Raspberry Brioche with Creamy Pastry Cream Filling

These Raspberry Brioche buns are a delightful blend of soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry compote and a luscious pastry cream. The dough is light and airy with hints of vanilla and lemon zest, perfectly complementing the richness of the crème pâtissière. Each bite is a balance of creamy and fruity flavors wrapped in golden brioche perfection. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these brioche buns are sure to impress with their flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This:

These brioche buns are perfect for when you want something indulgent yet not overly sweet. The dough is soft, buttery, and subtly flavored with lemon zest, while the homemade raspberry filling adds a fresh, tangy twist. The addition of the rich pastry cream elevates the buns to the next level of decadence. They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends, and the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Perfect Occasion:

These Raspberry Brioche buns are ideal for a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet breakfast treat. They also make a fantastic dessert option when you want something unique but not too heavy. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply want to spoil your loved ones, these brioche buns are a versatile option that can be served warm or at room temperature.

Decoration Tips:

After baking, dust the brioche buns with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant, bakery-like finish. You can also drizzle a little bit of raspberry syrup over the top for added flavor and a vibrant pop of color. If you want to go the extra mile, pipe a swirl of pastry cream on top of each bun before serving, and garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest to highlight the flavors inside.

Ingredients for Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (not a full packet)
• Approximately 4 cups of flour (adjust based on texture; dough should be soft and slightly sticky)

Instructions for Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and sugars. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast begins to bubble.
2. Stir in the lemon zest, oil, and room-temperature egg until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, so adjust the flour as needed.
4. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in a warm place, allowing it to rise.
5. Once rested, roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Brush the tops of the dough circles with an egg yolk mixed with a bit of vinegar for a golden finish when baked.
7. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and bake the buns for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Ingredients for Raspberry Filling:

• 1 cup raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions for Raspberry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens into a compote-like consistency. Set aside to cool.

Ingredients for Crème Pâtissière:

• 500 ml milk
• 2 tablespoons pastry cream powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions for Crème Pâtissière:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, pastry cream powder, and sugar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Assembling the Brioche:

1. Once the brioche buns have cooled slightly, use a piping bag or spoon to fill the center of each bun with the raspberry mixture.
2. Top each bun with a generous portion of crème pâtissière.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy:

Serve these Raspberry Brioche buns slightly warm for the best experience, with the creamy pastry filling and the tangy raspberry compote melding perfectly with the soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for sharing, or enjoy one (or two!) as a personal treat!