instant yeast, plain soymilk, and vegan butter. For the perfect results, it’s suggested to use high-quality ingredients. So make sure that the all-purpose flour you are using does not have any lumpy texture as it might affect the final product texture. In this recipe, I am using plain soymilk; however, you may substitute it with soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk according to your preference. The better quality of vegan butter will result in more authentic-flavored vegan croissants.
In addition, for larger batches or smaller ones based on your needs, please refer to the ingredients listed in the recipe guide.
The Recipe How-To
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup plain soymilk
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together soymilk and melted vegan butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- On a clean surface, knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry or wet, add flour or soymilk as needed.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle that is about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut triangles out of the dough by slicing from the center of the rectangle to its corners.
- Take each triangle and stretch it slightly before rolling it tightly from its base towards its point. This will give your croissants their distinct crescent shape.
- Place the croissants onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise once more while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake your croissants for 15-20 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
Now that you know how to make homemade vegan croissants, you can enjoy these buttery, flaky, fluffy, delicious classic French pastries right in your home kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
Vegan croissants can be made with a variety of substitutions and variations to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas for making this recipe even more delicious:
– Flour: While this recipe calls for a combination of all-purpose flour and bread flour, you can also experiment with using whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture and rise may be slightly different.
– Milk: If soymilk is not your preferred plant-based milk, try using almond milk, coconut milk, or even oat milk. You can also use plain water or vegan creamer as a substitute.
– Yeast: Instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast, but keep in mind that the rising time may vary. You may need to adjust the amount of yeast depending on which type you use.
– Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in this recipe, but you can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
– Butter: Vegan butter is crucial to achieving buttery and flaky croissants, but if you have trouble finding it, you can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening instead. Just note that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
– Flavorings: Get creative with flavorings by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough, or incorporate chocolate chips or fruit compote into the filling for a sweet twist on this classic French pastry.
Remember that substitutions and variations may require adjustments to the recipe steps and ingredient amounts. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination of ingredients for the best vegan croissants yet!
Serving and Pairing
When these vegan croissants come out of the oven, they are buttery, flaky and delicious. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch, and can be served with jam or fruit preserves. You could also pair them with a vegan cheese board or a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing meal.
These croissants also pair well with coffee or tea – their light, crispy texture complements the rich flavor of coffee or the delicate notes of tea. But don’t feel limited to just breakfast! These croissants also make great afternoon snacks, especially when paired with a glass of almond milk or soy milk.
If you want to take things to the next level, try using these vegan croissants as a base for sandwiches – they add a wonderful texture and flavor to any sandwich. Load them up with your favorite veggies and spreads for a satisfying lunch.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these vegan croissants are sure to impress. Their buttery, flaky texture make them the perfect plant-based substitute for traditional French croissants without compromising flavor. Give them a try and get ready to be pleasantly surprised!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make this vegan croissants recipe ahead of time or store leftovers, you’ve come to the right spot. These croissants are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can still enjoy them for a few days after baking.
To make-ahead, prepare the recipe as instructed until you shape the croissants. Instead of letting them rise in a warm place, place them on a lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
To store any leftover croissants, transfer them to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat already baked croissants, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Place the croissants on a baking sheet and bake until heated through, about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating your croissants in the microwave as this method will not produce the crispy flaky texture that they are known for.
Remember that homemade vegan croissants won’t be as crispy as freshly baked ones from a bakery since they don’t contain preservatives. However, these make-ahead and reheating tips will help keep your croissants as fresh and delicious as possible.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a vegan chef, I know firsthand that baking vegan croissants can be a challenging task. However, with some tips and tricks, you can achieve perfect results every time. Here are some tried and true tips for making the best vegan croissants.
1. Use cold ingredients – cold ingredients will help in creating flaky layers in the dough. Make sure to chill your vegan butter, soymilk or any other dairy-free milk you’re using, and water for at least an hour before using them.
2. Work quickly – As with any pastry recipe, working quickly and efficiently is key to success. If the ingredients become too warm or overworked, it can compromise the texture of your croissants. Keep everything cool and work briskly to prevent any melting.
3. Proof properly – The proofing time is crucial as it allows the dough to rise appropriately, resulting in light and sophisticated pastries. Besides, proofing helps to develop flavors in the dough over time. You may want to experiment with varying proofing times until you find the one that works best for you.
4. Don’t skip on resting time – Resting is just as important as proofing because it enables gluten strands to relax; making rolling easier and ensuring your dough doesn’t spring back when shaping it.
5. Use stable Vegan butter – Some vegan butters may not hold well under high heat needed during baking; this can cause leaks of butter from the pastry results in blandly shaped croissants. Hence a high-quality Vegan butter must be used that won’t split or leak out during baking.
By following these tips, you will be able to make delicious and visually stunning vegan croissants that everyone loves. So go ahead, use these techniques in your recipe, and enjoy this delicate breakfast staple!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make these delicious vegan croissants, it’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these FAQs will help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter and ensure that your croissants turn out perfect every time. So without any further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section!
What is vegan croissant made of?
To prepare this recipe, we will require a small quantity of ingredients including yeast, flour, sugar, salt, and water. Additionally, instead of utilizing egg wash, we will be using either vegan oat-cream or soy milk depending on your preference.
Which croissants are vegan?
The brand GreatFoods It’s Vegan offers a variety of croissants for purchase, including almond croissants, extra large butter croissants, pain au chocolate croissants, and take ‘n bake butter croissants. These range in price from $11.89 to $16.19 and are all vegan-friendly options.
Why are croissants not vegan?
Although croissants are typically made with butter, which is a non-vegan ingredient, there are ways to prepare or purchase croissants that are entirely plant-based while still being just as indulgent and tasty.
Are vegan croissants healthy?
The use of vegan margarine, which is commonly high in trans fat, is common in the production of vegan croissants. Trans fat is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Moreover, vegan croissants often have considerable amounts of sugar and white flour, which can result in an increase in blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Bottom Line
So there you have it – a delicious recipe for homemade vegan croissants! Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also healthy and plant-based. With the right ingredients and basic baking skills, you can create your own buttery, flaky, and fluffy croissants that are even better than store-bought.
By using alternatives like whole wheat flour, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, you can enjoy this classic French pastry without compromising your dietary choices or sacrificing taste. With a little bit of effort, you can impress your friends and family with your homemade croissants.
So GTFO It Vegan and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! And who knows? These may just become your new favorite treat or breakfast dish. So roll up your sleeves and start baking. The results will be worth it.
Vegan Croissants Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups plain soymilk, warmed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (preferably graham flour)
- 3/4 cup Earth Balance margarine or 3/4 cup other tub non-hydrogenated margarine, cold
Instructions
- Put the milk into a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and yeast and whisk to dissolve. Let the yeast mixture sit for a few minutes until foamy.
- Mix together the flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a liberally floured surface and knead for a few strokes, just long enough to form a smooth dough. Add flour as needed.
- Roll the dough out with a floured rolling pin into a rectangle, about 9 x 14 inches.
- Put the margarine between two sheets of wax paper and roll out into a 6 x 8 rectangle. Peel off the wax paper and place the margarine on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom, sides, and top half over the margarine, encasing it completely. Sprinkle the dough with flour, cover with plastic or place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- First turn: place the dough on a liberally floured work surface and roll out with a floured rolling pin using firm, smooth strokes. Roll out to 9 x 14, then fold the bottom and top halves in towards the center (like folding up a letter). Sprinkle with flour, cover with plastic again, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- Second turn: repeat as above, refrigerating for 45 minutes.
- Third turn: repeat as above, refrigerating for 45 minutes.
- Shape the croissants: Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with nonstick spray and set aside. Roll the dough out on a well-floured surface to about 10 x 20. Cut the rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut into eight squares. Cut each square in half diagonally to form 16 triangles.
- Pull the top triangle point out a little to lengthen, then start at the bottom of the triangle and roll it up tightly. Tuck the tip under and curve the edges in a bit to form a croissant shape (I give each one a little squish at the end to help hold the shape). Repeat with the remaining croissants, placing them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Spray the croissants with nonstick spray, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours, until light and puffy.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425º.
- Bake the croissants for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375º and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.