Name: Vanilla Cream & Chocolate Chip Swirled Brioche
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 200 ml Whole Milk (Use at room temperature. Can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.); 45 g Granulated Sugar (for cream) (Necessary for sweetness and activating yeast.); 75 g Granulated Sugar (for dough) (Important for brioche flavor.); 165 g T45 All-purpose Flour (Use for a lighter texture.); 385 g All-purpose Flour (Can substitute with bread flour.); 70 g Unsalted Butter (Should be softened for easy mixing.); 2 large Egg Yolks (For the vanilla cream.); 130 g Dark Chocolate Chips (Can substitute with white chocolate chips or dried fruit.); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (For flavor.); 1 teaspoon Instant Yeast (For activating dough.); 1 teaspoon Salt (For flavor.); 30 g Cornstarch (Used to thicken the cream.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Vanilla Cream & Chocolate Chip Swirled Brioche is a delightful treat that brings joy to your taste buds. Picture soft, fluffy brioche intertwined with creamy vanilla and rich chocolate chips. This sweet bread is perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or even as a special dessert. Its golden crust and beautiful swirls make it a feast for the eyes, sure to impress anyone around the table.

The combination of warm vanilla flavors with the bittersweet chocolate creates a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen. Baking this brioche is not only a fun experience but also results in a comforting masterpiece that your family will love. Throughout this article, you’ll discover why this recipe is so beloved, the simple steps to prepare it, and tips for serving and storing your delicious creation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a delicious and wholesome treat.
Easy to prepare with simple steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Offers a balance of flavors, with both sweet and comforting elements.
Versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Stunning presentation with beautiful swirls that will impress your guests.

You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

(Note that times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Vanilla Cream & Chocolate Chip Swirled Brioche, start by selecting the right ingredients, including 200ml of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 2 egg yolks, and more.

Liquids/Dairy

Whole Milk: Whole milk provides richness and moisture. Use it at room temperature.
Preparation: Measure out 200ml and warm it slightly for better mixing.
Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Tips: Ensure the milk is not too hot when combining with yeast, or it may kill it.

Sugars

Granulated Sugar: Necessary for sweetness and activating yeast.
Preparation: Measure 45g for the cream and 75g for the dough.
Substitutions: You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Tips: This is crucial for the brioche flavor, so don’t skip it.

Flours

All-purpose Flour: This forms the base of your dough. It’s best to use T45 flour for a lighter texture.
Preparation: Combine 165g of the specialty flour and 385g of all-purpose flour.
Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, bread flour will work too, but the texture may differ.
Tips: Sift the flour for a lighter brioche.

Fat

Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the brioche.
Preparation: Soften 70g of butter for easy mixing.
Substitutions: You can substitute with margarine, but the taste might differ slightly.
Tips: Make sure the butter is soft to incorporate well without lumps.

Optional Ingredients

Dark Chocolate Chips: Provide a beautiful, decadent flavor.
Preparation: Measure out 130g to mix into the dough.
Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, white chocolate chips or dried fruit work well too.
Tips: Fold the chips in gently to avoid breaking them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this brioche is a rewarding one-pan adventure that’s easy to follow.

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cream

Start by whisking together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Gradually add the 250ml of warm milk and blend until smooth. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. This step ensures a creamy filling when you slice into the brioche.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In another bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This indication shows your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center, adding the yeast mixture, soft butter, and levain. Mix everything together until a dough forms, about 5 minutes of hand-kneading. This kneading develops gluten, giving the brioche its structure.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is an important step for light and airy brioche.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Once risen, gently punch the dough down to release air. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. This step is key to ensuring you get that rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Shape the Brioche

Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the vanilla cream on top and roll it into a log. Slice the log down the middle and twist it to create swirls. This technique adds an eye-catching design to your brioche.

Step 7: Final Rise and Bake

Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during this time. Bake the brioche for 30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen, and know it’s done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

How to Serve

Slice the brioche thickly for a generous portion.
Serve warm with butter or jam for a delightful treat.
Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Garnish with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation.

Your guests will be thrilled with this gourmet experience!

Additional Tips

Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Customize by mixing in nuts or different chocolate varieties into the brioche.
Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a special dessert.

Recipe Variations

Cinnamon Raisin Brioche: Add cinnamon and raisins instead of chocolate for a warm twist.
Lemon Poppy Seed: Substitute lemon zest and poppy seeds to give a tangy flavor.
Almond Cream Swirl: Use almond extract instead of vanilla and swirl in almond paste for a nutty experience.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftover brioche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Special Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Whisk
Rolling pin
Plastic wrap
Baking sheet

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen chocolate chips, but fresh is always better for texture.

Q2: Is this brioche healthy?
While it contains rich ingredients, enjoy it as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

Q3: Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day before and refrigerate it overnight for the first rise.

Q4: How can I customize flavors?
Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for unique flavors.

Q5: Can I bake this as rolls instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the rolled dough into smaller pieces and bake them on a baking sheet for delicious brioche rolls.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cream & Chocolate Chip Swirled Brioche is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful taste experience. With its rich flavors and soft texture, it’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting daily treat. You’ll find it irresistible, so get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning recipe!