Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to any breakfast or brunch table, look no further! These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are not just any pastry; they are a warm hug in dessert form. With their soft, fluffy dough and luscious vanilla custard filling, each bite is a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to indulge on a cozy weekend morning, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home.

The beauty of these brioches lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich chocolate chips meld beautifully with the smooth custard, creating an experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the process of making them can be a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making this recipe accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the combination of chocolate and creamy custard.
• Make-Ahead Option: The custard can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy mornings.
• Impressive Presentation: These brioches look as stunning as they taste, perfect for special occasions!
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or later; they are delightful either way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of what makes this recipe so special. Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches:

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

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to play around with flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the custard for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Flavor: Fold in some chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds along with the chocolate chips for added crunch.
• Fruit Filling: Substitute chocolate chips with seasonal fruits such as berries for a fruity version.
• Spice it Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the brioche dough can add warmth and depth.

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 these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavors. Then add the beaten eggs and knead at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes thick and smooth. This initial mixing is crucial as it sets up the structure of your brioches.

Gradually incorporate the softened butter into your dough while kneading until it’s dense, smooth, and slightly sticky. Don’t rush this step—it may take up to 20 minutes but will pay off with beautifully textured brioches!

Step 2: First Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! Allowing it to rise properly gives your brioches that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

While your dough rises, it’s time to make that luscious custard! In a saucepan, heat together milk and butter while adding the vanilla pod and grated seeds. Once bubbling, remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour.

Now comes an essential step—gradually pour hot milk over your egg mixture while whisking continuously. This technique prevents scrambling your eggs! Return everything back to heat and whisk until thickened into custard before transferring it to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching its surface so it doesn’t form a skin while cooling.

Step 4: Shape the Brioches

Roll out your risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread that cooled custard over half of it generously—this is where those rich flavors come together! Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before folding over the dough to encase all that goodness.

Cut into eight equal rectangles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise again for about 2 hours until puffed up beautifully.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush those beautifully risen brioches with your beaten egg mixture—this will give them that gorgeous golden color as they bake! Pop them into the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring water and sugar to boil until dissolved. Once you take those brioches out of the oven, brush them gently with warm sugar syrup for that irresistible glossy finish.

Step 7: Serve

Allow your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches to cool completely before serving. They shine at breakfast or brunch tables but also make an excellent afternoon snack! Enjoy every delicious bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Making the perfect Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve that bakery-quality result at home!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active; this makes a significant difference in the dough’s rise and texture.

• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough until it is smooth and slightly sticky is essential for developing gluten, which gives the brioches their lovely structure.

• Temperature Matters: Allow your dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This helps it to double in size more effectively, resulting in airy brioches.

• Chill the Custard: Make sure your custard is completely cooled before spreading it on the dough. A warm custard can cause the dough to become overly soft and difficult to handle.

• Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your brioches while they bake; every oven is different. Look for a golden-brown color, which indicates they are perfectly baked!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These delightful brioches are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to present them for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your brioches.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a pop of color and freshness.
• Mint Leaves: Adding a sprig of mint as a garnish can enhance both appearance and flavor, giving a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad combines various seasonal fruits, providing a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the brioches.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the sweet custard-filled pastries beautifully.
• Coffee or Tea: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or tea enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to savor each bite.
• Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds creates an engaging side dish that pairs well with breakfast or brunch gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! Enjoy every moment spent baking—and eating!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious pastries anytime you want. Whether you want to prepare the custard ahead of time or save some brioches for later, these tips will help you keep your treats fresh and ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them (see below).

Freezing

• Allow brioches to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen brioches, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and warm the brioches for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches that might help you out!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will give your brioches a unique flavor twist.

How do I store Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped.

Can I make the custard ahead of time for my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Yes! You can prepare the vanilla custard a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

What’s the best way to serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

These delightful brioches are perfect as a breakfast treat or brunch addition. Enjoy them fresh, or reheat slightly for a warm indulgence!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe shines as a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch table! The combination of soft brioche filled with creamy vanilla custard and chocolate chips is truly special. Take your time while making these treats, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—everyone will love indulging in these sweet pastries. Happy baking!