Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Nothing beats the comforting delight of a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche. This treat combines the pillowy softness of brioche bread with luscious vanilla custard and bursts of rich chocolate chips, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you want a morning indulgence or an elegant dessert, this recipe brings joy in every bite, blending creamy custard, sweet dough, and melty chocolate into a perfect treat you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Exceptional Softness: The brioche dough is incredibly light and fluffy, making every bite melt effortlessly.
• Creamy Custard Center: Homemade vanilla custard fills the brioche with smooth, rich flavor that elevates the entire experience.
• Chocolate-Chip Goodness: Gently folded chocolate chips add bursts of sweet, melty delight throughout the bread.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this brioche fits seamlessly into any time of day.
• Impress Without Stress: The recipe is surprisingly approachable, allowing even beginner bakers to create a bakery-worthy masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche requires a handful of simple, quality ingredients, each carefully chosen to build perfect flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of eggs and butter to the sweetness of sugar and chocolate, every component plays a vital role in crafting this incredible treat.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb when combined with eggs and butter.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise, contributing to its fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the richness of the custard and chocolate chips.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers moistness and richness, melting perfectly into the dough.
• Whole Eggs: Enhance the dough’s elasticity and impart a lovely golden color.
• Milk: Activates the yeast and softens the dough for that tender bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for melty pockets of joy.
• Heavy Cream: For the custard’s luscious creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s incredibly versatile and adapts well based on what you have or prefer. Experimenting with variations helps make this recipe your own delicious signature treat.

• Almond Twist: Add almond extract to the custard and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty finish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk and butter with alternatives to enjoy a dairy-free brioche without sacrificing flavor.
• Fruit-Infused: Mix in fresh berries or dried fruit chunks along with chocolate chips for a fruity burst in every bite.
• Spiced Delight: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough for a warm, inviting aroma.
• Extra Chocolate Love: Use white or dark chocolate chips to switch up the chocolate flavor profile while keeping the luscious custard intact.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

Start by warming milk and cream in a saucepan until just steaming. Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale, then slowly combine with the warm milk mixture. Return to the heat and stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and chill the custard to let it set.

Step 2: Make the Brioche Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Combine with flour, sugar, eggs, salt, and softened butter. Knead the mixture until elastic and smooth, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Brioche

Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the chilled vanilla custard evenly over the dough, then sprinkle generously with chocolate chips. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into buns or arrange as preferred in a baking dish.

Step 4: Final Proof and Bake

Allow the assembled brioche to proof again until puffed, about 30-45 minutes. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top with a firm but soft texture inside.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

• Perfect Dough Temperature: Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to protect yeast viability for a good rise.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the custard before spreading makes handling easier and prevents soggy dough.
• Knead Thoroughly: Invest time kneading to develop gluten which brings out the signature brioche fluffiness.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality chips for better melting and flavor bursts.
• Patience with Proofing: Proper rising time ensures the brioche is light, airy, and tender rather than dense.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze to enhance presentation and add extra sweetness without overpowering the custard and chocolate.

Side Dishes

Enjoy your brioche with fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy custard and chocolate flavor without heaviness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm in individual ramekins, or slice and toast lightly for a delightful breakfast treat. You can even turn it into an elegant bread pudding by layering slices with custard and baking again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brioche tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.

Freezing

Wrap the brioche well in foil and then in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Rewarm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or toast gently to revive the texture while preserving the creamy custard center.

FAQs

Can I use a stand mixer to make the brioche dough?

Absolutely! A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook makes kneading easier and ensures a smooth, elastic dough.

Is it possible to make the custard dairy-free?

Yes, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the dairy, but keep in mind this can slightly change the custard’s texture and flavor.

How do I know when the brioche is fully baked?

The brioche should be deep golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) ensures it’s done.

Can I prep the custard and dough the night before?

Definitely. You can make the custard and refrigerate it overnight; the dough can be prepared as well and left to rise slowly in the fridge.

What’s the best way to prevent custard from leaking during baking?

Chilling the custard thoroughly and sealing the dough edges tightly helps keep the custard inside while baking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever. It feels like a warm hug in every bite, bringing together creamy custard, sweet chocolate, and rich brioche dough into one unforgettable treat. Give it a go and watch it become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!

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