Challah Bread Is Traditionally Made With Eggs and Honey, but This Easy Recipe Is Vegan

Vegan Challah Bread

Inspired by Baked With Love [1]

Turn your oven on to the proof setting (around 80°F) if it has it. Otherwise, make sure you have a warm spot where you can place the dough to rise.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl if you don't have one), add the warm water, three tablespoons of the sugar, and one tablespoon of the flour. Whisk to combine.
Using the whisk attachment or mixing by hand, whisk in the yeast and let it rest for 10 minutes to activate. You'll know it's ready when you see a layer of foam on the top as shown in the photo.

Sift in four cups of flour in half-cup increments, stirring after each half-cup. The dough with be slightly sticky and lumpy. If it's too wet, add in the last half cup of flour. If the dough is too dry and hasn't absorbed all the flour, add in warm water one tablespoon at a time.
Switch to the dough hook or place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about five minutes, until the dough is smooth and springy. If you used a stand mixer, remove the dough, lightly oil the bowl, and place the dough back in the bowl. If you kneaded by hand, lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough in the bottom.
Cover the bowl with a clean, dry towel, and place in your oven with the proof setting on, or in a warm place.
Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, 30 to 60 minutes.

After it's doubled, punch the dough down with your fist and place it on a lightly floured surface to knead for two to five minutes.
Using a large sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into three equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a long strand, about 12 to 16 inches long.
Press the three strands together at one end, and then braid the dough using a regular braiding technique (like you'd use for hair). Or if you want to get fancy and do a four-, five-, or six-strand braid, watch this YouTube video for challah braiding inspiration [2].

After the braid is complete, you can leave it like this or make it a round loaf by curving the braid into a C-shape. Then connect the ends as best you can to make a circle. Don't worry if it's not perfect. The dough will smooth out when it rises.

Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet (I used a pizza pan), and cover it with a dry kitchen towel.

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place the dough on top of the oven to rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
Before baking, mix the soy milk and maple syrup together. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of the challah.