Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

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These golden, glossy brioches filled with creamy vanilla custard and studded with melty chocolate chips are the kind of bakery treat you dream about. Soft, airy, and lightly sweet, each bite wraps you in warm, nostalgic comfort. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon coffee companion.

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Homemade brioches may seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks everything down into easy steps so you can recreate that bakery-level magic right in your kitchen. The vanilla custard adds a creamy surprise at the center, while the chocolate chips bring that irresistible melty richness with every pull-apart bite.


What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?

For these pillowy brioches, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips work best. They melt evenly throughout the dough without overpowering the custard center. You can also mix in dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips depending on your flavor preference. For a gourmet twist, chopped chocolate chunks or couverture chocolate elevate the richness.


Ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Bread Flour – Provides the strength and structure needed for the fluffy, airy brioche texture.

Whole Milk – Warmed milk activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb.

Instant Yeast – Makes the dough rise beautifully.

Sugar – A bit of sweetness to balance the custard and chocolate.

Eggs – Richness and binding power; essential to a good brioche.

Unsalted Butter – For that signature richness and soft interior.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances the flavors.

Mini Chocolate Chips – For sweet chocolate pops in every bite.

Vanilla Custard (Pastry Cream) – A creamy, dreamy filling at the center.

Powdered Sugar (for dusting) – Optional, but gives a bakery-style finish.


How To Make the Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Custard

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of milk. Heat the rest of the milk with vanilla, then slowly temper the yolk mixture. Cook until thickened, then chill.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix in eggs and warm milk until a dough forms. Knead in softened butter gradually until smooth and elastic. Let it rise until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Flatten each slightly, add a spoonful of chilled custard, and seal. Arrange in a buttered round dish or baking pan, spacing slightly apart. Top with chocolate chips.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Cover and let the buns rise until puffy. Bake at 350°F until golden brown and glossy. Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.


How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

These brioches are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm to experience the creamy custard and soft texture. However, they store well for a day or two in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that just-baked softness. For longer storage, freeze individually and warm as needed.


What to Serve With Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches?

Fresh Berries

A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds brightness and tartness.

Cappuccino or Café au Lait

The milky coffee complements the brioche’s sweetness perfectly.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

For a light protein-packed contrast to the richness.

Orange Marmalade

A little citrus tang goes a long way against the custard and chocolate.

Scrambled Eggs with Herbs

If serving for brunch, savory eggs make a nice counterbalance.


Want More Brioche and Sweet Bread Ideas?

If you adore these custard-filled brioches, don’t miss these other delightful recipes:


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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added orange zest to the custard or a drizzle of ganache? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your ideas and tips in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.


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Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 brioches
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Get ready to impress with these Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioches—pillowy, buttery buns with a creamy vanilla custard core and studded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch with friends, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. These are easy to make at home and taste like they came straight from a French bakery. Whether you’re after cozy breakfast ideas, sweet brunch recipes, or easy dessert recipes, these brioches check all the boxes. Add them to your list of delicious food ideas for special occasions or everyday indulgence.


Ingredients

3 cups bread flour

1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups vanilla custard (pastry cream, chilled)

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)


Instructions

1. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of milk.

2. Heat the rest of the milk with vanilla, then slowly temper the yolk mixture.

3. Cook until thickened, then chill the custard.

4. In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

5. Add eggs and warm milk, mixing until a dough forms.

6. Knead in softened butter until smooth and elastic.

7. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

8. Punch down and divide dough into equal portions.

9. Flatten each piece, spoon custard in the center, and seal.

10. Place in a buttered baking pan with space between.

11. Top each bun with chocolate chips.

12. Cover and let rise until puffy.

13. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

14. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Make sure the custard is fully chilled before filling to avoid a runny center.

For extra shine, brush tops with egg wash before baking.

  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brioche
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chocolate chip brioche, vanilla custard buns, brioche recipe, sweet bread, bakery style

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