Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends, then you have to try these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it brings together the rich flavors of buttery brioche dough and creamy vanilla custard, all topped with the irresistible sweetness of mini chocolate chips. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive brunch gathering, these brioches are sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in the joyful process of making them. The dough rises to fluffy perfection while you prepare the velvety custard, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Trust me, once you make these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, they will become a beloved staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of vanilla custard and chocolate chips creates a heavenly flavor that everyone will adore.
• Fun to make: There’s something magical about watching dough rise and transform into soft, fluffy brioches.
• Perfect for sharing: These brioches are great for gatherings, allowing you to share warmth and sweetness with your loved ones.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the custard in advance, making this recipe even more convenient for busy mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these essentials to embark on your baking adventure:

For the Brioche Dough:

• 2 cups + 1 tablespoon (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10g fresh yeast, crumbled
• 3 large eggs (150g), beaten
• 2/3 cup (165g) unsalted butter, softened and diced

For the Vanilla Custard (Pastry Cream):

• 1 cup + 2 teaspoons (25 cl) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 vanilla pod
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 3 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Filling and Brushing:

• 3/4 cup (120g) mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 ml) water
• 1 large egg + 1 yolk, beaten

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks if you’re looking for a different twist.
• Try fruit fillings: Swap out some of the chocolate chips for fresh berries or sliced bananas; they pair beautifully with the custard.
• Infuse flavors: Experiment by adding a hint of almond extract or orange zest to the custard for an exciting flavor boost.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Mixing briefly helps activate the yeast evenly throughout the dry ingredients. Next, add in the beaten eggs and knead at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything comes together into a thick batter. Gradually add in the softened butter while kneading until you achieve a dense and slightly sticky dough – this process can take up to 20 minutes but is essential for that perfect brioche texture!

Step 2: First Rise

Cover your beautiful dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial as it allows air to create those light and airy pockets within your brioche.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

While your dough rises, it’s time to whip up that dreamy vanilla custard! In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter together with the vanilla pod and its grated seeds until it bubbles enticingly. Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks with sugar, cornstarch, and flour in another bowl. Pour that hot milk mixture over the eggs while whisking continuously – this creates a smooth custard base! Return it to heat until thickened—this ensures richness in every bite!

Step 4: Shape the Brioches

Once your dough has risen perfectly, roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of your cooled custard over one side of the dough before sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top. Fold over the other side of dough to cover that delicious filling completely. Carefully cut into eight equal rectangles and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise again for another two hours so they can puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush those risen beauties with your beaten egg mixture—it gives them that lovely golden color when baked! Bake for around 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown; trust me—the aroma will have everyone waiting eagerly at the kitchen door.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Syrup

While they bake away into perfection, prepare a simple sugar syrup by boiling water with sugar until dissolved. Once baked, brush each brioche generously with warm syrup for an irresistible glossy finish.

Step 7: Serve

Let those tempting brioches cool completely on a wire rack before serving. They make an excellent addition to any breakfast spread or brunch table—enjoy every mouthful!

With just these few steps, you’ll be on your way to creating delightful Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches that are sure to impress! Enjoy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can help elevate your baking game!

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring your ingredients ensures that your brioche dough rises perfectly and has the right texture. Use a kitchen scale for best results.

• Knead Until Smooth: Kneading the dough well is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the brioche its characteristic fluffy structure. A smooth, elastic dough will yield the best results.

• Let Dough Rise Properly: Patience is key when allowing the dough to rise. Make sure it doubles in size during the first rise, as this contributes to the lightness of your brioches.

• Cool Custard Completely: Ensure the vanilla custard is completely cooled before spreading it onto the dough. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft and makes it easier to handle.

• Brush with Sugar Syrup Immediately: Applying sugar syrup while your brioches are still warm gives them a beautiful shiny finish and enhances their sweetness, making them even more irresistible!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These delicious brioches are not just a treat for your taste buds; they look stunning on any breakfast or brunch table. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and acidity that balances the richness of the brioche.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top can add an extra layer of indulgence and creaminess to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with a mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich brioche.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome addition that pairs nicely with the sweet flavors of the brioches.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements these pastries perfectly, making them ideal for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
• Smoothie Bowl: Serve alongside a smoothie bowl filled with greens and fruits for a nutritious balance that adds variety to your meal.

With these presentation ideas and serving suggestions, your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every luscious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious pastries throughout the week without the last-minute rush. Here’s how to store and preserve their delightful taste.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the brioches in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can be kept for up to 2 days.
• Avoid refrigerating them, as this can dry them out.

Freezing

• Allow the brioches to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each brioche tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of brioches from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in the brioches?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. Just make sure they’re suitable for your dietary needs.

How do I ensure my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches turn out fluffy?

Kneading your dough thoroughly is key! Ensure it becomes dense and slightly sticky before letting it rise. This step helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes! The vanilla custard can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This makes assembling your brioches even easier!

What type of flour works best for these brioches?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe as it provides the right balance of structure and softness needed for fluffy brioches.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches as much as I do! They’re not just delicious but also bring a touch of French pastry magic to your breakfast or brunch table. Whether you share them with loved ones or savor them all by yourself, I’m sure they’ll bring joy with every bite. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your own twists on this recipe!