Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, you’ve come to the right place! These Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a true labor of love that will impress your family and friends. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy brioche filled with creamy vanilla custard and sweet chocolate chips—pure bliss! This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend at home or a festive gathering.

I love making these brioches because they bring everyone together. The wonderful aroma wafting through the kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible. Plus, who can resist that golden-brown finish? You’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of chocolate chips and silky vanilla custard creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids and adults alike will enjoy helping with the preparation and, of course, devouring the results!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the custard in advance, making the process easier on busy mornings.
• Perfectly shareable: Each brioche is just the right size for sharing, making them ideal for brunch parties or cozy breakfasts.
• Satisfying baking project: Kneading the dough and watching it rise is a rewarding experience that brings joy to anyone who bakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Let’s gather what you need for your 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add fruit: Incorporate fresh berries or slices of banana into the filling for a fruity twist.
• Try different chocolates: Swap out mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate pieces for variety.
• Infuse flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut to complement the vanilla custard.
• Top with glaze: Drizzle a simple icing sugar glaze over the baked brioches for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Mix briefly to combine. Next, add the beaten eggs and knead at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until you have a thick and smooth dough. Gradually incorporate softened butter while kneading until it becomes dense and slightly sticky—this could take up to 20 minutes! This step is crucial; well-kneaded dough ensures light and airy brioches.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This first rise allows yeast to work its magic, creating those beautiful bubbles that make your brioche fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and butter while adding in the vanilla pod along with its grated seeds. Once bubbling, remove from heat. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Gradually pour hot milk over this mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Return it to heat until thickened into custard before transferring it to a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface so it doesn’t form a skin as it cools.

Step 4: Shape the Brioches

Roll out your dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread cooled custard over half of this rectangle before sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top. Fold over the dough to cover this filling before cutting it into 8 equal rectangles. Place each on parchment-lined baking sheets and let them rise again for about 2 hours.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush risen brioches with your beaten egg mixture before baking them for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The beautiful color indicates they’re ready!

Step 6: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to boil until dissolved completely. Once your brioches are baked to perfection, brush them with warm syrup for that glossy finish—this step adds both sweetness and shine!

Step 7: Serve

Allow your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches to cool completely before serving them up at breakfast or brunch! There’s nothing quite like enjoying these treats fresh out of your kitchen—the smiles they bring are truly priceless.

With this recipe in hand, I hope you find as much joy in making these delightful brioches as I do! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches is a delightful journey, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your brioches turn out perfectly every time!

• Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough well helps develop the gluten, resulting in a beautifully soft and airy texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for that classic brioche feel.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and quality chocolate chips can make a significant difference in flavor and rise. Always check expiration dates to ensure the best results.

• Monitor the rise: Keep an eye on the dough during its first rise. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take longer. A properly risen dough is crucial for fluffy brioches.

• Cool the custard completely: Allowing the custard to cool before spreading it on the dough prevents it from melting and making the brioche soggy. This ensures a perfect filling that holds its shape.

• Brush quickly: When brushing on the sugar syrup after baking, do it while the brioches are warm. This helps the syrup soak in nicely, giving your pastries that coveted shiny finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These delicious brioches are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive brunch with friends. Here are some creative ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a charming aesthetic to your brioches.

• Fresh fruit: Slices of strawberries or blueberries can add a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the custard.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness to your meal, enhancing the flavors of your brioches.

• Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries provides a contrasting texture that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, making for an inviting breakfast or brunch spread.

• Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs offer protein and balance against the sweetness of the brioches, creating a well-rounded meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches will not only taste incredible but also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make the custard in advance and store it, while the brioches freeze beautifully for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, but note that they may dry out slightly.

Freezing

• Allow the 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 from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Remove the wrapping and bake for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• For a softer texture, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark or white chocolate chips according to your taste preference. Just keep in mind that different types of chocolate will alter the overall flavor profile of your brioches.

How long do Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches stay fresh?

These brioches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you freeze them, they will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.

What do I do if my brioche dough doesn’t rise?

If your brioche dough doesn’t rise during the first rise, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. The warmth of your kitchen also plays a role; try placing it in a slightly warm area covered with a damp cloth.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches without eggs?

You can try substituting flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement, but keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly from traditional brioches.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches! They are not just a treat but a labor of love that brings warmth and sweetness to any breakfast or brunch table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—after all, good food is meant to be shared!