Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends, look no further! These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. The soft and fluffy brioche dough paired with creamy vanilla custard and rich chocolate chips makes for a perfect combination. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast at home or a festive brunch gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.

What truly makes these brioches special is the blend of textures and flavors. The buttery brioche envelops a luscious vanilla custard that melts in your mouth, while the mini chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is so close to my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla custard and chocolate chips creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these brioches; they’re great for any occasion!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the custard in advance, making it easy to whip up fresh brioches when you’re ready.
• Fun to Make Together: This recipe is perfect for baking with loved ones; everyone can join in on the fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need fancy ingredients for these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches—just some simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need:

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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Different Fillings: Instead of chocolate chips, try using dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Extracts: Swap out vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract in the custard for a different twist.
• Top with Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing over the baked brioches for an extra sweet touch.
• Make Mini Brioches: Shape smaller portions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavors before adding wet ingredients. Then, add the beaten eggs and knead at medium speed until the dough thickens and becomes smooth—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Butter and Knead

Now comes the fun part! Gradually incorporate the softened butter into your dough. Kneading well is crucial here; it develops gluten which gives your brioches their lovely texture. Keep kneading until your dough is dense, smooth, and just slightly sticky—a process that could take up to 20 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size—this should take around 2 hours. This step allows the yeast to do its magic, creating those fluffy pockets we love in brioche.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard

While waiting for the dough to rise, let’s make some delicious vanilla custard! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and butter along with the split vanilla pod and its seeds. Once it bubbles gently, remove from heat. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Milk Mixture with Egg Mixture

Gradually pour your hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously—a crucial step to avoid scrambling those eggs! Return everything back to heat and keep whisking until it thickens into a velvety custard. Transfer it into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching its surface; then chill it in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Shape the Brioches

Roll out your beautifully risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread half of this rectangle with your cooled custard generously. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before folding over half of the dough to cover this delicious filling.

Step 7: Cut & Rise Again

Cut this folded dough into eight equal rectangles—these will become our delightful brioches! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to rise again for about two hours; this second rise is important for achieving lightness.

Step 8: Brush & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush each risen brioche with beaten egg mixed with yolk. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 9: Prepare Sugar Syrup

As they bake, make a quick sugar syrup by boiling water with sugar until dissolved. Once baked to perfection, brush each brioche with this syrup while they’re still warm—it gives them that glossy finish we all admire.

Step 10: Serve

Allow your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches to cool completely before serving. They’re perfect as part of your breakfast or brunch spread—and trust me; everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Baking these delightful brioches is an enjoyable journey! Here are some tips to ensure your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast gives your dough a wonderful rise and light texture. If you can’t find fresh yeast, you can substitute it with active dry yeast, but be sure to activate it in warm water first.

• Knead Thoroughly: A well-kneaded dough is the key to achieving that classic brioche fluffiness. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic – this helps develop the gluten structure needed for a beautiful rise.

• Chill Your Custard: Cooling your custard before spreading it on the dough helps prevent the dough from getting soggy. Plus, a chilled custard is easier to handle and spreads beautifully!

• Let Them Rise: Patience is essential! Allowing the brioches to rise adequately ensures they are fluffy and airy. Don’t rush this step; watch them grow!

• Brush Generously with Syrup: The final sugar syrup brush not only gives your brioches a lovely glossy finish but also adds a hint of sweetness that complements the rich custard and chocolate.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These brioches are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a cozy breakfast at home. Here’s how you can serve them up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that enhances the overall presentation.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brioche.
• Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of mint add not just color but also a refreshing aroma that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a light, refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of the brioches. It’s also packed with vitamins!
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fruit for an added crunch and creaminess that complements the brioches perfectly.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing your brioches with freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea makes for an ideal breakfast experience, enhancing flavors while keeping things cozy.
• Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl filled with your favorite fruits and topped with nuts or seeds offers a nutritious side dish that balances out the sweetness of the brioches.

Enjoy crafting these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! They’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious treats throughout the week. You can make the brioche dough and custard ahead of time, allowing for fresh, warm brioches whenever you desire.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brioches to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can be stored for up to 2 days without losing their delightful texture.

Freezing

• Wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped brioches in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Remove the brioches from the wrapping and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delectable treats.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches without fresh yeast?

Yes! You can substitute fresh yeast with active dry yeast. Use about half the amount and dissolve it in warm water before adding it to your ingredients.

How do I know when my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are done baking?

The brioches should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, they will have a lovely rise and a wonderful aroma when baked perfectly.

What can I use instead of whole milk in the custard?

You can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a great alternative for making your vanilla custard. Just ensure that it’s unsweetened to keep your custard balanced.

How can I enhance the flavor of my custard?

Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! They are not only delightful but also versatile, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and sharing these treats with loved ones will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste—happy baking!