If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe is exactly what you need. These brioche buns are tender, buttery, and generously filled with luscious strawberries and a dreamy orange almond cream that melts beautifully with every bite. Whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe combines classic French finesse with fresh, vibrant flavors that will have you smiling before the first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every star of this recipe plays a vital role, from the rich butter that delivers that signature brioche texture, to the fragrant orange zest that brightens the almond cream filling. Let’s get acquainted with the simple yet essential ingredients that will turn your kitchen into a bakery.
- 4 cups All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, pillowy brioche dough, but you can use gluten-free flour with some tweaking.
- 1 cup Milk: Adds moisture and richness; non-dairy alternatives work perfectly for a vegan twist.
- 3 large Eggs: Crucial for that tender crumb and golden hue—no substitutions here.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens the dough softly; brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel note.
- 1/2 cup Butter: The star ingredient for decadence and buttery flavor; margarine is a good dairy-free swap.
- 2 tablespoons Instant yeast: Ensures your brioche rises beautifully fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries: The jewel of the filling—swap in other berries or rhubarb if you like.
- 1/4 cup Sugar (for maceration): Helps soften strawberries to juicy, jammy perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for maceration): Brightens the strawberries, lifting their natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy zing that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 bean Vanilla bean: Infuses the almond cream with warm, aromatic depth; vanilla extract is a fine alternative.
- 1 cup Almond flour: Creates that rich, nutty texture in the almond cream bliss.
- 1/2 cup Butter (for cream): Makes the orange almond cream luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1/3 cup Sugar (for cream): Sweetens the almond filling just right without overpowering.
- 1 large Egg (for cream): Binds the almond cream bliss, giving it a luscious consistency.
How to Make Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough
Start by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly. In a large bowl, combine the milk, sugar, instant yeast, and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Then, whisk in the eggs and softened butter. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Kneading by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook, work the dough until elastic and smooth—about 10 minutes. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size; this step is key to that pillowy brioche texture.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
While the dough rises, toss your fresh strawberries with sugar, salt, and the vibrant orange zest. This maceration process draws out their natural juices, making them irresistibly juicy and sweet. Set aside so that the flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 3: Make the Orange Almond Cream Bliss
Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds to mix into softened butter, almond flour, sugar, and the beaten egg. Whisk everything together to create a creamy, fragrant filling. This luscious cream is what elevates the brioche from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble the Brioche
Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Spread the orange almond cream bliss evenly across the dough, then scatter the macerated strawberries on top. Roll the dough up gently into a log, and slice into 12 equal portions. Place each piece into a greased baking tin, giving them enough room to expand while baking.
Step 5: Proof and Bake
Allow the assembled brioche pieces to proof once more until noticeably puffy—this final rise promises a light texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brioches for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and baked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply irresistible, and the crisp, golden crust will have you reaching for one before they’ve even cooled.
How to Serve Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a picture-perfect finish. Fresh mint leaves or a few more strawberry slices make for an inviting pop of color and freshness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or crème fraîche, enhancing the creamy notes without overwhelming the delicate flavors. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a citrusy herbal tea can round out the meal and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe on a rustic wooden platter for a charming breakfast display. For special occasions, individual brioches nestled in delicate cupcake liners or topped with edible flowers can add a whimsical, celebratory feel that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any brioche left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will retain plenty of flavor and softness when stored properly.
Freezing
Wrap each brioche tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag if freezing. They freeze beautifully for up to a month, preserving the integrity of the orange almond cream bliss and the tender dough. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To reclaim that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat the brioche in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough or rubbery—slow and gentle warmth keeps them soft and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if pressed for time. Thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, then proceed with maceration as usual.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for your preferred plant-based milk and use margarine instead of butter. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight to slow the rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the brioche the next day.
How important is the orange zest in the almond cream?
Orange zest is what really makes this recipe sing by adding brightness and a subtle citrus aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully. Don’t skip it if you want that authentic flavor!
What can I substitute for almond flour if I have a nut allergy?
You can try finely ground oat flour or a seed flour like sunflower seed flour, but the taste and texture of the almond cream will change. Adjust sweetness to your liking and keep an eye on consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making the Decadent Strawberry Brioches with Orange Almond Cream Bliss Recipe is a wonderfully rewarding experience that fills your home with delightful aromas and your table with irresistible treats. Every bite is a joyful celebration of buttery, fruity, and nutty flavors coming together. I truly hope you take the plunge and whip up a batch—your taste buds will thank you!
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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 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brioches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in these decadent strawberry brioches topped with a luscious orange almond cream. Soft, fluffy brioche buns are filled with fresh strawberries macerated in sugar and orange zest, then crowned with a rich almond cream infused with vanilla bean and orange essence. Perfect for brunch or a special dessert, this recipe offers a delightful harmony of fruity, creamy, and buttery flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
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 Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Warm the milk slightly until lukewarm, then add to the dry ingredients along with three large eggs and softened butter. Knead the mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Macerate Strawberries: While the dough rises, wash and hull the strawberries. Cut them into small pieces and mix with sugar, salt, and fresh orange zest. Set aside to macerate, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and develop flavor for about 30 minutes.
- Make the Orange Almond Cream: Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into a bowl. In another mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla seeds, mixing well. Incorporate the almond flour and a tablespoon of orange zest into the mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Assemble the Brioches: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly and add a spoonful of macerated strawberries in the center. Top with a dollop of orange almond cream. Fold the dough around the filling to form a bun, sealing the edges well.
- Second Rise: Arrange the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 45 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the brioche buns with a beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brioches from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. The brioche is best enjoyed fresh and warm to savor the full richness of the orange almond cream and juicy strawberries.
Notes
- Use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend suitable for yeast doughs if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Egg-free substitutions are not recommended as eggs play a critical role in texture and rise.
- Adjust sugar in the strawberry maceration according to the natural sweetness of your berries.
- Fresh orange zest greatly enhances the flavor; avoid using dried zest if possible.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Brush buns with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
