Soft, rich, bakery-style indulgence
If you’re dreaming of a bakery-quality treat at home, this Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche is pure magic. Buttery, pillowy brioche dough meets a silky vanilla custard filling and melty chocolate chips for the ultimate sweet indulgence. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend baking project, this recipe feels luxurious but is totally doable in your own kitchen. The combination of soft bread, creamy filling, and chocolatey goodness makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a make-ahead-friendly recipe—ideal for busy mornings when you still want something special!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
📝 Ingredients List
For the brioche dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the vanilla custard:
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rolling pin
- Baking pan
- Measuring cups & spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dough
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk and eggs, then knead until smooth. Gradually add butter and continue kneading until soft and elastic (10–12 minutes). Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours) 😊 - Prepare the custard
In a saucepan, heat milk until warm. In another bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Slowly pour warm milk into the mixture while whisking, then return to the pan. Cook on medium heat until thick and creamy. Stir in vanilla and let cool 🍮 - Shape the brioche
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread cooled custard evenly, then sprinkle chocolate chips on top 🍫 - Roll and arrange
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice, or fold into a loaf shape. Place in a greased baking pan. - Second rise
Let the shaped dough rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. - Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through ✨ - Cool & serve
Let cool slightly before slicing—enjoy warm for the best gooey texture!
💡 Pro Tips
- Smooth custard: Strain it if needed for extra silkiness.
- Don’t overfill: Too much custard can make shaping tricky.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days due to custard.
- Reheat: Warm gently to bring back softness.
🔄 Variations
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist
- Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks
- Top with a light sugar glaze for extra sweetness
❓ FAQ
Why is my brioche dense?
It may not have risen long enough or was over-floured.
Can I make this overnight?
Yes! Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze without custard for best texture.