This burger bun is the best bun for almost any burger. It’s soft and tender with just a little hint of sweetness. So good you might want to make a few extra for breakfast the next day.
2 tablespoons coconut nectar, honey, or brown rice syrup
1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3–3½ cups hard white whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons soy milk powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil, plus a little more to spray the bowl when raising the dough and for the baking pan
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Makes 8 hamburger buns.
1. Place the coconut nectar in a large bowl. Add the warm water and stir to combine. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until a foam has settled on the top of the water.
2. Add in 2 cups of the flour, soy milk powder, salt, oil, and vinegar. Stir to combine. Then add in 1 cup more of the flour and mix until you have a dough that is workable for kneading (not too sticky). Add another ½ cup if needed.
3. Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes by hand, or for approximately 7 to 8 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
4. Spray the bowl used to mix the dough with a little oil and place the ball of dough in the bowl. Cover with wax paper and place in a warm area to rise, until the dough is doubled. This dough rises quite fast so it will only take about an hour.
5. Shape into balls about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with oil, cover, and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the buns for 10 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Quick Tip: This recipe is very versatile, so don’t stop at just making hamburger buns. Try shaping your dough into a standard bread loaf; spread it thin to make a pizza crust; or create cinnamon rolls by rolling it flat, top with a layer of nondairy butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut crystals, then roll it up and bake in the oven until golden brown.
