Vegan Beer Bread
Vegan Beer Bread is a buttery delight that pairs perfectly with your favorite stews and soups. This simple yet flavorful 6-ingredient bread is a testament to the ease and joy of plant-based baking.
There’s nothing like serving freshly-baked bread with dinner. I find having some simple bread recipes handy makes a big difference. For example, this one-bowl whole wheat loaf is so easy to make.
But this beer bread is a whole new level of easy!
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just embarking on a plant-based journey, this you’ll love learning how to make beer bread vegan. This recipe is a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s discover the perfect balance of simplicity and taste together!
Key Ingredients
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:
- Butter — Let’s begin with vegan butter. I recommend using vegan butter that’s made for baking because it will have the best flavor and contents. Using tub margarine may not produce the best results.
- Flour — I’ve tried this recipe using both all-purpose and whole wheat flour. You can also use whole wheat pastry flour or white wheat flour. To make gluten-free vegan beer bread, use a high-quality gluten-free flour (one designed for baking such as Bob’s Red Mill 1:1).
- Sugar — We’re adding just a bit of brown sugar to flavor and color.
- Baking powder — We want a light, fluffy bread loaf, and adding baking powder is the way to achieve that.
- Salt — We’ll add a bit of salt to enhance the bread’s flavor.
- Beer — The main ingredient! You’ll need a regular-sized can or bottle of beer. See below for more recommendations on the best beer for bread.
How to Make Vegan Beer Bread
- Melt vegan butter.
- Stir together dry ingredients from the flour to the salt.
- Pour in the beer and stir to combine.
- Add two tablespoons of melted butter and stir one more time (briefly).
- Spread the dough in a loaf pan and top with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, set aside to cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Is beer vegan?
Absolutely! Many beers are vegan, but some beers may use animal products or involve processes that aren’t vegan-friendly. If this matters to you, opt for beers that explicitly state they are vegan or use a beer from a vegan-friendly brewery.
Can I substitute beer for yeast in bread?
Beer acts as both a leavening agent and adds a unique depth of flavor while helping the bread rise. It’s a fantastic alternative for those who might be sensitive to or prefer not to use yeast.
What's the difference between beer bread and traditional bread?
The key difference lies in the leavening agents. Traditional bread often relies on yeast for rising, while beer bread uses the carbonation in beer to create a similar effect. This results in a quicker and simpler bread-making process, making it an excellent option for busy individuals or those new to baking.
Serving Beer Bread
Once you’ve made this buttery Vegan Beer Bread, you’ll want to explore the delightful ways to serve and enjoy it. Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic Slices: Slice the bread into thick, hearty pieces and enjoy it on its own or with a dab of vegan butter. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.
- Pairing with Stews and Soups: The rich, buttery flavor of the beer bread complements a variety of stews and soups, such as this vegan lentil soup. Bread and soup makes a comforting and filling meal.
- Toast with Toppings: Toast slices of beer bread and top them with your favorite vegan spreads, such as plant-based guacamole, vegan tofu feta, or plant-based cream cheese. The possibilities are endless!
- Sandwiches and Bruschetta: Elevate your sandwich game by using beer bread as the base. The bread’s robust flavor adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your favorite plant-based sandwich creations. Some great vegan fillings include, vegan tofu egg salad or chickpea tuna salad.
- Dipping Delight: Cut the bread into cubes and serve it with your preferred vegan dips, like a zesty corn mango salsa or a creamy roasted onion hummus. It’s a fantastic addition to any party platter.
- Sweet Treats: Don’t limit yourself to savory options! The versatile beer bread can also be enjoyed with sweet toppings, such as fruity chia jam or vegan chocolate ganache spread. It makes for a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.
Experiment to discover your favorite way to enjoy Beer Bread. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to savor its buttery goodness with various dishes.
Best Beer for Beer Bread
The choice of beer can significantly impact the flavor profile of your Vegan Beer Bread. John from the Preppy Kitchen says not to choose a beer with a bitter or powerful flavor. Why? Because it impacts the flavor and is not the right beer for beer bread.
Here’s a guide to help you select the best beer for a truly delicious outcome:
- Flavorful Options: Opt for beers with robust and distinct flavors. Consider varieties with notes of malt, hops, or even a touch of sweetness. These flavors will infuse the bread with a depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Avoid Fruity Beers: While fruity beers can be delightful on their own, it’s advisable to avoid them for beer bread. The strong fruit flavors may not harmonize as well with the savory and buttery nature of the bread.
- Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different beer styles. Whether it’s a rich stout, a hoppy IPA, or a smooth lager, the variety in beer styles can lead to diverse and exciting flavor profiles in your beer bread. Feel free to try different beers until you find the one that suits your taste preferences.
Remember that the best beer for your Vegan Beer Bread is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Embrace exploring various beer options and discover the unique nuances they bring to your plant-based baking. Cheers to crafting the perfect beer bread with the ideal brew!
Storage Tips
To preserve the freshness of your beer bread, store it in an airtight container. It remains delicious at room temperature for a couple of days, in the fridge for up to 10 days, or in the freezer (in a freezer-safe container) for up to 2 months. If you opt for refrigeration, remember to heat the bread before serving to warm up the starches.
Vegan Bread Recipes
If you love this recipe for vegan beer bread, you might want to give this vegan banana bread a try. It’s so good! Here are more vegan bread recipes to try:
Subscribe and get a free Easy Vegan Recipes eBook
Plus our latest vegan recipes, delivered right to your inbox!
Vegan Beer Bread
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- 3 cups flour all-purpose, whole wheat, whole wheat pastry flour, or gluten-free
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz can beer
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F/175°C. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Place vegan butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds or so to melt it. Set it aside.
- Combine dry ingredients from the flour to the salt in a mixing bowl. Stir together.
- Pour in the beer and stir to combine.
- Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and stir one more time (briefly).
- Spread the dough in a loaf pan and top with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a tester inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Remove from oven. Set aside for a few of minutes, then slice and serve.
Recommended Equipment
(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)
Notes
Recipe Adaptation Ideas
You can make any of these adaptations:- Increase butter to 1/2 cup, adding 2 tablespoons to the batter and the rest poured over the batter in the pan before baking.
- For a sweeter bread, increase sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Mix up the flour, using 1 cup whole wheat to 2 cups all-purpose.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I’ve made this bread twice and it’s so good!
I’m so glad you liked this beer bread, Kylie!