Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are an irresistible treat that combines soft, fluffy brioche dough with a creamy vanilla custard and delightful mini chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these brioches offer a unique twist on traditional pastries that everyone will love. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of chocolate and vanilla creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The brioche dough ensures a light and airy pastry that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these brioches warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the custard in advance to save time on busy mornings.
• Impressive Presentation: These brioches look stunning on any table, making them perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches successfully, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process and achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool takes the hard work out of kneading the dough, ensuring it’s perfectly mixed.
• Paddle attachment: Ideal for combining ingredients without overworking the dough, leading to a lighter brioche.
• Saucepan: Necessary for cooking the custard to achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps stretch the dough evenly so you can fill it with custard and chocolate chips flawlessly.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
1. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and crumbled yeast. Mix briefly to combine.
2. Add the beaten eggs to the mixture.
3. Knead at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until thick and smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate softened butter while kneading until dense and slightly sticky.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the dough with plastic wrap:
– Let it rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a saucepan:
1. Heat milk and butter while adding the vanilla pod and grated seeds. Remove from heat once bubbling.
2. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour.
3. Gradually pour hot milk over egg mixture while whisking continuously.
4. Return to heat; whisk until thickened into custard. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cooled.

Step 4: Shape the Brioches

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle:
– Spread cooled custard over half of it.
– Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
– Fold dough over filling; cut into 8 equal rectangles.
– Place on parchment-lined baking sheet; let rise for 2 hours.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C):
– Brush risen brioches with beaten egg mixture before baking for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan:
– Bring water and sugar to boil until dissolved.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked:
– Brush warm sugar syrup over brioches for a glossy finish.
– Let cool completely before serving; enjoy as part of breakfast or brunch!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these brioches offer versatility that will please anyone who takes a bite.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your brioches with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich custard perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the brioches enhances the chocolate chip experience.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these treats with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack.

Topped with Icing Sugar

• A light dusting of icing sugar gives an elegant touch while adding just enough sweetness.

Served Warm

• These brioches are best served warm straight from the oven or lightly reheated for that fresh-baked taste.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

To create the ideal Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, follow these tips for success. They will help you achieve fluffy and flavorful results every time.

• Knead Thoroughly: Ensure the dough is kneaded well until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten for better texture.

• Temperature Matters: Allow the brioche dough to rise in a warm environment. If it’s too cold, the dough may not rise properly.

• Chill the Custard: Refrigerating the custard helps it set properly. It should be cool before spreading on the dough to prevent it from soaking through.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and real vanilla pods. They make a significant difference in flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Sugar Syrup: Brushing on sugar syrup after baking gives your brioches a beautiful gloss and extra sweetness.

• Store Correctly: For best freshness, store brioches in an airtight container. While they are best eaten fresh, they can last up to 2 days.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing contrast and balances out sweetness.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for added protein and crunch alongside your sweet brioche.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs add savory richness that pairs well with sweet pastries.

4. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toast offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the brioches.

5. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds creates a nutritious side dish full of vitamins.

6. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide a savory dimension to complement the sweet flavors of the brioches.

7. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can be an easy grab-and-go side option that kids will love too.

8. Coconut Chia Pudding: This light and creamy pudding adds an exotic flair while remaining healthy and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your brioches turn out perfectly.

• Bold Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to poor texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold Kneading: Skipping the kneading process can leave your dough dense. Knead until smooth and slightly sticky for the best results.
• Bold Rising Time: Cutting the rising time short will affect the fluffiness of your brioches. Allow sufficient time for the dough to double in size.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before baking.
• Bold Cooling Process: Serving brioches too soon can result in a soggy texture. Let them cool completely before serving for optimal enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

• Wrap each brioche individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches that may help you during your baking journey.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brioche dough and custard in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to bake.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

Mini chocolate chips work best as they melt evenly throughout the brioche, providing delightful pockets of chocolate flavor.

How long do Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches last?

They taste best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I customize my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Absolutely! You can add different fillings like fruit preserves or nuts, or even use dark chocolate instead of mini chips.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t rise, consider increasing the rising time or ensuring your environment is warm enough for fermentation.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or fillings. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends!