Easter Vegan Brioche Bunnies

Delight in the charm of Easter with these Easter Vegan Brioche Bunnies. Crafted from plant-based ingredients, these soft and fluffy brioche buns are shaped into adorable bunnies, making them a perfect addition to your festive table. Their sweet, buttery flavor and tender crumb ensure they are as delightful to eat as they are to behold.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Plant-Based Indulgence: Enjoy the richness of traditional brioche without any dairy or eggs.
• Festive and Fun: The bunny shapes add a whimsical touch to your Easter celebrations.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance to save time on the day of serving.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different flavors or decorations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• Instant dry yeast
• Strong white bread flour or all-purpose flour
• Extra-virgin olive oil (or walnut/hazelnut oil)
• Brown granulated sugar or coconut sugar
• Vanilla powder or vanilla extract
• Salt
• Orange zest (optional)
• Additional almond milk for brushing

For Decoration:

• Water
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar
• Pearl sugar
• Dark chocolate

Directions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm almond milk with instant dry yeast. Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, vanilla, orange zest, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand for at least 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for the same duration. If the dough feels dry, add a small amount of almond milk gradually.
4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape Bunnies: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Use 6 pieces to form the bunny heads by shaping them into balls. Divide the remaining 2 pieces into 3 smaller balls each, then cut each into halves to form ears. Attach two ears to each head.
6. Second Rise: Place the shaped bunnies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover with a tea towel and let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Brush the bunnies with almond milk and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, cover with foil.
8. Prepare Sugar Syrup: While the bunnies bake, combine water and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrup.
9. Decorate: Once baked, brush the bunnies with the sugar syrup. Sprinkle pearl sugar on the ears. Use melted dark chocolate to draw eyes and noses.
10. Serve: Allow the bunnies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 brioche bunnies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Enhancements: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or cardamom into the dough for added warmth.
• Filling Options: Add a dollop of fruit preserves or vegan chocolate spread inside each bunny before baking.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the brioche bunnies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What can I use instead of almond milk?

You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or rice milk.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

How do I ensure the bunnies hold their shape?

Chilling the shaped bunnies for 15 minutes before baking can help maintain their form during baking.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until frothy before adding to the flour mixture.

How can I make the bunnies sweeter?

Increase the amount of sugar in the dough slightly or add a sweet filling like fruit preserves.

Can I add raisins or other dried fruits?

Certainly, fold in raisins, currants, or chopped dried fruits into the dough during mixing.

What if I don’t have pearl sugar?

You can use coarse sugar or omit it altogether. Alternatively, sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds.

How do I prevent the bunnies from browning too quickly?

If the bunnies are browning too fast, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking. Be aware that texture may vary.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Conclusion

These Easter Vegan Brioche Bunnies are a delightful and festive treat that combines the rich, tender texture of traditional brioche with the benefits of plant-based ingredients. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them a perfect addition to your Easter celebrations, ensuring smiles all around the table.

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