Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf Recipe
This Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf combines the rich, buttery texture of classic brioche with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat. The dough is soft and fluffy, enriched with eggs and butter, while the vibrant raspberry preserves swirl adds a delightful tartness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and optionally topped with a zesty lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 cup raspberry preserves or jam
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined to create a uniform base for the dough.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10–12 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and leave in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Thicken the Filling: While the dough rises, mix raspberry preserves, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface for even filling distribution.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cooled raspberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides to prevent overflow during baking.
- Form the Loaf: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log lengthwise down the center to reveal the layers, then twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up for a beautiful swirl effect.
- Second Rise: Gently place the twisted dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise another 30–40 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the Oven: During the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Loaf: Brush the top with melted butter. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes if it browns too quickly.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Allow dough to fully rise to ensure the brioche is light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs and softened butter to help the dough develop properly.
- For a stronger raspberry flavor, use a high-quality preserves or fresh raspberry jam.
- Make sure to let the raspberry filling cool before spreading to avoid melting the dough.
- Cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil toward the end of baking if it starts to brown too quickly.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice zesty sweetness and attractive finish.
- Store leftover brioche in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: brioche loaf, raspberry swirl, raspberry brioche, sweet bread, breakfast bread, homemade brioche, raspberry jam bread, twisted bread loaf