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If you’re craving something truly special that feels like a luxurious morning treat or an elegant afternoon delight, the Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, airy brioches are studded with vibrant, fresh strawberries and swirled with the zesty, nutty goodness of orange almond cream that simply melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery richness that feels like a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to spoil yourself, these brioches are sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe—don’t worry, the list is refreshingly simple, yet every item plays a crucial role in building the beloved flavors and plush texture of these brioches. From the tender flour base to the fresh strawberries and aromatic orange zest, each element weaves together to create magic.
- 4 cups All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, fluffy brioches; gluten-free flour can be used with careful adjustments.
- 1 cup Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb; non-dairy milk can substitute for a vegan twist.
- 3 large Eggs: Provide richness and structure, making the brioche beautifully tender—substitutions are not recommended.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens and helps the yeast to bloom; brown sugar adds a lovely depth if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup Butter: The secret to decadence and soft crumb; margarine works if you want a dairy-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Instant yeast: Ensures a light, fluffy texture with perfect rise.
- 1 tablespoon Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries: The star fruit that brings natural juiciness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup Sugar (for maceration): Adjust according to how sweet your berries are.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for maceration): Helps pull out the strawberries’ natural juices.
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest: Infuses bright citrus fragrance that perfectly complements the almond cream.
- 1 bean Vanilla bean: Adds a sweet, floral complexity; vanilla extract is a fine alternative.
- 1 cup Almond flour: Provides rich, nutty flavor to the cream for an irresistible finish.
- 1/2 cup Butter (for cream): Creamy and luscious, this is the heart of the almond cream bliss.
- 1/3 cup Sugar (for cream): Balances and sweetens the almond cream just right.
- 1 large Egg: Binds the almond cream together for a silky texture.
How to Make Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk until it’s comfortably warm to the touch but not hot—it’s perfect for activating the instant yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast on opposite sides. Crack in the eggs and add the milk and softened butter. Mix everything gently, forming a shaggy dough, then knead either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The goal here is to develop that gorgeous, elastic dough that feels smooth and slightly tacky to the touch. Cover and let it rise until doubled—a step that transforms this dough into a soft cloud ready to cradle your berries and cream.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
While the dough is rising, get your fresh strawberries ready. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and toss with the 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and orange zest in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes. This simple maceration draws out the sweetest juices and infuses the berries with a sparkling burst of citrusy flavor, making them tender, juicy, and perfect for layering inside the brioche.
Step 3: Make the Orange Almond Cream Bliss
To create that indulgent almond cream filling, start by blending your softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Scrape the seeds from your vanilla bean and add to the mix alongside the egg. Gradually stir in the almond flour and a spoonful of fresh orange zest for that bright twist. This luscious cream should be silky and spreadable—enough to layer generously inside your brioches, marrying the strawberry sweetness with a velvety, nutty delight.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Brioches
Once your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread a generous layer of orange almond cream across the dough and scatter the macerated strawberries on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces. Press these slices into a baking pan, giving each enough room to rise again and puff to perfection. This process creates beautiful spirals packed with bursting berries and cream.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let your brioche rolls rest briefly for a final rise while the oven preheats. Then bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The result? Brioches that are crisp on the outside, tender and rich inside, with luscious ribbons of orange almond cream and juicy strawberries in every bite.
How to Serve Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh contrast, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the warm brioches just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra strawberry slices make for a stunning, colorful garnish that enhances both the look and the sensory experience with a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Side Dishes
These brioches shine beautifully alongside a simple bowl of creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their richness. For a heartier brunch, serve with lightly toasted nutty bread or a fresh fruit salad to keep the meal bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece by arranging the individual rolls in a circular bundt pan or layering them in a glass trifle dish. A drizzle of warm orange honey or a splash of crème fraîche adds extra decadence and visual appeal that will wow guests and delight your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any brioches left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their softness. To prevent drying, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container works wonders.
Freezing
Great news: these brioches freeze beautifully! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They can last up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe fresh out of the oven even after storage, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This revives that beloved softness and enhances the sweet aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, but if frozen berries are your only option, thaw and drain them well before using. Keep in mind they will release more juice, so you might want to reduce any added sugar slightly to avoid soggy brioche.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil in both the dough and the almond cream. The brioche might be slightly different in texture but equally delicious.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You sure can! Let the dough rise once, then punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation actually develops richer flavors. Bring the dough back to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.
What’s the best way to toast leftovers?
Slicing the brioche and lightly toasting the pieces in a toaster or skillet adds a delightful crispness on the outside while maintaining the soft interior. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Can I substitute almond flour with another nut flour?
Yes, hazelnut or cashew flour can work well too. They will give a slightly different but lovely flavor twist to the orange almond cream bliss, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly unforgettable about the Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe—it’s a recipe that combines elegance and homestyle comfort in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself to a moment of pure indulgence, these brioches promise joy and satisfaction that last long after the last crumb is gone. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did!
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Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brioches
- Category: Bread and Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss offer a luxurious and flavorful treat combining soft, fluffy brioche dough with a luscious orange almond cream filling and fresh strawberries. Perfect for a special breakfast or elegant dessert, this recipe balances sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Brioche Dough
- 4 cups All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour with adjustments)
- 1 cup Milk (or non-dairy milk for a vegan version)
- 3 large Eggs (no substitutes recommended)
- 1/2 cup Sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 cup Butter (or margarine for dairy-free version)
- 2 tablespoons Instant yeast (for fluffiness)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (do not skip this ingredient)
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries (can replace with other berries or rhubarb)
- 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust according to berry sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for maceration)
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest (fresh zest offers the best flavor)
Orange Almond Cream
- 1 bean Vanilla bean (or vanilla extract as an alternative)
- 1 cup Almond flour
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Brioche Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Warm the milk slightly and add it to the dry ingredients along with the eggs. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then gradually incorporate 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.
- Macerate the Strawberries: While the dough rises, chop the fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar, salt, and orange zest in a separate bowl. Allow them to macerate for at least 20 minutes, which will draw out their juices and enhance their flavor.
- Make the Orange Almond Cream: Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into a mixing bowl. Combine almond flour, softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla seeds, mixing until smooth and creamy. Set aside the almond cream for assembly.
- Shape the Brioches: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece, spread a spoonful of the orange almond cream in the center, add some macerated strawberries, then fold and seal the dough around the filling to form a tight ball.
- Second Rise: Place the filled dough balls on a lined baking tray with some space between each. Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Brioches: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the brioche tops lightly with egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: These brioches are delightful warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a luxurious breakfast or dessert treat.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free flour with proper adjustments in liquid ingredients for a gluten-free version.
- For a vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and margarine.
- Adjust sugar in the strawberry maceration depending on the sweetness of your berries.
- Orange zest enhances the aromatic profile; fresh is best but dried zest can be used in a pinch.
- Ensure butter is softened for easier incorporation into the dough and almond cream.
- Let the dough rise adequately for fluffy, airy brioches.
- Egg wash gives the brioche a beautiful golden crust, but it can be skipped for vegan preferences.
