Easiest Way To Make Vanilla Brioche Bread – You’ll Never Buy Store-bought Again!
What To Know
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to promote yeast activity.
- Brioche bread can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Brioche bread, with its rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture, is a culinary delight that can elevate any meal. If you’re ready to embark on the journey of creating this delectable bread at home, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the knowledge and techniques you need.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Brioche
- 500g (3 1/2 cups) strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 10g (2 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 10g (2 teaspoons) fine sea salt
- 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm milk
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the bloomed yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch Down and Shape
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape them into your desired shape (e.g., rolls, loaf).
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the dough to give it a golden brown color.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the brioche for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Brioche
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as it can become tough.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to promote yeast activity.
- Don’t overbake the brioche, as it can dry out.
In a nutshell: The Sweet Reward
Creating vanilla brioche bread at home is a rewarding culinary experience that will impress your family and friends. With patience and attention to detail, you can master this art and indulge in the sweet, fluffy goodness of homemade brioche.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What is the best flour to use for brioche bread?
A: Strong bread flour has a high protein content, which gives brioche its characteristic chewy texture.
Q: Can I use a bread machine to make brioche?
A: While it’s possible to use a bread machine, the results may not be as good as hand-kneading.
Q: How long can I store brioche bread?
A: Brioche bread can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
