Experience the exquisite combination of soft, buttery brioche filled with silky vanilla custard and sprinkled with crunchy praline pieces in our Luxurious Brioche with Vanilla Custard and Crushed Praline. This pastry is a sophisticated twist on the traditional brioche, incorporating rich custard and nutty, sweet praline that elevates it from a simple bread to a decadent dessert. Each element of this recipe is crafted to bring out the best flavors and textures, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Why You'll Love This: This brioche is not just a treat; it's an experience. The dough is tender and airy, enriched with butter and a hint of sweetness, making it melt in your mouth. The custard is creamy and rich, flavored with vanilla and perfectly balanced by the sugary crunch of crushed praline. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress with their baking skills or to enjoy a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of textures and flavors will delight your senses and make this brioche a memorable part of any meal or gathering.
Perfect Occasion: This brioche is perfect for special occasions such as brunch celebrations, holiday gatherings, or as a weekend baking project to share with family. It also makes an elegant addition to a high tea or coffee morning, offering a sophisticated option that pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages from coffee to sparkling wine.
Decoration Tips:
- Before baking, brush the brioche with an egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
- After baking, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to enhance its luxurious feel.
- Garnish with a few extra crushed praline pieces or edible gold leaf for a festive occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 10g fresh yeast or 1 packet of instant dry yeast
- 280g all-purpose flour
- 50g sugar
- 130g lukewarm milk
- A pinch of salt
- 50g soft butter
For the glaze:
- 1 egg yolk
- A splash of milk
For the custard:
- 375g milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 45g cornstarch
- 70g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 40g soft butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all ingredients except the soft butter. Knead the mixture for 5-10 minutes until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Gradually incorporate the soft butter, continuing to knead for another 10-15 minutes until the dough is elastic and can stretch thinly without tearing.
- Let the dough rise covered in a warm place for about 1.5-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
For the custard: 4. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugars, and cornstarch. 5. Gradually pour about one-third of the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook, stirring, until the custard thickens. 6. Remove from heat and stir in the soft butter. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool, then whisk to restore smoothness.
Assembly: 7. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the cooled custard over the dough and sprinkle with crushed praline. 8. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into rounds using a string or sharp knife. 9. Place the rounds in a buttered baking dish, cover with a cloth, and let rise again for 1.5-2 hours. 10. Brush the tops with the egg yolk and milk mixture, then bake in a preheated oven at 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
Enjoy this divine brioche, where every bite is a testament to the pleasures of fine pastry!