Making vegan biscuits is a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat without using any animal products. This simple guide will walk you through the steps to create delicious, flaky vegan biscuits that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these instructions will help you make perfect vegan biscuits every time.
Ingredients Needed
To start, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of solid coconut oil or vegan butter
– 3/4 cup of cold plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Preparation Before Baking
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature for baking the biscuits.
Next, in a small bowl, mix the plant-based milk with the apple cider vinegar and set it aside. This mixture will act as a vegan buttermilk, helping to give the biscuits a light, tender texture.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar (if using), and salt. Sifting not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour, which is essential for light biscuits.
Incorporating the Fat
Add the solid coconut oil or vegan butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the fat into the flour. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture with small, pea-sized pieces of fat evenly distributed throughout the flour. This process is crucial as it helps to create flaky layers in the biscuits.
Adding the Vegan Buttermilk
Make a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in the vegan buttermilk. Use a fork to gently stir everything together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shaping the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers. Then, pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter, as this helps the biscuits rise evenly.
Reform the scrap dough and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
Baking the Biscuits
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that they just touch each other. This helps them rise uniformly and become more fluffy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. The exact time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to check them after 12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the biscuits cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best served warm, with a variety of spreads such as vegan butter, jams, or even a drizzle of agave syrup. Vegan biscuits can also be a great addition to any meal, pairing wonderfully with soups, stews, or salads.
For a savory twist, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, or a bit of vegan cheese for extra flavor.
With these steps, you can easily make delicious vegan biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing these delightful treats with friends and family.