Prepare to elevate your baking game with our Homemade Vegan Biscuit Recipe, a foolproof delight that promises flaky layers and buttery goodness without any dairy. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, these biscuits boast a tender crumb and golden exterior that’s perfect for slathering with vegan butter or jam. With a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to biscuit bliss, ready to impress family and friends with your homemade treats. WHY IT WORKS?
WHY IT WORKS?
- Utilizes everyday ingredients like all-purpose flour and baking powder for easy access.
- Incorporates plant-based butter and milk, ensuring a dairy-free delight.
- Achieves a light, fluffy texture through cold ingredients to mimic traditional biscuit qualities.
- Offers a versatile base for various toppings, catering to all dietary preferences.
- Promotes a cruelty-free option without compromising on taste or texture.
Finding the perfect vegan biscuit recipe can feel like a quest for the holy grail. You crave that buttery, flaky texture without compromising your ethical eating principles.
Too often, plant-based versions fall flat—literally. They’re too dense, lack flavor, or miss that comforting, homemade essence that only a biscuit should deliver.
I was in the same boat, experimenting with countless combinations, searching for that golden balance. Then, I stumbled upon a recipe that changed everything.
This vegan biscuit recipe not only rivals its traditional counterpart in texture and taste but also seamlessly fits into any vegan lifestyle.
It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something wonderfully satisfying, offering a solution for anyone facing the same dilemma.
What Is Vegan Biscuit Recipe?
A vegan biscuit is a plant-based alternative to traditional biscuits, typically containing dairy and, sometimes, eggs.
Designed to cater to those following a vegan lifestyle or with dairy allergies, these biscuits substitute animal products with vegan-friendly ingredients such as plant-based milk, vegan butter, and sometimes, binding agents like flaxseed or applesauce to mimic the texture and rise of conventional biscuits.
Despite these substitutions, Vegan Biscuit Recipe aim to deliver the same flaky, buttery, and soft texture, making them a delightful option for anyone seeking a compassionate and inclusive baking choice.
Quick Fact – Did you know the key to a perfect vegan biscuit is keeping the plant-based butter cold, which helps achieve that desirable flaky texture when baked?
Recipe Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 C).
- Prepare vegan buttermilk by adding lemon juice to almond milk. Let it sit.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- Incorporate cold vegan butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the flour mixture looks like coarse sand.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Stir gently while gradually adding the almond milk mixture until the dough is slightly tacky but moldable.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Dust the top with whole wheat flour, and gently fold the dough over itself 5-6 times.
- Form a 1-inch thick disc. Use as little handling as possible.
- Cut out biscuits using a 1-inch thick cutter, placing them on a baking sheet so they touch.
- Brush with melted non-dairy butter and press a small divot in the center with your fingers.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until fluffy and slightly golden. Serve immediately.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough for a savory twist.
- Cheese Flavor: Add nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to the dough for cheesy biscuit recipes.
- Sweet Biscuits: For a sweet treat, incorporate a bit of sugar and cinnamon into the dough, and maybe even some vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Add-Ons
- Fresh Berries: Serve biscuits with fresh berries on the side or even bake small berries into the biscuits.
- Vegan Gravy: For a savory breakfast, smother your homemade vegan biscuits in vegan mushroom or sausage gravy.
- Vegan Butter And Jams: This classic combination offers a variety of jams and a dollop of vegan butter for spreading.
Toppings
- Glazes And Icings: For a sweet variation, top biscuits with a simple icing or glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.
- Garlic Butter: Mix vegan butter with garlic powder and brush on top before baking for a garlic bread twist.
- Seeds And Nuts: Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or crushed nuts before baking for added texture and nutrition.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Mushrooms: A great substitute for meat due to their umami flavor and meaty texture. Portobellos, in particular, can replace beef in burgers.
- Jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork and absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for BBQ dishes.
- Cauliflower: When sliced thick and roasted, it can mimic chicken or beef in stir-fries and is excellent as a steak alternative.
- Eggplant: Its spongy texture makes it a good substitute for fish or meat in lasagna and casseroles.
- Lentils: A hearty alternative to ground meat, perfect in tacos, Bolognese sauce, or vegan “meatloaf.”
- Chickpeas: Can replace tuna in salads and sandwiches, offering a protein-rich option.
- Beets: Their earthy flavor and firm texture make them a good stand-in for meat in burgers.
- Sweet Potatoes: Can be used instead of meat in stews or as a filling base for loaded nachos and tacos.
Quick tip – For a richer flavor in vegan dishes, roast your vegetables before adding them to soups or stews. It enhances their natural sweetness and depth of taste.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Gravy Rich mushroom or onion gravy is perfect for drizzling over warm biscuits.
- Scrambled Tofu A flavorful, protein-packed alternative to scrambled eggs.
- Sautéed Greens Kale, spinach, or collard greens sautéed with garlic add a nutritious touch.
- Roasted Vegetables Seasonal veggies roasted perfectly bring color and variety to the plate.
- Vegan Sausage Patties Spiced, hearty patties from plant-based ingredients offer a satisfying savory option.
- Fruit Compote A sweet side of mixed berries or apples, lightly stewed, pairs wonderfully with biscuits.
- Vegan Cheese Spread Creamy, cashew-based cheeses add a rich, flavorful dimension.
- Avocado Slices Fresh avocado brings a creamy texture and healthy fats, ideal for a light accompaniment.
- Bean Chili A hearty, spicy chili is a filling and warming side dish, especially in cooler weather.
- Sweet Potato Hash A colorful, savory mix of sweet potatoes and spices complements the biscuits’ buttery flavor.
How To Serve?
- Warm With Vegan Butter: Spread a generous amount of vegan butter on freshly baked biscuits.
- With Jam Or Preserves: Offer a selection of fruit jams or preserves for a sweet topping option.
- As A Breakfast Sandwich: Stuff it with scrambled tofu, vegan cheese, and avocado slices for a hearty start to the day.
- Alongside Vegan Gravy: Pour rich, savory mushroom gravy over split biscuits for a comforting dish.
- With Soup Or Stew: Serve as a side to dip into your favorite vegan soups or stews.
- As Shortcake: Top with vegan whipped cream and fresh berries for a dessert twist.
- With Vegan Sausage And Gravy: Pair biscuits with vegan sausage and creamy gravy to create a classic Southern-style breakfast.
- As A Snack: Enjoy them plain or with a dab of vegan cream cheese for a simple, satisfying snack.
- Loaded Biscuits: These open-faced biscuits are topped with vegan chili, shredded cheese, and green onions for a filling meal.
- With Plant-Based Cheese Platter: Accompany vegan cheeses, nuts, and fruits for a gourmet snack or appetizer.
Quick Tip – To keep vegan biscuits fresh and tender, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: To maintain freshness, store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag; they’ll last up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the biscuit dough and tightly wrap it in the refrigerator overnight. This not only saves time but can also improve the texture of the biscuits. Alternatively, shape and freeze unbaked biscuits; bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Quick Fact – Did you know that adding a small amount of vinegar to plant-based milk creates a vegan “buttermilk,” adding lightness and tang to vegan biscuits, mimicking traditional recipes?
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-Measure Ingredients: Before starting, measure out all your ingredients. This streamlines the process and saves time.
- Freeze Your Vegan Butter: Keep vegan butter in the freezer until you can use it. Grating frozen butter directly into the flour makes it easier to incorporate quickly, preserving the dough’s cold temperature for flakier biscuits.
- Use A Food Processor: To mix the dough, a food processor can quickly combine the dry ingredients and cold butter. Just be careful not to over-process; pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Batch Prep: Double or triple the recipe and freeze unbaked biscuit dough. You can bake biscuits straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time. You can also bake fresh biscuits at any time with no additional prep.
- Drop Biscuits: If you’re short on time, skip rolling and cutting the dough. Instead, spoon or scoop drop the dough directly onto the baking sheet. This results in rustic yet equally delicious biscuits with less effort and cleanup.
- Clean As You Go: Wash measuring cups, spoons, and other utensils while baking your biscuits. This approach maximizes time and reduces the amount of cleanup needed after baking.
Vegan Biscuit Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Biscuit Cutter or Glass
- Oven
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened PLAIN almond milk
- 1 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups Unbleached all-purpose flour*
- 1 Tbsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 3/4 tsp Sea salt
- 4 Tbsp Non-dairy, unsalted butter (e.g., Earth Balance)
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven: Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees F (232 C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature before baking.
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk: Combine lemon juice with almond milk in a small bowl and set it aside. This mixture will thicken slightly, mimicking the consistency of traditional buttermilk.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Incorporate Vegan Butter: Add cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse sand. This step is crucial for achieving flaky biscuits.
- Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon. Add enough liquid until the dough comes together and is slightly tacky yet manageable.
- Shape The Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Fold the dough over itself 5-6 times to create layers, but avoid overworking it.
- Form And Cut Biscuits: Press the dough into a 1-inch thick disc. Using a biscuit cutter, press down to cut out biscuits and arrange them on a baking sheet so they slightly touch. This helps them rise uniformly.
- Shape The Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Fold the dough over itself 5-6 times to create layers, but avoid overworking it.
- Form And Cut Biscuits: Press the dough into a 1-inch thick disc. Using a biscuit cutter, press down to cut out biscuits and arrange them on a baking sheet so they slightly touch. This helps them rise uniformly.
- Apply Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted vegan butter. Gently press a divot in the center of each biscuit with your fingers.
- Bake: Place the biscuits in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are fluffy and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Enjoy the biscuits warm and fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Buttermilk Alternative: If almond milk is unavailable, plant-based milk can be used with lemon juice to create vegan buttermilk.
- Flour Handling: Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Handle the dough as little as possible for the best texture.
- Cold Ingredients: Keeping the vegan butter and buttermilk cold is essential for flaky biscuits. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the flour.
- Baking Consistency: Biscuits touching each other on the baking sheet helps them rise better and stay moist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer freshness.
Nutrition Table
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Different Type Of Plant-Based Milk For The Vegan Buttermilk?
Yes, you can use unsweetened plant-based milk to make vegan buttermilk. Soy milk, oats, coconut milk, and cashew milk are great alternatives to almond milk. The key is to add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the plant milk to mimic the acidity and texture of traditional buttermilk.
How Do I Ensure My Vegan Biscuit Recipe Are Fluffy And Not Dense?
To ensure fluffy biscuits, do not overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overworking the dough activates the gluten in the flour, leading to dense biscuits. Also, use cold vegan butter and chill your dough before cutting it into biscuits to help maintain the flakiness.
Can I Make These Biscuits Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make Vegan Biscuit Recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend designed for baking that includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture and elasticity of gluten. Be mindful that gluten-free doughs can be more fragile, so handle them carefully.
Why Do My Biscuits Spread Out And Not Rise?
If your biscuits are spreading too much and not rising, there could be a few reasons. First, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder loses its leavening power.
Also, ensure the vegan butter and buttermilk mixture are cold when added to the dry ingredients. Warm ingredients can cause the biscuits to spread. Lastly, avoid rolling the dough too thin and ensure they touch each other on the baking sheet for support while rising.
Can I Freeze The Biscuit Dough For Later Use?
Yes, freezing biscuit dough is an excellent way to save time. After cutting the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer bag or container.
When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method helps preserve the dough’s cold fats, resulting in flaky biscuits even after freezing.
