Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

If you’ve ever dreamed of a pastry that combines fluffy, golden brioche with silky vanilla custard and pockets of melty chocolate chips, then Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are the answer. These delightful treats offer the perfect harmony of sweet, creamy, and soft textures, making them utterly irresistible for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence. The rich custard filling and specks of chocolate nestled within the tender brioche create an experience that’s both familiar and delightfully elevated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, buttery texture: The brioche dough is incredibly tender and rich, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll crave.
• Decadent custard center: The vanilla custard adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly balances the dough’s richness.
• Chocolate chips surprise: Each bite holds bursts of semi-sweet chocolate, adding texture and flavor.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy these brioches warm for a comforting breakfast or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
• Impressively simple: Although gourmet in appearance and taste, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward and approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches. The balance of simple pantry basics and fresh components is what makes this dish truly special, yielding flavors and textures that blend seamlessly.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the brioche dough.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness, essential for the buttery brioche crumb.
• Eggs: Contribute to the dough’s color, richness, and help with leavening.
• Instant yeast: Fluffs up the brioche, ensuring it’s light yet substantial.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the custard naturally.
• Whole milk: Moisturizes the dough and custard, creating creaminess.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Small pockets of melty chocolate that contrast the creamy custard.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Gives the custard its thick, smooth consistency.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Feel free to make these brioches your own by experimenting with flavors and ingredients. This recipe is flexible and adapts well to all kinds of preferences or dietary tweaks.

• Chocolate types: Swap semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate to vary the sweetness and intensity.
• Fruit additions: Add fresh berries or dried fruits into the custard for a fruity twist.
• Dairy alternatives: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk to make the custard dairy-free.
• Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Nut toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pistachios on top before baking for crunch and color.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

Begin by warming the milk slightly and dissolving the yeast and a pinch of sugar in it. Let it activate until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and activated yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then slowly incorporate softened butter, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a warm towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot. The dough should double in size, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Custard

While the dough rises, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Warm milk and vanilla extract in a saucepan until just under boiling. Slowly pour heated milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return mixture to the pan and cook over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Brioches

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into individual portions. Spoon a dollop of vanilla custard onto each piece, sprinkle with chocolate chips, and fold or roll the dough to encase the filling completely.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Place the filled brioches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake brioches for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, turning the tray halfway through for even color.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

• Room temperature ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for smoother dough mixing and better rise.
• Don’t rush the rise: Allow adequate rising time to develop flavor and create a tender crumb.
• Custard consistency: Make sure your custard is thick enough so it won’t leak out during baking.
• Seal tightly: Pinch dough edges firmly around the filling to prevent custard and chocolate from oozing out.
• Egg wash for shine: Brush the tops with beaten egg before baking for a glossy, golden finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Garnishes

Freshly dust powdered sugar over warm brioches for an elegant touch or drizzle with a light vanilla glaze to elevate their sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the richness of the brioche and custard.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for an indulgent brunch, or chill and slice them for an elegant addition to dessert buffets or afternoon teas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brioches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

Wrap individual brioches tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or serving.

Reheating

Warm brioches in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes or in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to restore softness and revive the custard’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

While homemade custard offers a fresher, richer flavor, you can substitute with high-quality store-bought custard if pressed for time.

Are Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, once completely cooled, they freeze well and maintain their texture and taste after reheating.

Can I make these brioches dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.

How long does the dough take to rise?

Typically, the dough needs about 1 to 2 hours to double in size, but it may vary based on room temperature.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor, either mixed into the custard or sprinkled on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are truly a crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting charm of homemade brioche with luscious vanilla custard and melty chocolate goodness. They’re not only a feast for your taste buds but also a rewarding baking project you’ll want to revisit. So go ahead, whip up a batch and delight yourself and your loved ones with this irresistible treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

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