The Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche is a luscious treat that combines the softness of buttery brioche bread with the creamy sweetness of vanilla custard and the delightful bursts of rich chocolate chips. This recipe creates an indulgent yet approachable dessert or breakfast option that enchants with every bite. Perfectly golden, tender, and filled with luxurious flavors, Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche is the kind of dish that turns ordinary moments into special memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Soft Texture: The brioche dough is enriched with butter and eggs for a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth feel that’s perfect for any time of day.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet vanilla custard blends seamlessly with semi-sweet chocolate chips to deliver a rich yet harmonious taste.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether served warm for breakfast or as a dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using pantry staples, this recipe packs complex flavors without overwhelming your kitchen or budget.
Great for Customization: There’s room to tweak the chocolate level, custard richness, and even add fruits or nuts to match your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, bringing the perfect taste, texture, and color to your Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche. Using fresh, high-quality basics ensures the best results for this delightfully rich treat.

Brioche Flour: Preferably bread flour or all-purpose for a soft, tender crumb with just the right strength.
Butter: Unsalted and softened, it adds richness and a velvety texture to the dough.
Eggs: Large eggs enrich the dough and contribute to its light, airy structure.
Milk: Whole milk helps create tender dough and an ultra-creamy custard base.
Vanilla Bean or Extract: Fresh vanilla imparts a sweet, aromatic depth essential for the custard filling.
Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for delicious bursts of flavor throughout the brioche.
Sugar: Granulated for sweetness and a hint of caramelization in the brioche crust.
Yeast: Active dry or instant, the key to a soft and fluffy brioche rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Feel free to make this Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche your own! It’s wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor the flavors, add dietary twists, or switch textures while keeping the recipe’s core appeal intact.

Fruit Infusion: Add fresh berries or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to complement the chocolate chips perfectly.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut or vegan butter to keep it creamy and indulgent.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Variations: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or chunks of your favorite bar.
Flavor Twists: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom in the custard for a warming, aromatic touch.

Why Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche Wins

How to Make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

Begin by mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until combined, then slowly add to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough thoroughly, adding softened butter gradually until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard

While the dough rises, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan. Warm the milk and vanilla extract, then slowly pour it into the yolk mixture while stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat until it thickens to a creamy custard consistency. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Brioche

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread the cooled vanilla custard evenly on top, then scatter the chocolate chips across. Roll the dough into a loaf shape, seal edges, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Allow it to rise again until puffy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the brioche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before slicing to reveal the custard and chocolate chips swirled beautifully inside.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and optimal yeast activation for a better rise.
Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough ample time to double; this creates the light, fluffy texture brioche is known for.
Chill Your Custard Thoroughly: This prevents it from melting too quickly during baking and keeps flavors intact.
Grease Your Pan Well: Prevents sticking and helps the brioche brown evenly.
Test for Doneness with a Skewer: Insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, not raw dough.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Garnishes

Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a thin glaze made from vanilla and powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds a hint of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the rich flavors of the brioche perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm slices layered with melted chocolate or spread a thin layer of fruit jam underneath the custard for a fruity surprise; even sandwich slices with creamy mascarpone for a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche soft and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

Freeze the brioche by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer bag; it stays fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave (around 20 seconds) to revive the softness and enhance the custard’s creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based alternatives and using vegan butter and egg replacers, you can make a delicious vegan version.

How long does the dough need to rise?

Typically, the dough should rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Ambient temperature can affect this time.

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

Absolutely, but homemade custard brings a fresher, richer flavor and texture that really elevates the brioche.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide the best contrast to the sweet custard, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s straightforward with clear steps, perfect for anyone wanting to explore baking enriched breads with a sweet twist.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche is a dreamy combination of fluffy bread, luscious custard, and melty chocolate, sure to become a favorite indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a warm, inviting experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. So grab your apron and enjoy the magic of baking this unforgettable sweet brioche!

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche

Print Recipe

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche is a luscious, soft, and fluffy buttery bread filled with creamy homemade vanilla custard and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this indulgent recipe combines rich flavors and tender textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 3 hours (including rising and custard chilling time)
Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy

Ingredients

Scale

Brioche Dough

3 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp active dry or instant yeast (1 packet)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Vanilla Custard Filling

4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
1 vanilla bean (seeds) or 1 tsp vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Brioche Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and warmed milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until combined. Knead the dough thoroughly, gradually adding softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
Make the Vanilla Custard: While the dough rises, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Warm the milk with vanilla bean seeds or extract, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture while stirring continuously. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Assemble the Brioche: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Evenly spread the cooled vanilla custard over the dough, then scatter chocolate chips across the custard layer. Carefully roll the dough into a loaf shape, sealing the edges. Place the loaf into a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise again until puffy, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brioche for 30 to 35 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Test doneness by inserting a skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool slightly before slicing to reveal the custard and chocolate swirls inside.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure better mixing and yeast activation.
Allow the dough enough time to rise fully for optimal fluffiness.
Chill the custard thoroughly to prevent melting during baking.
Properly grease your pan to avoid sticking and promote even browning.
Check brioche doneness with a skewer test for perfect baking results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 80g)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chocolate chip brioche, vanilla custard brioche, custard-filled brioche, chocolate chip bread, sweet brioche loaf, breakfast brioche, dessert bread