Homemade Vegan Burger Buns | Easy & Fluffy Recipe
Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a perfectly made vegan burger with a soft, fluffy bun? If you’re like me, store-bought hamburger buns often leave something to be desired. They’re either too dense, too dry, or just lacking that homemade touch. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create the ultimate vegan burger buns. And let me tell you, this vegan burger bun recipe is a game-changer!
Why Make Your Own Vegan Burger Buns?
Let’s be honest, there’s something magical about making your own buns from scratch. First, you control the ingredients—no more mysterious additives or unnecessary preservatives. Second, homemade buns are fresher, fluffier, and more flavorful. Plus, you get to bask in the glory of knowing you made them yourself. Trust me, after trying these fluffy vegan burger buns, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
A Little Story: My First Attempt at Vegan Buns
The first time I made these buns, I was both nervous and excited. Would they rise properly? Would they be fluffy enough? I remember anxiously peeking into the oven as they baked, hoping they wouldn’t turn into dense hockey pucks. To my delight, they turned out perfect—golden brown on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. My family devoured them, and ever since, they’ve become a staple in our kitchen whenever we’re grilling up some vegan burgers.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This isn’t just any ordinary bun recipe. This is the recipe you’ve been waiting for—one that yields fluffy buns with a slight sweetness, thanks to the maple syrup, and a rich texture that can only come from using simple ingredients like coconut oil and plant milk. And if you’re gluten-free, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with a variation that’s just as good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe calls for:
- 3 cups of flour (a mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 cup plant milk (soy, almond, or any dairy-free milk you prefer)
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Stand mixer (optional but recommended)
- Measuring cup
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Damp towel
How to Make the Best Vegan Burger Buns
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these homemade hamburger buns.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir in a pinch of coconut sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your yeast mixture—the magical ingredient that will give your buns their fluffy rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the plant milk, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir these ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the bread flour, whole wheat flour, sea salt, and the activated yeast mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed. If you’re mixing by hand, a wooden spoon will do the trick.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Once the ingredients are combined, it’s time to knead. If you’re using a mixer, let it do the work for you for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re doing it by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour.
Step 5: First Rise
Shape your dough into a dough ball and place it back into the large bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, and it’s crucial for creating those fluffy homemade burger buns.
Step 6: Shape the Buns
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto your floured surface and divide it into equal pieces—about 8-10 pieces, depending on how large you want your buns. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise for the second time in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes. This second rise will give the buns their final puff and softness.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the buns with a little plant milk or melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if you like. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Serving Suggestions
These buns are perfect for any vegan burgers or veggie burgers. They’re soft enough to enjoy with just a smear of coconut oil or melted vegan butter, but sturdy enough to hold up to all your favorite burger toppings.
How to Store Your Vegan Burger Buns
If you have leftover buns (which is unlikely, because they’re that good!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Gluten-Free Option
For those of you needing a gluten-free version, swap out the flour for a mix of brown rice flour, white rice flour, almond flour, and potato starch or tapioca starch. You’ll also want to add a teaspoon of psyllium husk or psyllium powder to help bind the dough. The process is the same, but keep in mind that gluten-free doughs are often stickier, so you may need to handle it with slightly wet hands or dust with extra flour.
Nutritional Content
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for these fluffy vegan hamburger buns:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Dietary Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 3g |
Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 220mg |
Why These Vegan Burger Buns Are the Best
What makes these buns truly stand out? It’s all in the texture. Thanks to the combination of bread flour, whole wheat flour, and plant milk, you get a bun that’s sturdy yet soft—perfect for cradling your vegan burgers without falling apart. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory toppings, and the coconut oil ensures a tender crumb.
Explore more vegan recipes here.
Easy Dairy Free Bread Recipes (Gluten-Free Option)
Best Homemade Gluten Free Ciabatta Bread Recipe
Is Ezekiel Bread Keto Friendly?
Conclusion
Making your own vegan burger buns is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy fresh, flavorful, and healthy buns tailored to your taste. Whether you’re grilling up some vegan burgers or looking for a delicious base for your next sandwich, these fluffy homemade burger buns are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll find that this easy recipe is approachable even if you’re new to baking. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling a tray of warm, golden-brown buns from the oven is unmatched.
So why settle for store-bought hamburger buns when you can create your own? Get your ingredients ready, follow this guide, and enjoy the best vegan burger buns you’ve ever tasted!
FAQs
1. Can I use different flours for these buns?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours like almond flour, brown rice flour, or wheat gluten. However, the texture may vary, so it’s best to stick to the original recipe for the best results.
2. Can I make these buns without a stand mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It might take a bit more time and elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftover buns?
For the freshest taste, reheat your leftover buns in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their softness and warmth, making them almost as good as fresh out of the oven. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave will also do the trick, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the buns tough.
4. Can I add toppings like sesame seeds to the buns?
Yes! Adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on the tops of the buns before baking will give them an extra layer of flavor and texture. Simply brush the tops with a bit of plant milk or melted vegan butter to help the seeds stick.
5. How can I ensure my buns turn out fluffy?
The key to achieving fluffy vegan hamburger buns is in the rising process. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and allow the dough to rise fully during both the first rise and second rise. Kneading the dough thoroughly also helps develop the gluten, which contributes to the soft, fluffy texture.
Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Vegan Burger Buns | Easy & Fluffy Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Stand mixer (optional but recommended)
- Measuring cup
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Damp towel
Ingredients
- 3 cups of flour a mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 cup plant milk soy, almond, or any dairy-free milk you prefer
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir in a pinch of coconut sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is your yeast mixture—the magical ingredient that will give your buns their fluffy rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the plant milk, maple syrup, melted vegan butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir these ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Now, it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the bread flour, whole wheat flour, sea salt, and the activated yeast mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed. If you’re mixing by hand, a wooden spoon will do the trick.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Once the ingredients are combined, it’s time to knead. If you’re using a mixer, let it do the work for you for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re doing it by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour.
Step 5: First Rise
- Shape your dough into a dough ball and place it back into the large bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, and it’s crucial for creating those fluffy homemade burger buns.
Step 6: Shape the Buns
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto your floured surface and divide it into equal pieces—about 8-10 pieces, depending on how large you want your buns. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise for the second time in a warm place for another 30-40 minutes. This second rise will give the buns their final puff and softness.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the buns with a little plant milk or melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if you like. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.