These buttery brioche swirls are filled with tangy raspberry preserves and creamy almond frangipane, topped with flaked almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. Soft, golden, and delightfully rich, they are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or an indulgent breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Raspberry Almond Brioche Swirls combine the pillowy texture of enriched dough with the sweet-tart punch of raspberry and the nutty depth of almond frangipane. The sliced almond topping adds a subtle crunch, while powdered sugar finishes them with elegance. These pastries look impressive, taste luxurious, and bring bakery-level quality into your home kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weekend, these swirls are sure to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:
1/2 cup raspberry preserves
1/3 cup almond flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Topping:
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Powdered sugar, for dusting

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, eggs, and softened butter. Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the frangipane filling: in a bowl, mix almond flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and almond extract until smooth.
5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
6. Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the dough, followed by a thin layer of frangipane.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 8 equal pieces.
8. Place each swirl into a greased muffin tin or baking dish. Sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds.
9. Let the swirls rise again for about 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
12. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 brioche swirls.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Berry Options: Substitute raspberry preserves with strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry for different fruit flavors.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a few chocolate chips along with the frangipane for a more decadent version.
• Citrus Zest: Mix orange or lemon zest into the dough or frangipane for a bright, fragrant note.
• Nut Substitutions: Swap almond flour with hazelnut or pistachio flour to vary the flavor profile.
• Icing Drizzle: Replace powdered sugar with a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk or lemon juice.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual swirls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds).
For longer storage, freeze swirls individually and reheat in the oven directly from frozen for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.

What is frangipane?

Frangipane is a creamy almond filling made from almond flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and flavoring. It adds a rich, nutty taste to pastries.

Can I use store-bought brioche dough?

Yes, for convenience, you may use pre-made brioche dough, though homemade offers the best flavor and texture.

Are these swirls freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Bake and cool the swirls completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What’s the best way to shape the swirls evenly?

Use a ruler to mark even sections along the rolled dough log before slicing to ensure uniform sizes.

Can I omit the almonds for allergy reasons?

Yes, you can replace the almond flour with a nut-free filling such as sweetened cream cheese and skip the sliced almonds.

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky but not sticky, and pass the “windowpane test”—when stretched, it should not tear easily.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

It’s not recommended for this recipe, as fresh berries release too much moisture and can make the dough soggy.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk, replace eggs with egg replacers or flax eggs, and ensure the preserves are vegan-friendly.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

A stand mixer is helpful for kneading, but you can knead by hand if preferred. It will just require more time and effort.

Conclusion

Raspberry Almond Brioche Swirls are a delightful blend of tender dough, vibrant fruit, and nutty sweetness—perfect for breakfast spreads, tea parties, or any moment deserving a little indulgence. With their bakery-quality appeal and customizable flavors, these pastries are a wonderful addition to your homemade baking repertoire.

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