If you are searching for a bread recipe that feels like biting into a soft, sweet cloud, this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe is exactly what you need. This brioche is an irresistible French classic that combines a tender, buttery crumb with a light, airy texture to create that perfect balance of richness and fluff. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe walks you through every step with warmth and clarity so you can achieve those dreamy, golden loaves that melt in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of simple but essential ingredients come together to make such a luscious and tender brioche. Each element plays a pivotal role—milk nourishes the yeast for the perfect rise, eggs enrich the dough for that signature golden color, and butter adds the luxurious softness that defines this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the subtle sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): The magical ingredient that makes the dough puff up with lightness.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting: Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
- 4 large eggs: Give richness, moisture, and help achieve that tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces: The key to that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle note that elevates the brioche’s aroma and flavor.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden finish on your final loaf.
How to Make Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by sprinkling the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want to see it become frothy and bubbly, which means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough. This step is crucial because the yeast’s activity sets the foundation for your fluffy cloud brioche to rise beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your yeast is frothy and fragrant, add it to a mixing bowl along with the eggs and vanilla extract. Using your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix everything on low speed until a cohesive dough begins to form. This step pulls all your ingredients together into a silky canvas ready for that luscious butter addition.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Here comes the moment that transforms your dough into pure indulgence. With your mixer running, gradually add the softened butter pieces. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and just a little sticky. If it feels too sticky, dust in a touch more flour, but resist the urge to add too much—you want this dough to be soft and tender for the perfect brioche crumb.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the dough and place it somewhere warm to rest. Let it rise undisturbed for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Seeing your dough balloon like this is not just thrilling, but it also guarantees that fluffy texture that gives this dish its name.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and turn out your risen dough. You can shape it into a traditional loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, whatever makes your heart happy. For a loaf, place it gently into a greased 9×5-inch pan. Rolls can go onto a greased baking sheet or dish. This shaping step is your chance to customize your Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe the way you like it best.
Step 6: Second Rise and Egg Wash
Before baking, let your shaped dough rise a second time until puffy. Meanwhile, prepare the egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brushing this over the dough before baking gives it that irresistible glossy, golden finish which is the hallmark of a professional-looking brioche.
Step 7: Bake the Brioche
Bake your dough at the right temperature until golden brown. Keep an eye on the top—if it browns too fast, tent it with foil to protect it while the inside finishes baking. This attention to detail ensures that perfect golden crust without dryness inside.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your brioche cool enough to slice. Then comes the best part—serve it slathered with butter or your favorite jam, or simply enjoy it plain to savor that delicate, buttery flavor. This final moment is the joy of baking your own Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe!
How to Serve Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add just the right touch of sweetness and elegance to your brioche. Fresh berries on the side also brighten things up and add vibrant color for a lovely presentation.
Side Dishes
This brioche pairs beautifully with breakfast favorites like fresh fruit, creamy yogurts, or even savory options such as scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. For a decadent treat, try it alongside your favorite chocolate spread or a rich, homemade custard.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the brioche thick for French toast, or hollowing out the loaf to create a bread bowl for a creamy dessert or savory dip. You can even turn individual rolls into slider buns for a fun, upscale sandwich. The possibilities for this Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe are as limitless as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover brioche tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Proper storage is key to preserving that fluffy quality you worked so hard to achieve.
Freezing
Brioche freezes beautifully! Slice before freezing so you can grab just what you need, then place the slices or whole loaf into a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, let it thaw gently while covered at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring your brioche back to life, warm slices gently in a toaster or oven. A few minutes at low heat will revive that soft, buttery texture and enhance the fresh-from-the-oven aroma you love.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the results are just as rewarding. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Why is the dough sticky? Should I add more flour?
The dough should be slightly sticky to achieve that tender brioche crumb. You can dust in a little extra flour if it’s too wet to handle, but be careful—too much flour will make the bread dense rather than fluffy.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Yeast is sensitive to temperature, so make sure your milk is warm and not hot when activating the yeast. Also, rising times can vary depending on your kitchen temperature. Give it more time if it hasn’t doubled yet, and try to keep the dough covered and warm.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the salt in the recipe to compensate. Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level, which is important for balance in brioche.
How long will this Fluffy Cloud Brioche stay fresh?
Fresh brioche is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Baking your very own Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe is an experience filled with joy and delicious rewards. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy every step, from watching the dough rise to savoring that first buttery bite. I promise, once you make this brioche, it will bring endless smiles to your table and become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this little cloud of happiness—you’re going to love it!
Print
Fluffy Cloud Brioche Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Fluffy Cloud Brioche recipe yields a soft, buttery, and slightly sweet loaf perfect for breakfast or teatime. Made with a rich blend of eggs, butter, and vanilla, the brioche boasts a tender crumb and golden crust achieved through careful yeast activation and dual rising phases.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
Fats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk (110°F or 43°C) and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a dough hook attachment on low speed, gradually add the flour, sugar, and salt, mixing until a dough starts to form.
- Add the Butter: Gradually add the softened butter pieces to the dough. Continue mixing and kneading with the dough hook for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add flour cautiously to avoid drying it out.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide into smaller portions for rolls. For a loaf, place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. For rolls, arrange in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again until nearly doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the risen dough to ensure a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake the Brioche: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaf or rolls for 30-37 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brioche from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite jam, butter, or enjoy plain for the best fluffy, rich experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use softened butter to incorporate easily into the dough without breaking it down.
- Be careful not to add too much flour when adjusting stickiness; the dough should remain slightly sticky for the best texture.
- Rising times can vary depending on ambient temperature; look for the dough to double in size rather than relying solely on time.
- Egg wash is key for a beautiful shiny finish, do not skip this step.
- Allow brioche to cool before slicing to avoid crushing the delicate crumb.
