Decadent Nutella Swirl Brioche Recipe

Indulge your senses with a slice of decadence – Nutella Brioche Loaf. This recipe is a harmonious blend of buttery brioche, luscious Nutella, and melty milk chocolate chips, creating a loaf that’s nothing short of a gourmet delight. As you take your first bite, the tender crumb and rich chocolate-hazelnut swirl will transport you to a Parisian boulangerie, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to impress my daughter and her friends with a brunch that was both stunning and scrumptious. Even the toughest critics, like my neighbor Karen, couldn’t resist the allure of this Nutella-infused masterpiece. From the intoxicating aroma that fills your home to the perfect balance of flavors in each slice, this loaf has a way of bringing people together and turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this Nutella Brioche Loaf is a must-try. With a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of patience, you can create a bakery-quality treat that will have everyone asking for more. So go ahead, preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to be amazed by the magic of homemade bread and chocolatey goodness.

Quick Benefits

• Decadent and indulgent masterpiece combining artisan bread and gourmet pastry
• Perfect balance of tender bread, rich chocolate-hazelnut spread, and milk chocolate chips
• Easy to impress guests or treat yourself with a bakery-quality experience
• Versatile recipe with options to customize flavors and ingredients for a unique twist

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Nutella Swirl Brioche Recipe Recipe

• Decadent and Indulgent: This recipe combines a buttery, cloud-like crumb with rich Nutella swirls and gooey chocolate chips, offering a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a lavish brunch.
• Impressive Yet Approachable: Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this loaf looks like it came from a high-end bakery but can be easily made at home without professional pastry chef skills.
• Unique Flavor Combinations: The classic Nutella filling can be customized with alternatives like Biscoff cookie butter or peanut butter, and you can experiment with additions like orange zest or crushed hazelnuts for a personalized touch.
• Storage and Freezing Options: Enjoy the loaf fresh on the day it’s baked or store it for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and toast them to re-melt the Nutella and crisp up the edges.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While the recipe is a masterpiece on its own, you can make subtle tweaks like using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a sophisticated twist, catering to different palates and occasions.
• Aromatic and Rewarding: The process of baking this loaf fills your home with an irresistible aroma, turning any day into a celebration. The effort put into waiting for the bread to cool and baking it is truly worth the delightful results.
• Family Favorite: With its ability to elevate any weekend or gathering, this Nutella brioche loaf is a crowd-pleaser that will earn you praise from even the most discerning of taste buds, making it a standout in your repertoire of recipes.

Ingredients for Decadent Nutella Swirl Brioche Recipe

For the Brioche Dough

• 70g granulated sugar (⅓ cup)
• 1½ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for activating yeast)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 150g milk chocolate chips (1 cup)
• 115g unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
• 440g all-purpose flour (3½ cups)
• 2 large eggs
• 150g warm milk (⅔ cup)

For the Filling and Finish

• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing)
• 250g Nutella (1 cup)
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

How to Make Decadent Nutella Swirl Brioche Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a stand mixer bowl or large bowl. Gently stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy on top.

Step 2: Make the Dough Base

Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and eggs with the yeast mixture using a dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed for 2 to 3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Add Butter

Mix the dough on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Reduce speed, add softened butter gradually, and increase speed. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, pulling away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 4: First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

After the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it by punching it down. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, sprinkle chocolate chips over it, and fold them in gently until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Shape and Fill

Roll out dough into a large rectangle. Spread Nutella over one-third. Cut remaining two-thirds into strips, leaving one end intact. Roll dough tightly from Nutella side. Pinch to seal. Place in greased loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Allow the loaf to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it reaches just above the rim of the pan. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) towards the end of the rising time.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the risen loaf with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is deep golden brown.

Step 9: Butter Brush

Upon removing the loaf from the oven, optionally brush the top with melted butter for a bakery-style shine and added richness.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the interior to set properly. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the Nutella brioche loaf, it is best enjoyed on the day it is made. To store the loaf for up to 3 days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Nutella brioche loaf by slicing it into individual portions and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. The slices can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply take it out of the freezer and toast it. The heat from the toaster will re-melt the Nutella filling and crisp up the buttery edges, providing a delicious and easy way to enjoy the loaf even after it has been frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to change up the flavor of the Nutella Brioche Loaf, consider swapping out the Nutella for Biscoff cookie butter or high-quality peanut butter. These alternatives will bring a different taste profile while still providing that rich and indulgent filling. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by adding orange zest to the dough or sprinkling crushed hazelnuts over the Nutella layer before rolling, elevating the loaf with a citrusy or nutty twist.

For a more sophisticated and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet Nutella, you can replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks. This substitution can cater to those who prefer a less sweet version of the loaf while still maintaining the decadent chocolate element. Experimenting with different chocolate options allows you to tailor the loaf to your preferences or create variations for different occasions.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, slice the Nutella brioche loaf and serve it on a rustic wooden board alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the slices and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts for an elegant touch. This indulgent treat is perfect for a special brunch or as a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests.

To elevate the flavor experience, toast the sliced Nutella brioche loaf and serve with a side of salted caramel sauce for dipping. The warmth of the toast will re-melt the Nutella swirls, creating a gooey and decadent texture. This sweet and salty combination is sure to satisfy any dessert cravings and leave your taste buds wanting more. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of the brioche paired with the luscious Nutella filling in a unique and delightful way.

FAQs for Decadent Nutella Swirl Brioche Recipe

Can I substitute the Nutella with a different spread?

Absolutely! You can switch up the flavor profile by using Biscoff cookie butter or high-quality peanut butter instead of Nutella. Get creative and try different spreads to customize the loaf to your preference.

How should I store the Nutella brioche loaf?

The brioche is best on the day it’s baked, but it can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days if tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze the individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast a slice to re-melt the Nutella and crisp the edges.

What happens if I overheat the milk for the dough?

If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast and result in a heavy, flat loaf instead of a fluffy one. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly and allow the dough to rise.

How do I achieve a professional crumb in the brioche loaf?

Patience is key to achieving a professional crumb. Waiting for the bread to cool completely before slicing is crucial. This waiting period allows the bread to set properly, resulting in a perfect texture and appearance.

Conclusion

As you embark on your Nutella Brioche Loaf baking journey, remember that each step brings you closer to creating a heavenly treat that will enchant your loved ones with its indulgent flavors and exquisite texture. Don’t be disheartened by any bumps along the way—whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth, each loaf holds the promise of a delectable experience that is truly worth savoring.

The magic of the Nutella Brioche Loaf lies not just in its sumptuous layers of chocolate-hazelnut goodness but in the joy it brings to those who gather around your table. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked brioche weave its way through your kitchen. Your efforts will be rewarded with a masterpiece that speaks of love, warmth, and the simple pleasures of sharing a delectable homemade treat. Enjoy every moment of the baking process, and revel in the sweet satisfaction of creating something truly special—your very own Nutella Brioche Loaf.