Long before there were any vegan recipes for Jewish challah bread on the internet I created my whole wheat vegan challah and shared it with you. It is a delicious bread and so good for you. Today I have for you another challah recipe that stays as close to an original challah bread as possible in flavor and texture, but without any eggs. This vegan challah is a thing of beauty. It has a lovely golden-brown hue and a delicate, feathery, airy crumb that’s slightly sweet–exactly as challah should be.
What is challah bread?
Challah (pronounced ha-luh – the “c” is silent but not quite invisible because the “h” is pronounced with a guttural sound) is a Jewish bread enriched with eggs and leavened with yeast. Challah is usually served on the Jewish Sabbath or on holy days (for Rosh Hashanah the bread is usually baked in a round loaf–see how to do that in my vegan sourdough challah bread recipe). Challah is typically made with three, four, six and even eight braids. The braids have deep significance in the Jewish faith, symbolizing love, peace, truth and strength, among other meanings. Challah bread has a rich, yellow crumb because of all the egg yolks, and a brioche-like sweetness and fluffy, flaky texture, although it doesn’t typically need a ton of butter, the way a brioche does. Instead it needs (a much smaller quantity of) oil, although melted butter can be used in this recipe for more richness. This is an amazing bread to eat on its own, as is this vegan version, although a pat of vegan butter or jam won’t go amiss. You can also make sandwiches with this vegan challah, dip it into gravies and soups, and add it to awesome breakfast foods, like this vegan French toast or vegan apple bread pudding.
Why you will love this recipe
This vegan challah is so much like a traditional challah bread, with the same light texture and soft crumb. Whether you’ve always loved challah or are making this the first time, you will fall in love. This is also an easy recipe, and if you are a bread maker you should be able to make this vegan challah recipe with no trouble at all. If you are a new baker, simply follow directions and you’ll be proud of the results. A challah looks stunning and is bound to impress your family and guests. Even if you have limited braiding abilities, you can do a simple three strand challah, like the one I did, to create a gorgeous loaf. If you are adept at braiding, do a four-strand or six-strand challah and it will look even more amazing! Everyone will love it! This is a bread you will adore, because it’s simply so yummy. It’s definitely a kid-pleaser.
How to make vegan challah
Storage instructions
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze: Freeze the whole bread or individual slices in an airtight container for up to four months.] Reheat: Reheat in the toaster oven until warmed through or toasty.
More vegan bread recipes
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