Indulge in the delicate flavors of these Vanilla Custard Brioche Swirls, where soft, fluffy dough meets the rich, creamy texture of homemade custard. Enhanced with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla, these pastries are not just treats for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Each swirl is crafted to perfection, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweet dough and velvety custard in every bite.
Why You'll Love This: These brioches strike the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The custard filling adds a luxurious depth to the airy brioche, making each swirl irresistibly soft and moist. The addition of lemon zest brings a refreshing brightness that cuts through the sweetness, providing a complex flavor profile that's sophisticated yet comforting.
Perfect Occasion: These custard brioches are perfect for brunches, high tea, or as a special treat during family gatherings. They are also ideal for festive occasions or as a refined dessert at dinner parties. Their elegant appearance and exquisite taste make them suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, brush each brioche with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, glossy crust. Sprinkle granulated sugar for a slight crunch. Once baked, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 215 g of all-purpose flour
- 215 g of bread flour
- 180 ml of milk, lukewarm
- 2 eggs
- 40 g of sugar
- 40 g of butter, room temperature
- 2 g of dry yeast (or 6 g of fresh yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For the Custard:
- 250 ml of milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 60 g of sugar
- 20 g of cornstarch
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For Brushing and Decorating:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk
- Granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly with a fork.
- Gradually incorporate sifted flours and salt, stirring initially with a spoon then kneading on a floured surface.
- Incorporate butter in pieces until fully integrated into the dough.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let rise in a turned-off oven with the light on for at least 3 hours.
- Make the Custard:
- Heat milk with lemon zest and vanilla. Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Gradually pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture, then return to heat and whisk until thickened. Cool before using.
- Shape the Swirls:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 10 pieces. Roll each into a long strip, coil into swirls, and place on a baking sheet.
- Let rise in the turned-off oven for an additional hour.
- Bake:
- Brush swirls with egg wash, fill the crevices with custard, and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Enjoy these luxurious Vanilla Custard Brioche Swirls, a perfect blend of soft brioche and creamy custard, ideal for any pastry enthusiast looking for a touch of sophistication in their culinary creations!